By Wendy Mkandawire
The Malawi Prison Service says the commercialization of prison industries under the new Prisons Act of 2025 will strengthen the rehabilitation of offenders while contributing to national economic growth.
Malawi Prison Service Spokesperson Steve Meke said that Section 84 of the new law allows inmates to work both inside and outside prison for a fee or other forms of payment.
Meke said, The initiative will enable inmates to acquire practical vocational skills and work experience before they are released back into society.
According to him, under the new arrangement, part of the income earned by inmates will be reserved to support their reintegration.
He said, This includes purchasing start-up tools to help them establish businesses or earn a living after serving their sentences.
Meke said the measure is expected to reduce the chances of former inmates reoffending.
He added that the commercialization drive will also help change negative public perceptions about inmates by demonstrating that they can make meaningful contributions to the country’s economy.
The announcement comes as the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Skills recently launched the Malawi 2063 Implementation Plan, which focuses on skills development, job creation, and vocational training to support the national Vision 2063 aspirations.
Prison authorities say the new model aligns with that plan by equipping offenders with marketable skills that can support both self-reliance and the broader economy upon release.
