Economics Association of Malawi (Ecama) has called for increased funding to high-priority areas outlined in the Malawi 2063 (MW2063), specifically the First 10-Year Implementation Plan (MIP-1), to achieve set targets.
Ecama president Bertha Bangara-Chikadza said this in an interview in reaction to a recent research which has forecast that the number of Malawians living in extreme poverty is projected to be reduced from 87 percent to 47 percent by 2043.
In a written response on Tuesday, she said such changes would indicate increased living standards and broader economic growth as well as productivity gains from key potential sectors driven by investment and technological advancements.
“While the MIP-1 dashboard continues to track progress, the reality on the ground, which is marked by fiscal missteps, policy inconsistencies and disruptive external influences, suggest that Malawi, in its current state, may not be able to remain on course in attaining the 2030 target,” said Bangara-Chikadza.
She suggested a multi-pronged approach that emphasises agile acceleration of institutional reforms.
“These, complemented by strong commitment to transparent monitoring, can help mitigate delays in one area,” said Bangara-Chikadza.
In the paper titled ‘Malawi Geographic Futures’ published on May 13 2025, lead researcher Michelle van Rooyen said the slash will be equivalent to 6.7 million fewer people living in extreme poverty.
However, she observed that institutional capacity constraints, bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption remain barriers to progress despite governance reforms striving to improve public sector efficiency and fiscal management.
National Planning Commission communications specialist Thom Khanje described the findings as interesting, saying with accelerated implementation of MW2063, starting with MIP-1, Malawi can achieve not only poverty reduction but also wealth creation.
The research was sponsored by Hanns Seidel Foundation, United Nations Development Programme, the Swedish Government and African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development.
