Malawi’s President Peter Mutharika Pledges to End Corruption and Revive the Economy

Malawi’s newly re-elected President Peter Mutharika has vowed to tackle government corruption and restore the nation’s struggling economy after being sworn in for a second term. The 85-year-old leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secured over 56% of the vote in the September 16 election, defeating outgoing President Lazarus Chakwera, 70, who garnered 33%. This election marked the fourth presidential face-off between the two longtime rivals.

During his inauguration ceremony in Blantyre, Malawi’s commercial hub, thousands of supporters clad in DPP’s blue and white colors filled the stadium. The event was attended by several African heads of state and government officials, reflecting regional interest in Malawi’s political direction.

In his address, Mutharika described inheriting an economy in deep crisis. Malawi faces severe food shortages, surging living costs, and a critical lack of foreign exchange that has paralyzed businesses and caused ongoing fuel shortages. “There is no money in government. Borrowing is extremely high, and nobody knows where the borrowed money has gone,” Mutharika said, vowing transparency and reform.

Promising “hard work, tough and painful decisions,” he declared the “honeymoon of looting government is over,” signaling an anti-corruption stance aimed at restoring public trust and international confidence.

Mutharika also appealed to global partners for support, saying he would send a delegation to the United States to discuss economic opportunities and investments following U.S. aid reductions.

Despite being absent from the ceremony, outgoing President Chakwera’s Malawi Congress Party extended congratulations, wishing Mutharika success and good health.

Mutharika’s return to power comes at a critical time for Malawi, as citizens hope his administration can deliver stability, accountability, and renewed economic growth.