Malawi Finance Chief Says Public Input Will Shape 2025/26 Budget
The Mzuzu consultation represents an early step in formulating the 2025/26 national budget, which officials say will prioritise sustainable development alongside economic growth measures.
MZUZU, Malawi — Finance Minister Simplex Chithyola Banda welcomed public contributions to Malawi's 2025/26 national budget during consultations held Tuesday in Mzuzu, emphasizing their role in addressing the country's economic challenges, writes Tionge Hara.
"The contributions received were highly informative, and my ministry has taken them into account," Banda said during the stakeholder meeting.
National Planning Commission Director General Thomas Munthali highlighted mega-farms and increased funding for the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) as key initiatives discussed during the consultation.
"The country needs economic recovery to grow," Munthali said, citing ongoing challenges with foreign exchange, fuel supplies, and food security.
The proposed budget aims to boost agriculture, tourism, and mining while expanding infrastructure development.
Public input focused on economic recovery strategies and poverty reduction programs.
Stakeholder Dan Msowoya proposed that government secondary schools receive land for agricultural activities instead of direct funding, suggesting schools could grow crops like maize and beans.
The consultation marks an early step in developing the national budget, which officials say will prioritise economic growth and sustainable development initiatives.
The consultation outlined several priority areas for the upcoming budget:
Economic recovery initiatives focusing on agriculture, tourism and mining sectors
Poverty reduction programs including expanded social protection measures
Infrastructure development covering roads, energy and water supply systems
The finance ministry plans to incorporate stakeholder recommendations into the final budget proposal, though specific funding allocations have not been announced.
Officials emphasized that public participation in the budget process aims to create a financial framework aligned with citizens' needs.
"The significance of this budget in driving economic prosperity and eradicating poverty cannot be overstated," Banda said.
The Mzuzu consultation represents an early step in formulating the 2025/26 national budget, which officials say will prioritise sustainable development alongside economic growth measures.
The government's commitment to incorporating public input marks a deliberate effort to create a budget that reflects Malawi's immediate economic priorities and longer-term development goals.