In a dramatic policy shift aimed at tackling Malawi’s chronic unemployment, the Chakwera administration has announced plans to recruit a staggering 26,000 new primary school teachers—marking one of the largest single education-sector hirings in the country’s history.
The directive, issued by the Ministry of Local Government, instructs all District Commissioners to immediately begin recruiting qualified teachers to fill Grade TL vacancies. These positions were created following the historic promotion of over 26,000 teachers from Grade TL to TK by the Ministry of Education—an act hailed by the Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM) as a morale-boosting game changer.
TUM Secretary General Charles Kumchenga says the move has reinvigorated teachers’ commitment across the board, describing it as “a long-overdue reward for service and dedication.” He added that the recruitment drive will bring fresh blood into classrooms and help improve learner-to-teacher ratios nationwide.
The initiative has been widely applauded as a bold, merit-based intervention, reinforcing President Chakwera’s growing reputation as a job-creator and education reformer. Since taking office, Chakwera has created jobs both locally and abroad—including opportunities in Israel, where Malawian youths are working and supporting families back home.
But, predictably, the usual suspects in opposition circles have attempted to rain on the parade. Critics argue the move will increase the public wage bill—as if jobs magically appear without salaries. Ironically, these same critics often promise mass job creation in their manifestos.
This isn’t just policy—it’s leadership. In a nation where promises are often recycled and rarely fulfilled, Chakwera’s administration is putting pen to paper, and people to work.
As the President continues to turn campaign pledges into action, it’s becoming increasingly clear: the only thing more unemployed than Malawian youth is the opposition’s logic.
