Civil society organisations (CSOs) in the creative and heritage industries, including the National Arts and Heritage Council (Nahec) Taskforce, yesterday petitioned President Lazarus Chakwera over the exclusion of Nahec funding in the 2025/26 National Budget.
The petition was delivered to the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) in Lilongwe by Nahec Taskforce vice-chairperson Japher Mussa.
It called for Chakwera’s intervention so that it can start its operationalisation.
Principal secretary for administration in OPC Maxwell Tsitsi received the petition.
Stakeholders argue that since Nahec was enacted in September 2024, its implementation is at risk due to lack of financial commitment from the government.
“We seek your intervention in ensuring the allocation of funds in the 2025/26 National Budget for the full operationalisation of the National Arts and Heritage Council,” reads part of the petition.
It also said President Chakwera has previously expressed support for the creative sector, including during the State of the Nation Address and engagements with the youth.
However, CSOs are surprised that the Ministry of Finance has not followed through on thie commitment.
In a separate interview, Nahec Taskforce chairperson Maxwell Chiphinga said the petition was necessary after efforts to engage the Ministry of Finance proved futile.
“The budget does not reflect any commitments to Nahec, despite the President’s assurances. The Ministry of Finance has not engaged us or provided any updates on why this is the case,” he said.
Chiphinga added that the President, during his recent engagement at the State of the Nation Address for the Youth, affirmed his commitment to engage with the Ministry of Finance to secure funding for Nahec.
“We believe that when the President makes such commitments, the responsible ministries should act accordingly. However, this situation shows that the ministry has ignored the President’s commitment,” he said.
CSOs are now urging the President to intervene and ensure that Nahec receives the necessary funding to fulfil its mandate to promote arts and heritage in Malawi.
In a separate interview, Director of Arts in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture director of arts Humphreys Mpondaminga said they were waiting for a response from the Ministry of Finance on Nahec funding consideration.
“We expected a response and advice, but so far, we have not received anything,” he said.
