04/06/2026
MWANAMVEKHA DEFENDS ‘TOUGH REFORMS’ TO FIX ECONOMY
Jun 4, 2026
By Godfrey Steven Mkweteza| News Writer
Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation Joseph Mwanamvekha says government has rolled out tough fiscal reforms to rebuild confidence in the economy.
Speaking during consultations on the National Economic Recovery Plan in Lilongwe Tuesday, Mwanamvekha said the measures are meant to confront economic challenges “rather than postpone problems”.
He said government has instituted serious fiscal consolidation, revised tax policies, adjusted VAT rates, and increased selected fees and levies. Reforms are also underway to boost domestic revenue mobilization.
Mwanamvekha said “difficult decisions” have been made in the energy and fuel sector, including fuel price adjustments, to ease pressure on the fiscal and external accounts.
The Minister acknowledged the impact on Malawians. “Government fully recognises the impact that these measures are having on households, businesses, transport operators, farmers, and the construction sector. We understand the pressure that rising costs are placing on ordinary Malawians,” he said.
He argued that taking hard decisions shows seriousness. “The nation must choose between temporary discomfort from reforms and permanent economic decline caused by inaction,” he said, accusing the past administration of choosing inaction.
Mwanamvekha said the recovery plan is anchored on “realism, discipline, sacrifice and implementation, not promises of easy solutions”.
By Godfrey Steven Mkweteza| News Writer Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation Joseph Mwanamvekha says government has rolled out tough fiscal reforms to rebuild confidence in the economy. Speaking during consultations on the National Economic Recovery Plan in Lilongwe Tuesday, M...