By Collins Mtika
When Lazarus Chakwera assumed the presidency in June 2020, he symbolised a national hope for change.
Buoyed by public optimism after a historic, court-ordered election rerun, the pastor-turned-politician and his Tonse Alliance coalition were seen as champions of a new era, pledging to “clear the rubble” of corruption, nepotism, and economic decline.
Bible in hand, standing on podiums across the country, Chakwera promised to lead with humility and deliver shared prosperity.
Yet as his first term nears its end, that promise has faded. Malawi now faces a worsening economic crisis and growing public disillusionment.
Many of his administration’s key promises remain unfulfilled.
The Economy: From High Hopes to Harsh Realities
Chakwera took office during an economic downturn, but conditions have since deteriorated further.
Malawi is now experiencing its worst economic crisis in decades, marked by soaring inflation, persistent foreign exchange shortages, and rising public debt.
A series of currency devaluations, including a steep 44% drop in November 2023, caused the kwacha to plummet. Prices of essentials like fuel, fertilizer, and food have surged, becoming unaffordable for many.
According to the World Bank, Malawi’s real GDP growth fell to just 1.8% in 2024, lower than the population growth rate. This means per capita income has declined. Poverty has surged, with estimates suggesting it could reach 72% by the end of the year.
Fuel and electricity shortages have disrupted daily life and forced many businesses to shut down, leading to widespread job losses.
Afro barometer surveys reveal a grim national mood: in early 2024, 89% of Malawians believed the country was heading in the wrong direction, and 85% rated the economy as poor.
Although the government secured an Extended Credit Facility from the International Monetary Fund to help stabilize the economy, the IMF warned that serious challenges persist, especially high inflation and unsustainable debt.
While external shocks have contributed, many observers argue that domestic mismanagement and weak policies are at the root of the crisis.
A Signature Pledge Unfulfilled: The One Million Jobs Plan
A central pillar of Chakwera’s campaign was a bold promise: one million new jobs in his first year. In a country with high youth unemployment, the pledge struck a powerful chord.
But just 100 days into his presidency, Chakwera scaled back the promise, saying only 200,000 jobs could be created and that support from the private sector was essential.
Analysts quickly dismissed the original goal as an unrealistic campaign slogan.
A year into his term, when asked about progress, the President could not provide concrete figures. Instead, he cited temporary employment linked to the AIP (Affordable Inputs Programme), far below his original target.
This failure has continued to haunt his administration as the 2025 elections approach, fueling public frustration.
The War on Corruption and Nepotism: A mixed Scorecard
Chakwera vowed to wage a relentless fight against corruption and end nepotism.
Early in his term, the administration took notable steps.
After a 2021 audit revealed the misuse of K6.2 billion in COVID-19 response funds, Chakwera dismissed a cabinet minister and announced the arrest of over a dozen suspects.
The audit uncovered widespread mismanagement, including inflated allowances, suspicious procurement deals, and missing funds.
But the momentum did not last.
Many arrests targeted political opponents, while close allies often avoided scrutiny. Nepotism accusations soon emerged, especially after relatives of top officials were appointed to cabinet and diplomatic posts.
One of the most controversial cases was the appointment of Chakwera’s daughter as a diplomat. Though the President denied any involvement, the move drew strong criticism.
Civil society groups like the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) have repeatedly accused the administration of promoting cronyism.
The K750 million fertiliser scandal further damaged the government’s credibility. Public funds were paid to a UK-based butchery posing as a fertiliser supplier under the AIP.
Although the responsible minister was eventually dismissed and the funds recovered, the investigation was slow and yielded few prosecutions.
Public trust eroded. Many now question whether the administration ever intended to tackle high-level corruption seriously.
Struggles in key Sectors: Agriculture and Healthcare
Agriculture: A flagship in trouble
The Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP), Chakwera’s signature agricultural initiative, aimed to ensure food security by subsidizing seeds and fertilizer for smallholder farmers.
But the program has faced constant problems from the start, corruption, logistical issues, input shortages, and political interference.
Many farmers did not receive inputs on time.
An investigation by the Ombudsman called for a complete overhaul of the program, citing mismanagement and fraud.
Meanwhile, fertiliser prices have surged, putting even more pressure on rural households. The relief the program promised has turned into disappointment and mistrust.
Healthcare: A System in Crisis
Despite promises to reform Malawi’s health sector, chronic underfunding continues.
Public hospitals still lack essential medicines, equipment, and qualified staff.
While the government celebrated the opening of a new National Cancer Centre and announced plans for a National Health Services Fund, the reality on the ground remains bleak.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the healthcare system’s deep weaknesses.
For many, the government’s health reforms have felt more like public relations than real solutions.
Governance and Leadership: A question of style
Chakwera entered office with a pledge to lead differently, to reduce Presidential powers and empower Parliament.
He has kept his promise to appear before MPs for questioning.
However, his leadership style has shifted. Critics say he has become more isolated and hesitant to act against underperforming allies.
According to the BTI Transformation Index, as of early 2023, no significant steps had been taken to reduce the Presidency’s broad powers.
Even Malawi’s Catholic bishops have publicly criticised the administration for failing to uphold the rule of law and tolerating corruption at the highest levels.
The September 16, 2025 Elections
When Malawians elected Chakwera, they were NOT just replacing a president, they were demanding a new beginning.
The administration can point to some achievements: fiscal reforms, the new cancer centre, and limited infrastructure improvements.
But for most citizens, daily life tells a different story, one of hardship and broken promises.
The gap between Chakwera’s inspiring 2020 message and the difficult realities of 2024 is wide.
As the 2025 general election approaches, Malawians face a difficult question: Is the “agony of painful corrections,” as the president describes his economic policies, a necessary step toward recovery or a sign of failed leadership?
The answer lies in the lived experiences of millions of Malawians, still waiting, still struggling, still searching for the dawn they were promised.
