After fiery protests rocked Lilongwe yesterday, demanding action on skyrocketing prices, the pressure paid off fast, thanks to the listening government of Dr. Lazarus Chakwera. Some shops have begun complying with the government’s directive to lower prices, and the impact is already being felt across town.
A quick survey conducted Wednesday morning, February 26, 2025, by our investigative journalist, revealed second-hand clothes are now more affordable. As promised by Trade Minister Sosten Gwengwe and Local Government Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda, the market has begun to stabilize. For instance, No.1 bales, which were K1.1 million just yesterday, have dropped to K680,000. Medium bales now go for K420,000 from K750,000, and Mix Dresses are down to K450,000 from K690,000. Polysilk Dresses, previously at K1.35 million, have plummeted to K850,000.
Gwengwe hailed this as just the start of government efforts, reassuring Malawians that they’re working hard to put an end to price gouging. ‘Prices will continue to fall because we’re cracking down on unfair hikes by traders,’ he said.
At Bwalo la Njovu, shoppers praised the government for the swift response, urging officials to keep up the fight as prices for many goods still remain high. While some Kaunjika shops were closed in fear of protests, they’re expected to reopen fully tomorrow.
