Malawi Achieves Over 90 Percent Project Implementation Rate, Says Phiri

By Dean Chisambo………..

Minister of Local Government and Urban Development Ben Phiri has hailed local councils, District Commissioners, and the World Bank for helping Malawi achieve an unprecedented project implementation rate of over 90 percent.

Speaking during the 2026 Annual Fiscal Decentralization Forum in Lilongwe on Friday, Phiri described the achievement as a major milestone in the country’s decentralization and development agenda.

He also commended councils for their improved financial management, noting that 26 out of 36 councils obtained qualified audit opinions, while many others have demonstrated significant progress in governance and service delivery.

“When you have a quality score of 80 percent, that is a distinction. The average performance of our councils is a successful story that we should all be proud of,” said Phiri.

The minister said councils have consistently registered strong performance under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) programme, with projects such as schools, health facilities, bridges, and other public infrastructure recording an overall score of 80 percent.

Phiri expressed confidence that councils would replicate the same success in implementing Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects, emphasizing that the performance-based approach adopted under GESD has strengthened accountability and results.

“We will continue delivering what Malawians deserve. Government expects performance because citizens want development, improved services, and better living standards,” he said.

The minister warned against poor work ethics in the public service, saying government would not tolerate underperformance from any officer regardless of gender.

“We need performance in government. It is surprising that some civil servants perform exceptionally well when they move to institutions such as the World Bank, IMF, or private companies. We cannot afford a culture of complacency. Those who fail to deliver will be removed from the system,” Phiri said.

GESD Senior Public Sector Specialist and Task Team Leader Eva Melis described the programme as a major success, revealing that more than 700 projects have been implemented across the country, with over 90 percent already completed.

“We are delighted to see tangible investments at the local level, including schools, marketplaces, health centres, bridges, and roads that are directly benefiting communities,” said Melis.

She added that the programme’s performance-based financing model has strengthened institutional capacity within councils, enabling districts to improve governance, accountability, and service delivery.

Melis said the World Bank remains encouraged by the progress achieved under GESD and looks forward to supporting continued improvements in local government performance and development outcomes.