By Mwai Mtumodzi
President Arthur Peter Mutharika says Malawians can make 2026 a year of renewal and progress for the nation.
He said in this at the Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe when he delivered a national address on the commemoration of the New Year.
He begun his message of goodwill for the New Year to Malawians by reflecting on the year 2025, describing it as not an ordinary one as Malawians endured moments of both pain and relief.
He said the economic crisis of the past five years reached its peak, adding that for the first time in the history of the country, prices of goods and services rose almost daily.
The president said the once-celebrated growing economy was reduced to a land of shortages where essential goods like fuel, foreign exchange, fertilizer, and food -suddenly became scarce.
However, Professor Mutharika said all is not lost because of the decision Malawians made on September 16, and that the economic tragedy is steadily becoming a thing of the past.
“In just three months since I assumed office, signs of recovery are already visible: Inflation is declining, meaning your savings are safer and secure today than they were a few months ago. Fuel shortages are easing. Power outages are shortening, and we are moving closer to eliminating blackouts. We’re actively laying the groundwork in other sectors as well. In essence, we are firmly on track with our economic recovery plan. These critical indicators are inspiring confidence among potential investors.” Mutharika said.
On hunger, the President said he was aware that it remains a pressing issue and that government has intensified distribution of relief food and ensured that ADMARC markets are stocked with maize.
He has since urged all those involved in food distribution to work diligently, so that all families facing food insecurity are fully supported.
“My policy remains unchanged: No Malawian should die of hunger. Looking ahead, we will intensify agricultural production to exceed domestic demand so that we can export the surplus. We will uphold fiscal discipline and prioritize investments in key productive sectors-including mining, energy, roads, and railway infrastructure -to lower the cost of doing business, drive industrialization, and generate employment. Ultimately, our economy must uplift the living standards of all Malawians,” the president said.
On corruption, Professor Mutharika said he maintains a strong stance against it and was optimistic that efforts in taming the vice will bear fruit.
He has since called upon people in the country to join him in his mission of transforming the country’s economy.
“I call upon each one of you to play your part. If you are a farmer, strive to produce more. If you used to plant once a year, aim to plant twice. If you are a businessperson, expand the goods and services you provide and employ more people.” President Mutharika said.
The President said he was creating a conducive environment for everyone to be productive in order to make 2026 a year of renewal and progress for families and the nation.
