Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera has outlined measures to address the nation’s worsening fuel shortage, hunger crisis, and political violence during a televised address on Wednesday.
Malawi has faced weeks of petrol shortages due to foreign exchange challenges, significantly raising transportation and food costs in a country where 70% of the population lives in extreme poverty.
Chakwera proposed new procurement strategies, including partnerships with other governments, to ensure long-term fuel security. He revealed plans to visit the UAE to discuss potential solutions.
The president also announced impending austerity measures to address fiscal pressures stemming from Malawi’s debt situation.
Earlier this year, Malawi declared a state of disaster in 23 districts after a devastating drought, leaving 5.7 million people at risk of hunger. Chakwera expressed gratitude to international donors for their support but noted that 1.2 million people still await aid.
The president strongly condemned recent violence during protests in the capital, Lilongwe, where demonstrators demanding the resignation of the energy minister were attacked by masked men wielding machetes. Police intervened using tear gas.
Chakwera called on law enforcement to investigate political violence, warning that such incidents would hinder national progress.
The president encouraged citizens to register for the September 2025 elections, countering opposition concerns over a proposed electronic voting system.
