LOP Chithyola Banda Challenges Government Over Risk of “Manufacturing Hunger

Malawi Exclusive

Leader of Opposition Right Hon.  Simplex Chithyola Banda on Friday beamoned government policy decisions that risk “manufacturing hunger” next year, as Parliament wrapped up its meeting with sine die procedures.

Speaking in the chamber, Chithyola said the current disparity between farm input and produce prices was already hurting rural households.

“It is sad that it has to take farmers to sell more bags of maize to buy one bag of fertiliser,” Chithyola told MPs. “If we do not correct the price structure now, we are deliberately creating food insecurity for 2027.”

Chithyola outlined nine priority areas that government need to address urgently.

1. Food security and price stability

The opposition called for a rebalance of maize and other staple prices to protect consumers while keeping farming viable. It also urged investment in agricultural productivity, including local fertiliser production and support for Tobacco, Tea, and Sugar value chains.

2. Foreign exchange

Chithyola demanded policies to generate forex domestically and full disclosure of the terms of any IMF program before signing, saying forex shortages are a key driver of price pressures.

3. Energy

He asked government to publish a clear electricity generation and investment plan and to invest urgently in new capacity to prevent disruptions to businesses, hospitals, and schools.

4. Public finance and decentralisation

The opposition leader pressed for implementation of promised Constituency Development Fund (CDF) reforms with transparent allocations and timelines, to ensure councils can plan and funds are used for services rather than political patronage.

5. Accountability in natural resources

Chithyola called for publication of mining export and sample volumes and values, and for independent investigations into reported irregularities, arguing that transparency is critical to protecting forex earnings.

6. Access to services

He urged government to reverse fee increases that price citizens out of education, citing examples of investor and student fees doubling, and to provide targeted support where needed especially in Public Universities.

7. Health

The opposition leader said forex should be prioritised for essential drugs, and that government must prepare for potential outbreaks such as cholera while shielding health services from supply and staffing gaps.

8. Rule of law

Chithyola demanded an end to political intimidation, and that investigations proceed without interference to restore public trust in institutions.

9. Jobs and youth

He concluded by calling for concrete youth employment measures as part of broader economic reforms.

The Leader of Opposition said the demands reflect citizens’ immediate concerns ahead of the next farming season and budget cycle.