As Malawi marches toward the 2025/2030 national leadership cycle, the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP), under the leadership of President Lazarus Chakwera, has unveiled a transformative manifesto themed “Taking Development Forward.”
With an acute awareness of the global economic challenges that have adversely impacted local economies, the MCP aims to pivot the national development narrative from mere poverty reduction to a robust wealth creation framework. This approach underscores the belief that true progress is only achievable when citizens can generate wealth that ensures long-term prosperity.
A Legacy of Progress: Achievements in Chakwera’s First Term
Since ascending to power in 2020, President Chakwera’s administration has championed several landmark initiatives that underscore its commitment to development. Among these accomplishments are the construction and rehabilitation of a combined total of 1,000 kilometers of bitumen roads, completion of 100 previously abandoned projects including magnificent local government offices in Thyolo district where his adversary comes from, construction of 10 state-of-the-art university facilities in different public universities in the country, and providing over K64 billion in student loans that have benefited more than 30,000 students.
Moreover, the administration has made significant strides in improving access to essential services: one million Malawians now have access to clean drinking water, while three million households have been connected to the national electricity grid. Social support initiatives, such as K250 billion disbursed in loans and cash transfers benefiting 340,000 vulnerable households, highlight the government’s dedication to uplifting its citizens, among several successes that the manifesto has reflected upon.
Focused on a brighter future, the 2025/2030 MCP’s manifesto articulates a vision that extends beyond the present challenges, emphasizing a commitment to structural transformation and sustainable development.
Shifting the Paradigm: From Poverty to Wealth Creation
At the core of the MCP’s wealth creation agenda is the understanding that poverty alleviation without tangible wealth generation is insufficient. The manifesto recognizes that lasting change requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach encapsulated in the ATM+M (Agriculture, Trade, Manufacturing + Mining) strategy. This ambitious framework aims to transform Malawi into an upper middle-income country by 2063, where citizens can build generational wealth that benefits future generations.
“We believe that real transformation happens when people can lift themselves out of poverty and create lasting assets that foster independence and dignity,” President Chakwera stated during the launch of the manifesto. “By enabling Malawians to become owners of their economic destinies, we are kickstarting a movement towards self-reliance.”
The manifesto identifies key areas for potential wealth generation, including agriculture transformation, tourism, mining, and industrialization. The goal is clear: to create jobs, boost productivity, and strengthen local economies, ultimately allowing the government to collect increased domestic revenues for public services like education and healthcare.
Agricultural Empowerment: Turning Farms into Fortunes
The MCP recognizes that Malawi’s agricultural sector, long dominated by subsistence farming, has immense potential for wealth creation if properly harnessed. To facilitate this transformation, the government plans to implement a range of initiatives aimed at modernizing agricultural practices and empowering farmers to become agripreneurs rather than mere subsistence producers.
Among the initiatives set forth is the “Ten-Ten Makwacha Youth Challenge,” which aims to identify 10,000 young individuals across all constituencies to receive intensive training in various agribusiness skills. Each graduate will be offered a loan of K10 million, equipping them with the necessary capital to launch profitable agricultural enterprises.
Furthermore, the government intends to support over 20,000 medium-scale commercial farmers through tailored financial tools and a focus on sustainable practices, thereby harnessing local resources for greater economic impact. By investing in the agricultural value chain—from farming to processing—the MCP seeks to enhance food security while contributing to the overall economy.
A Bright Future Through Mining
Malawi is rich in mineral resources, yet the mining sector has lagged behind in contributing to national GDP. The MCP manifesto addresses this gap by committing to raising the mining sector’s contribution from less than 1% to between 10% and 15% by 2030. Key projects, such as the Kasiya rutile and graphite project, are positioned to generate significant revenue and create jobs while ensuring responsible resource management.
Strengthening the legal framework and regulatory environment for mining is critical, as the government emphasizes community involvement and sustainable practices to ensure that the benefits of resource extraction are equitably shared. Plans include establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund, aimed at safeguarding revenue from mineral resources for future investment in public goods, such as schools and hospitals.
The Path to Inclusive Growth
The MCP’s manifesto outlines a holistic approach to wealth creation that not only addresses immediate economic challenges but also lays the groundwork for a more equitable and prosperous Malawi. By tackling systemic issues such as climate vulnerability and poor infrastructure, the government aims to build an economy resilient to global market fluctuations and external shocks.
In this journey toward economic independence, President Chakwera has called upon every Malawian to play a role in shaping the nation’s development. “Together, we can flip the script on poverty and dependency. The wealth we create will serve not just individuals but our communities and our entire nation.”
As the nation rallies behind this vision, the success of the MCP’s aspirations will rely on collaboration, sustained investment in human capital, and a commitment to transparency and accountability in governance. Through these efforts, Malawi can aspire to a future where all citizens are lifted from the grips of poverty into a thriving economy of prosperity and dignity—one that truly reflects the wealth of its people.
