The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has scored notable victories in the newly confirmed Parliamentary Committees, securing several influential chairperson positions as Parliament officially constituted its committees for the 2025–2030 term. The announcement was made in the Chamber by Speaker of Parliament, Right Honourable Sameer Gaffar Suleman, who informed Members that all 15 committees had completed elections of their respective Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons.
Among the most significant outcomes is MCP’s strong presence in committees that command major oversight power. Hon. Sylvester Ayuba James has been elected Chairperson of the Commissions, Statutory Corporations and State Enterprises Committee, positioning the MCP at the centre of scrutiny over Malawi’s parastatals and state enterprises. Similarly, Hon. Anthony Masamba now leads the Health Committee, placing the party in a key sector dealing with national health policy, hospital systems, and public medical services. MCP’s influence is further strengthened by seasoned legislator Steve Malonda, whose role within the Public Accounts Committee reinforces the party’s expanding footprint in the parliamentary oversight framework.
The party’s reach extends further through Hon. Mutani Tambala, who now chairs the Education, Science and Technology Committee, giving MCP substantial sway over legislative review in one of the country’s largest ministries. Hon. Gilbert Khonyongwa of DPP has also taken charge of the Legal Affairs Committee, while Hon. Samuel Kawale of MCP leads the Government Assurances and Public Sector Reforms Committee—both crucial in ensuring that government commitments are monitored and that legal and administrative reforms stay on track.
Other committees have also confirmed their leadership, including Agriculture and Irrigation chaired by Hon. Anthony Kamoto, with Hon. Chikondi Chisale as Vice Chair. The Budget Committee will be led by Hon. Sosten Gwengwe, deputised by Hon. Emily Chinthu Phiri, while in Local Authorities and Rural Development, Hon. Edward Chileka Banda has taken the helm with Hon. Jacob Mtambalika as his deputy. In Media and Information Technology, Hon. Kingwell Liphuka has been confirmed as Chair with Hon. Rhita Sanga as Vice Chair, whereas the Natural Resources, Energy and Climate Change Committee will be guided by Hon. Tiaone Hendry alongside Hon. Yona Adadawiza Mkandawire.
Hon. Felix Njawala has been appointed Chair of the Public Appointments Committee, with Hon. Joshua Mlango serving as Vice Chair, while the Public Accounts Committee will be led by Hon. Baba Malondera and deputised by Hon. Tulinje Muluzi. The Social and Community Affairs Committee has confirmed Hon. Savel Kafwafwa as Chair and Hon. Maureen Namwali as Vice Chair. Meanwhile, Hon. Dumisani Lindani and Hon. Lincoln Dixon Liwonde will steer the Transport and Public Infrastructure Committee as Chair and Vice Chair respectively. The Industry, Trade and Tourism Committee will be chaired by Hon. Aeckim Kumwenda, supported by Hon. Bilal Mussa Tambuli.
Speaker Suleman congratulated all newly elected committee leaders and urged them to uphold professionalism, diligence and integrity as they embark on roles central to Parliament’s mandate of oversight, accountability and governance. With committee leadership now fully in place, the groundwork has been laid for robust parliamentary business—and MCP’s strong showing in the leadership positions places the party in a powerful position to shape major policy debates and legislative scrutiny in the years ahead.
