Mangochi, Malawi – 30 November 2025 — Amid mounting macroeconomic pressures, including foreign exchange shortages, inflation and food insecurity, over 100 senior government officials, including Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, senior staff from the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), technical experts and development partners, convened in Mangochi for a high-level Cabinet Retreat.

Organized by the Government of Malawi in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the three-day retreat concluded with a unified commitment to drive forward reforms and deliver lasting results for the Malawian people.

Held under the theme "Delivering the Promise: Building a Resilient Economy, Accountable Governance, and Strategic Partnerships for Malawi’s Transformation," the retreat served as a platform for strategic reflection and decisive dialogue.

Opening the retreat on behalf of H.E. President Arthur Peter Mutharika, the Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, H.E., Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah, SC, JA (Rtd), urged ministers to “speak plainly” about Malawi’s economic realities and uphold the renewed contract with citizens by translating campaign promises into disciplined delivery.

“We are here to deliberate boldly and fearlessly on the pathways to prosperity, and to decide what those pathways demand of us as Cabinet Ministers and as leaders,” she said. “We must tell a different story now—one of innovation, accountability, and results. Ministers must champion, coordinate, and drive implementation relentlessly,” she added, stressing the need to stabilize the economy, scale up agricultural exports, embrace digital transformation, and mobilize diverse sources of development finance, including the private sector and diaspora.

The Retreat’s agenda spanned several critical development themes and national priorities, from macroeconomic stabilization and fiscal discipline to structural transformation through industrialization, mining, digital governance, and decentralized development.

United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, highlighted Malawi’s peaceful elections and democratic credentials, while urging Cabinet members to “turn the vision of Malawi 2063 into a lived reality.”

“Delivering on democracy demands people-centred, inclusive and accountable delivery that Malawians can feel in their daily lives, where all Malawians can benefit and contribute to,” she said, citing inclusive growth, digital innovation, and coordinated delivery as essential to national transformation. “Malawi’s transformation is not only possible, but it is also within reach. With unity, discipline, innovation and partnership, this Cabinet can deliver,” she added.

Also speaking at the opening, United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i. and UN Women Representative in Malawi, Letty Chiwara, echoed these sentiments, framing the Retreat as a timely platform for aligning short-term policy actions with long-term development ambitions.

“This is not just a forum for dialogue, but a launchpad for collective leadership, accountability and a renewed social contract with the people of Malawi,” she said. “By maintaining fiscal discipline, strengthening public financial management and investing in transformative sectors, Malawi can unlock human capital, innovation, job growth, and broad-based prosperity.”

Over the course of the retreat, Cabinet Ministers examined critical pathways for inclusive and sustainable development, focusing on coherent policy actions to stabilize Malawi’s macroeconomic environment and lay the foundation for long-term resilience. They acknowledged the urgency of restoring fiscal discipline, strengthening public financial management, and mobilizing domestic resources to reduce debt vulnerabilities and protect the most vulnerable.

Agriculture was recognized as central to inclusive growth, with calls to modernize input subsidy programmes, expand irrigation, and transform the sector into a competitive, export-driven engine. Ministers also emphasized industrialization and value addition, particularly in mining and agro-processing, to boost local manufacturing, create jobs, and enhance economic resilience.

Digital transformation was framed as a key accelerator for governance reform, with artificial intelligence, e-governance, and identity management systems seen as vital tools for enhancing transparency and service delivery. The retreat also reaffirmed commitments to gender equality and youth empowerment, emphasizing women’s leadership, gender-responsive policy, and youth participation in Malawi’s digital economy. Finally, ministers underlined the importance of strategic partnerships and explored new approaches to development financing, including private capital, diaspora engagement, and regional integration through mechanisms such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.

As the retreat concludes, it marks a defining moment of recalibration and renewed resolve. Despite headwinds, Malawi possesses the political will, vision, and partnerships needed to deliver transformative results. With bold reforms and coordinated action, the Government can deliver on its promise to the Malawian people.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

• Rosy Ndedi-penda, Coordination Specialist, UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa | rosy.ndedi-penda@undp.org
• Blessings Samuel, Communications Analyst, UNDP Malawi | blessings.samuel@undp.org
• Ugochukwu Kingsley Ahuchaogu, Regional Communications and External Engagement Specialist, Regional Programme for Africa, UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa | ugochukwu.kingsley@undp.org

Notes for the Editors:

About the Office of the President and Cabinet, Republic of Malawi

The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) is responsible for providing advice and support to the President and Cabinet, as well as providing oversight leadership in the Public Service. 

About the Regional Leadership Programme

The Regional Leadership Programme (RLP) is a regional flagship initiative launched in 2023 by the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa. The programme offers a unique space for experiential learning, strategic dialogue, and peer exchange tailored to the leadership challenges of African governments. Each retreat is country-specific, designed to enhance the leadership capabilities of top public officials through deep reflection, systems thinking, inclusive governance approaches, and innovation.

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.

Learn more at www.undp.org/africa/