Pressure is mounting on President Peter Mutharika to deliver a candid and results-driven State of the Nation Address (Sona) this Friday, with citizens and civil society organisations demanding concrete solutions to Malawi’s deepening economic, governance and development challenges.
Mutharika will present his first comprehensive Sona since returning to power four months ago, when he opens the 2026/27 Budget Meeting of Parliament following the Democratic Progressive Party’s victory in the September 16 2025 General Election.
Analysts say the address is an early test of leadership, expecting the President to move beyond broad policy intentions to outline measurable actions on debt, inflation, food security and public sector accountability.
In an interview, National Advocacy Platform chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said Malawians want clarity on reforms and stronger safeguards for public resources.
“People expect guidance on Constituency Development Fund governance, accountability structures and how public spending will translate into tangible development outcomes,” he said.
Kondowe warned that rising public debt remains a major threat, noting that nearly 90 percent of government revenue is absorbed by the wage bill.
“The President must also confront costly court awards at the Ministry of Finance and outline measures to protect the public purse,” he added.
On his part, Centre for Multiparty Democracy executive director Boniface Chibwana said unresolved structural challenges, including forex shortages, fuel scarcity and unsustainable debt, require a coherent stabilisation strategy.
“The address should clearly spell out debt reforms, export diversification and stronger engagement with international financial institutions,” he said.
Food security is also expected to dominate the address amid drought-driven maize shortages.
Agriculture policy analyst Tamani Nkhono Mvula said government must openly acknowledge the scale of the crisis.
“The country faced a maize deficit of nearly 500 000 metric tonnes, with over four million people requiring assistance. That reality must frame the national response,” he said.
Tamani Mvula urged authorities to improve coordination with local producers and shift from short-term interventions to large-scale irrigation-backed production.
Consumers Association of Malawi executive director John Kapito said the high cost of living should be tackled through fiscal discipline.
“We expect the President to explain how government will reduce excessive spending. Taxes alone cannot rescue the economy,” he said, urging stronger action against corruption and waste.
On the health front, health rights activist Maziko Matemba called for sustainable financing, including the establishment of a National Health Fund, warning that drug shortages and critical staff gaps continue to undermine service delivery.
At community level, citizens say the address must reflect everyday hardships.
“I hope the President talks about rising prices and how ordinary families can cope. Words without clear actions won’t help us,” said Lilongwe resident Ivy Banda.
Small-scale trader Peter Sikwese added: “We need a plan that shows how jobs will be created and the economy stabilised—not just promises.”
