Mutharika Calls for Unity to Rebuild Malawi
President Arthur Peter Mutharika has called on Malawians to unite and work together to rebuild the country, saying national cohesion is critical to overcoming economic challenges and restoring public confidence.
Mutharika made the call in an exclusive interview with Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) TV on Sunday, October 4, 2026, as he reflected on his first year back in office after securing more than three million votes.
The President described his return to State House as both an exciting moment and a major responsibility to serve Malawians.
He said his first year in office had been characterised by challenges as well as progress, noting that his administration inherited serious economic and food-security problems.
Mutharika recalled the difficult period when some Malawians were forced to rely on buffalo beans, commonly known as chitedze, for food, saying government had since been working to improve food availability.
He, however, cautioned that rebuilding the economy would take time and urged Malawians to remain patient as government implements measures to address the country’s financial difficulties.
According to Mutharika, the administration’s key priorities are centred on the “four Fs” — food, fuel, fertiliser and forex.
He said fuel supplies had remained relatively stable during the year, while government had also introduced its fertiliser programme.
On foreign exchange shortages, Mutharika acknowledged that the problem remained a major challenge but said government was pursuing solutions, including discussions with the World Bank.
The President also pointed to civil liberties and public safety as areas where his administration had made progress.
He said Malawians should be able to exercise their freedoms without fear of the state, adding that government should not be a source of intimidation for citizens.
Mutharika further cited a reported reduction in panga-related violence as an indication of improved public security.
On development, he highlighted education loans and road rehabilitation, saying several roads that had deteriorated since 2022 were now being rehabilitated or reconstructed.
He cited the M1 and other roads across the country, while announcing that the Mangochi-Makanjira Road would soon be commissioned.
He said additional road projects were planned, including works in Lilongwe, while government was also developing modern markets.
According to Mutharika, major road construction and rehabilitation projects are expected to be completed by February 2028.
On Malawi’s financial position, the President said the country remained under significant pressure, explaining that debt restructuring had become unavoidable because domestic revenue was insufficient to meet all government obligations.
Despite the challenges, he expressed confidence that the restructuring process would succeed.
Mutharika also defended government’s austerity measures, saying although they had created hardships for citizens, they were necessary to place the economy on a more sustainable path.
He credited government institutions, commercial banks, businesses and development partners for their cooperation, saying Malawi’s recovery required a collective effort.
The President said his working days often stretched late into the night and that, whenever he gets time to himself, he usually reads the news.
But beyond the economic challenges, Mutharika placed strong emphasis on national unity, warning that growing anger and conflict risked weakening the country.
He urged Malawians to embrace the values associated with Malawi as the “Warm Heart of Africa” and reject divisions that could undermine national development.
“Let’s work together and build this country. We must be united,” Mutharika said, expressing confidence that Malawi would eventually overcome its current difficulties.
