Malawi President Suspends His, Cabinet Trips To Save Money

Chakwera implemented the measures to heal Malawi's economy/Image Courtesy
Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has implemented a significant decision, temporarily suspending all foreign trips for government officials, including himself, in a bid to address the nation’s economic challenges.
During a televised address, President Chakwera emphasized the necessity of these tough measures to heal Malawi’s economy.
He further instructed all ministers currently abroad to return home and outlined a strict process for any essential travel during this period, requiring submission for his personal authorization.
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This suspension will remain in effect until March 2024.
In a move to deal with the cost-of-living crisis, the President urged the Minister of Finance to include a reasonable wage increase for all civil servants in the upcoming budget review.
Additionally, he directed a reduction in income tax on individuals in the new budget to support workers whose incomes have lost value.
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These actions follow the recent approval of a $175 million loan for Malawi by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Similar austerity measures were introduced during the Covid pandemic, but their impact was limited as they were not strictly enforced.
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The Tonse Alliance Party leader emerged triumphant in the 2019 re-election, defeating former president Peter Mutharika.
Despite being one of the world’s poorest countries, Malawi found a glimmer of hope in Chakwera’s win, as citizens looked towards a new era with expectations of positive change and progress.