High expectations tagged to SONA

Economists are eagerly awaiting President Lazarus Chakwera’s State of the National Address (SONA) tomorrow where he is expected to unveil Lilongwe’s all-inclusive strategies for economic recovery.

This address will mark the beginning of the 51st session of parliament and the 2025/2026 Budget Meeting, which is scheduled to run until April 11.

The Malawi Economic Justice Network (MEJN) is particularly interested in hearing about the Chakwera administration’s plans to tackle the country’s debt situation and its next steps following the halt of USAID projects.

The network’s executive director, Bertha Lipipa Phiri, wants to know what is the status of the extended credit facility program is and what other measures have been placed after carefully reflecting on the costs.

“We expect the SONA to address various challenges in the country including fuel scarcity. The high cost of living today, you go in the market, you will not find a good price for commodities as you will find them yesterday,” Lipipa Phiri said.

In previous addresses, President Chakwera set out ambitious plans for economic recovery, job creation, and infrastructure development. However, to the disappointment of Malawians, most of the promises have not been fruitful.

In last year’s SONA, the Malawi leader highlighted progress in wealth creation and steps towards achieving Malawi’s Vision 2063 goals.

On this, UK-based economist Velli Nyirongo said he expects an update on progress made, challenges encountered, and the government’s strategies to overcome them.

“With economic difficulties persisting, including food insecurity affecting approximately 4.4 million Malawians, stakeholders anticipate that the President will outline concrete measures to address hunger and strengthen food security,”

Nyirongo also said: “There is also an expectation for updates on the implementation of previously announced austerity measures, particularly regarding fiscal discipline and government expenditure.

We also expect Chakwera to address foreign exchange shortages, the continued depreciation of the Kwacha, fuel supply challenges, and the rising cost of living due to inflation.”

Some Capital FM radio listeners voiced out their expectations on the address during the primetime News talk program via Facebook.

One of the followers, Luso Electronix texted saying: Ndikuyembekezera za nthawi zonse kutinamiza ndi ma sweet talk kuti mwina akokele chikhulupiliro potengwera ndizisankho zikuzazi (We expect the same old rosy speech that as he has been giving prior to the elections.)

Another listener, Biston Chiphale said: “Let them have their last whistle of siphoning Tax payer’s money but everything is in the hands of Almighty God.”

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