By Khumbo Salanje
Not long ago, motorists spent hours in fuel queues, uncertain when the next delivery would arrive.
Today, fuel tankers continue to cross Malawi’s borders and regular delivery schedules published by the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) show fuel supplies steadily reaching service stations across the country.
In one update issued last week alone, MERA listed deliveries to 22 filling stations –nine in the Southern Region, nine in the Central Region, and four in the Northern Region –as efforts to stabilise fuel availability continued.
The improving fuel situation is among a growing number of developments that observers say reflect the ruling Democratic People’s Party (DPP) government’s efforts to implement commitments contained in its 2025 manifesto.
Nearly a year after assuming office, the administration has rolled out policies and projects in infrastructure, economic management, social services, innovation, and governance. Analysts describe these as early signs of a broader development agenda taking shape.
Good governance expert Dr. George Chaima says the manifesto stands out for its combination of short-term and long-term development priorities, centred on infrastructure, human rights, and a people-focused economic agenda.
“What I have observed is that the manifesto focuses on both short-term and long-term infrastructure projects, human rights, and a people-centred economic agenda,” Chaima says. “The government seems determined to transform Malawi into a prosperous, self-reliant, industrialised, upper-middle-income country.”
Chaima notes that there is already practical evidence of implementation in several sectors. He cites the increase in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to K5 billion per constituency and reforms in the fund’s management as examples of government efforts to decentralise development and accelerate service delivery at the community level.
On the economic front, Chaima observes that recent monetary policy developments suggest a shift towards growth-oriented economic management.
“On the financial local market, the policy rate has dropped from 26 percent to 24 percent within months, not years, leading to reduced inflation. This indicates a significant economic shift towards growth,” he says.
Chaima further points to developments in the social sector as evidence that the government is moving to fulfil campaign promises.
“People doubted that it would be possible to run free primary and secondary education without associated fees. Here we are, nine months down the line, and things are happening. Payment of overdue pensions and gratuities has already commenced, and vulnerable groups are singing a new song,” he says.
The DPP manifesto identifies mining, energy, infrastructure, and industrialisation as key pillars for economic transformation. Since taking office, the DPP government has undertaken reforms in the mining sector, promoted value addition, and advanced major projects such as the Kasiya Rutile and Graphite Project, which authorities expect will contribute to job creation and foreign exchange earnings.
In the energy sector, progress on the Mpatamanga Hydropower Project is viewed as consistent with the administration’s pledge to increase electricity generation capacity and expand access to power as a catalyst for industrial growth.
The government has also prioritised the rehabilitation of sections of the M1 Road between Lilongwe and Blantyre, one of the country’s most important transport corridors. This project aligns with manifesto commitments aimed at improving transport infrastructure and reducing the cost of doing business.
The administration has maintained support for skills development programmes, including community colleges and technical training initiatives aimed at preparing young people for employment opportunities in emerging sectors such as mining, manufacturing, and technology.
Beyond traditional sectors, the government’s digitalisation and innovation agenda is also gaining momentum. The manifesto commits to expanding broadband access, promoting digital entrepreneurship, supporting innovation, and creating technology-driven jobs.
Global climate and energy innovator, founder and CEO of MI Technologies and Innovations, Innocent Mandili, says the government has made encouraging strides in promoting innovation through initiatives targeting young entrepreneurs.
“I have seen positive government efforts to promote ICT and innovation. Initiatives like the Youth Innovation Fund are giving young people an opportunity to turn ideas into businesses and solutions that can transform communities,” Mandili says.
He describes the government’s push towards social media local content monetisation and the digital economy as a positive development capable of unlocking opportunities for young innovators and tech entrepreneurs.
“The push for local content monetisation and the digital economy is also a step in the right direction. However, more can be done by increasing access to funding, training, strengthening innovation hubs, supporting intellectual property protection, and creating markets for locally developed technologies,” he says.
Mandili adds that innovators themselves have a responsibility to contribute to national development by creating solutions that address local challenges.
“We must develop practical solutions to national challenges, collaborate, and build technologies that create jobs and drive economic growth,” he says.
Mandili is optimistic that Malawi has the potential to become a regional innovation hub if collaboration between government, the private sector, and innovators is strengthened.
“I believe Malawi has the talent to become a regional innovation hub. With stronger partnerships between government, the private sector, and innovators, we can build a competitive digital economy that benefits everyone,” he says.
Political observers note that manifesto implementation often becomes a key measure by which voters assess governments.
While many of the manifesto’s long-term commitments are still at an early stage, ongoing developments in infrastructure, economic management, innovation, education, and social protection are increasingly being cited as evidence that the administration is beginning to translate campaign promises into action.
Whether these early gains evolve into lasting transformation will depend on the pace of implementation and the government’s ability to deliver tangible results.
