An investigative dissection of power, poverty, and political fallout
“Malawians were promised transformation—but four years on, many are just trying to survive.”
In the aftermath of a historic, court-ordered re-run election in 2020, President Lazarus Chakwera rose to power on a wave of hope and reformist ambition.
Five years later, his presidency stands at a political crossroads, marked by economic hardship, eroding trust, and a crumbling alliance.
Once hailed as a symbol of accountability and new beginnings, Chakwera’s administration has become a complex narrative of high expectations, uneven progress, and growing disillusionment.
From the outset, the president positioned his government as a vehicle for transformation, pledging to overhaul Malawi’s most vital sectors, food security, education, healthcare, water and sanitation, and energy.
His administration earned praise for its emergency response efforts, notably in Karonga, where it acted quickly after natural disasters threatened crops and livelihoods.
At the heart of his agenda was a bold anti-corruption campaign. Chakwera authorized sweeping audits of ministries and parastatals, dismissed senior officials implicated in graft, and empowered the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to pursue high-profile investigations.
Early arrests of officials from the previous administration strengthened his image as a reformer determined to dismantle a legacy of impunity.
But over time, that image began to fade. Allegations of selective justice and political interference in ACB operations emerged. While the government acted swiftly against some opponents, it appeared far more restrained when allegations involved individuals within Chakwera’s inner circle.
Several close associates of the president were linked to corruption scandals yet remained in office, fuelling accusations of double standards.
The controversial resignation of former ACB Director Martha Chizuma further eroded public confidence, suggesting the anti-corruption drive had lost both its independence and momentum.
Scandals involving the mismanagement of COVID-19 relief funds and questionable fertilizer import deals deepened the perception of weak oversight. Despite repeated pledges of transparency, consequences were often delayed, diluted, or altogether absent.
Civil society groups and governance watchdogs increasingly labeled Chakwera’s anti-graft efforts as “inconsistent” and “politically cautious.”
These governance lapses have coincided with worsening economic conditions. Over the past four years, Malawi has endured a severe cost-of-living crisis, leaving many citizens struggling to survive. By March 2025, the consumer price index had soared to 236.86 points.
Food inflation hit households hardest. Maize, the national staple, peaked at K110,000 per 50kg bag during lean periods, while sugar, cooking oil, and bread followed similar inflationary trends. Foreign exchange shortages, a weakened kwacha, and a 16% increase in electricity tariffs added further strain.
These were not just statistics, they represented growing poverty, shuttered businesses, and rising public frustration. A 2025 survey found that over 76% of Malawians believed the country was on the wrong track.
Approval ratings for key economic indicators, price stability, job creation, and poverty reduction – remained between just 12% and 23%.
In contrast to the administration’s developmental rhetoric, daily life for many Malawians tells a far harsher story.
On the political front, Chakwera has faced accusations of nepotism and indecision, especially regarding delayed cabinet reshuffles and the centralization of power within his Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
His once-unassailable moral authority has been weakened by perceived inaction on internal misconduct.
A major turning point came with the tragic death of Vice President and UTM leader Saulos Chilima in June 2024. Chilima’s passing not only destabilized the Tonse Alliance that brought Chakwera to power but also left a leadership vacuum in the coalition.
The loss has forced the MCP to shoulder the 2025 campaign burden largely alone, stretching its resources and political capital.
As the September 16, 2025, presidential election approaches, former President Arthur Peter Mutharika has re-emerged as Chakwera’s main challenger.
Boosted by growing nostalgia for the relative economic stability of his previous term, Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is attracting disillusioned voters. Still, nearly a quarter of the electorate remains undecided, a sign that, despite the frustration, the race is far from settled.
Chakwera’s path to a second term is narrow but not entirely closed. To regain momentum, he must urgently deliver real economic relief—curbing inflation, ensuring access to affordable food, and revitalizing growth.
Equally crucial is restoring credibility to his anti-corruption agenda by showing that no one is above the law, regardless of political affiliation.
Rebuilding trust both among citizens and former allies may be his only chance to halt the opposition’s advance.
In the end, President Chakwera’s tenure is a study in contrasts: the promise of sweeping reform colliding with the realities of governing in a fragile economy.
His re-election bid is more than a political contest; it is a referendum on whether Malawians still believe in his vision or whether years of hardship have made the case for change more compelling.
Collins Mtika produced this story for the Centre for Investigative Journalism Malawi (CIJM), as part of the Centre’s aim to expose corruption, hold power accountable, and amplify marginalised voices. CIJM: ‘Uncovering the Truth. Empowering change’.
