Malawi’s most regular commentator on governance and human rights matters in Malawi, Undule Mwakasungula, has called upon to analyze with sober minds the State of the Nation Address (SONA) President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera presented at the National Assembly on Friday.
The address has, apparently, attracted mixed reactions, with some Malawians arguing that the SONA did not sufficiently address pressing current economic challenges, such as the rising cost of living, unemployment, and the devaluation of the kwacha.
But Mwakasungula, in his press statement issued on Saturday, said while the concerns are valid, it is important to remember that the SONA is not a budget statement, as detailed strategies for economic stabilization are usually presented by the Minister of Finance in the budget statement.
“The President’s speech sought to provide a broader vision, focusing on development achievements and the sacrifices made to deliver them. Moreover, we heard the President acknowledging the challenges his administration faced due to global factors beyond Malawi’s control. Despite these obstacles, the government has remained resolute in pushing forward its development agenda. This resilience deserves recognition, as it reflects the government’s determination to lay a foundation for long-term prosperity,” he said.
The renowned Governance and Human Rights Advocate further observed that the SONA presented a government keenness on highlighting developmental achievements, stressing that with an open, somber mind; one can better understand the sacrifices and efforts that have driven progress in Malawi over the past few years.
“One of the SONA’s most commendable features was its detailed account of what the government has done to develop every district. The President did not limit his speech to generalities or political rhetoric. Instead, he provided specific examples of how his administration has worked to improve livelihoods across sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social welfare,” he said.
Mwakasungula further observed that the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP), which has supported millions of farmers over the past four years, continues to demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving food security.
He said although AIP has faced challenges, including rising fertilizer costs due to global inflation and supply chain disruptions, the government has managed to maintain the program, supporting tens of thousands of farming households each year.
“Additionally, investments in rural irrigation schemes have provided many districts with a more sustainable approach to farming, even in the face of drought and climate-related challenges. The SONA also highlighted strides in electricity access – a critical enabler of economic development. Thousands of households and trading centers have been connected to the grid through MAREP and MEAP projects, while solar power systems are expanding access to off-grid areas. This is an indication to the government’s commitment to inclusive development, ensuring rural communities are not left behind,” he said.
“Furthermore, the government’s disaster response has been a point of pride. Following Cyclone Freddy and severe droughts, food aid and social cash transfers reached thousands of vulnerable households. The administration’s ability to mobilize resources during such crises should be recognized as a positive achievement, demonstrating empathy and accountability for affected communities. Investments in rebuilding infrastructure damaged by these disasters also point to a forward-thinking administration that seeks to prevent future vulnerabilities. Another key highlight of the SONA was the emphasis on education and healthcare improvements. The construction of new classrooms, health centers, and staff houses in multiple districts has laid the groundwork for stronger human capital development. The recruitment of more teachers and healthcare workers also indicates that the government understands the link between a healthy, educated population and national progress,” added Mwakasungula.
According to him, the anti-corruption measures taken by the administration, though not comprehensively detailed in the SONA, also merit praise, stressing that in allocating more resources to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and holding officials accountable for malpractice, the government has taken bold steps toward promoting transparency and restoring public trust.
He said while Malawians may expect more aggressive reforms, it is important to appreciate that the groundwork has been laid for institutional strengthening, and this need some recognition.
“In somber response of the SONA, it is critical to view the President’s address not just as a report card of achievements, but also as a vision for the future. The President made it clear that the sacrifices Malawians have endured were part of a painful but necessary “systemic surgery” to transform the country from a state of exploitation to one of collective development. The vision is one of hope – a Malawi where every district sees meaningful progress, every vulnerable Malawian is supported, and every resource is managed with integrity.
“The 2025 SONA therefore highlighted key developmental achievements while acknowledging the sacrifices made along the way. Without politics, President Chakwera’s government deserves recognition for its developmental efforts, particularly in the face of continued global and national challenges. Malawians must see the SONA not just as a list of what has been done, but as a hopeful reminder of what is still possible when leaders are committed to make a deference and sacrifice for their country,” concluded Mwakasungula.