Chakwera defends reforms, urges Unity

President Lazarus Chakwera on Friday delivered the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) before Parliament, highlighting his administration’s efforts over the past four years and setting the tone for the future.

Speaking under the theme “Taking Our Development Forward to Continue the Progress We Have Delivered,” Chakwera outlined achievements in governance, economic recovery, infrastructure, and social welfare while acknowledging the hardships Malawians have endured.

Acknowledging Painful Reforms

The President began his address by reflecting on the systemic challenges his administration inherited in 2020.

He acknowledged that some of his government’s reforms—such as prioritizing local businesses for government contracts, tackling corruption, and reforming public financial management—had been painful but necessary for Malawi’s long-term stability.

“We have had to endure the pain of systemic surgery to correct decades of mismanagement,” said Chakwera.

“But today, I stand before you to report the good news that has come from this surgery.”

Food Security and Economic Recovery

Chakwera emphasized food security initiatives, including investment in irrigation schemes, subsidized fertilizer programs, and mega farms aimed at increasing production.

However, he admitted that climate change-induced droughts and external factors like the Russia-Ukraine war had impacted food prices and input costs.

To address economic challenges, the government has invested in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by reserving contracts for Malawian businesses and providing over K100 billion in National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) loans. Additionally, he highlighted the introduction of government-to-government procurement policies to curb forex leakages.

Governance and Anti-Corruption Drive

The President reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption, noting that his administration had increased funding to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), leading to high-profile arrests.

He also challenged opposition parties to address corruption within their ranks.

“Today, it is the opposition benches, not my government, that are housing individuals answering corruption charges,” he said, adding that no one is above the law.

Infrastructure and Energy Developments

Chakwera detailed major infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of roads and bridges, expansion of water supply systems, and the revival of the railway sector.

The government’s electrification program has seen thousands of households connected to power through the Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP) and off-grid solar initiatives.

In the energy sector, the President cited progress in restoring the Kapichira Hydropower Station and efforts to secure alternative energy sources to address blackouts.

Social Services and Human Capital Development

Education and healthcare were also key focus areas in the address. Chakwera announced the construction of new schools and health facilities across the country, recruitment of teachers and health workers, and expansion of social protection programs such as cash transfers for vulnerable households.

Moving Forward: A Call for National Unity

As he concluded his address, Chakwera called on Malawians to remain resilient and united in the pursuit of national development. He urged Parliament to support policies that will sustain economic recovery and protect gains made in governance and social services.

“You may hear others promising to take Malawi backward, but the reason I am here is to take our development forward,” he declared.

The President’s address sets the stage for intense parliamentary debates in the coming weeks, with opposition parties expected to scrutinize his administration’s progress and policies.

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