Malawi faces stability and governance challenges one year into Mutharika presidency

One year after President Peter Mutharika returned to power, assessments of his administration highlight a mix of increased stability and significant governance challenges in Malawi.

The National Advocacy Platform (NAP) reported that while the country has seen greater stability, it has not yet undergone true transformation. NAP noted measurable gains in inflation, which fell to 20.0% in August 2026 from 28.2% the previous year, though high non-food inflation and forex shortages continue to impact households and businesses. In education, the NAP praised the implementation of free secondary education but warned of chronic shortages in teachers, classrooms, and materials.

Simultaneously, political analysts have criticized the effectiveness of the political opposition. Experts suggest the opposition has been passive and has failed to hold the government to account or present distinct policy alternatives. The lack of clear political ideologies among various parties is cited as a factor in the fragmented nature of Malawi’s democracy, leaving the government to operate with minimal effective oversight.