By Jones Gadama
September 16, 2026 marks exactly one year since Malawians went to the polls and elected President Professor Peter Mutharika to lead the nation.
Today, as the country reflects on 12 months of DPP governance, the message from communities across Malawi is clear: leadership is back, discipline is back, and development is back.
On this day last year, Malawians voted for President, Members of Parliament and Councillors.
They chose experience, they chose continuity, and they chose President Mutharika.
One
year later, the DPP led government has moved with speed to restore order, cut waste, and put money where it matters: in the hands of the people.
Ayear of austerity and prudent spending
President Mutharika came into office promising to protect the public purse. He has delivered.
Recently, OPC issued a landmark directive suspending all government-funded workshops and meetings outside duty stations.
No more luxury hotels. No more unnecessary allowances.
Controlling Officers were ordered to use existing government facilities and justify every kwacha spent.
This is part of a wider austerity agenda that has already saved billions.
Since April, government has released K15 billion for Youth and Women Loans. In August, K17.1 billion went to School Bursaries.
Between May and August, K18.8 billion was disbursed for CDF projects.
This September, another K85.5 billion was released for CDF, plus K5.4 billion for Project Management and K2.8 billion for Sports and Creative Arts.
Under APM, money is no longer being wasted. It is being used for classrooms, health posts, roads, and opportunities for young people.
CDF and development at grassroots
The Constituency Development Fund has been revived as the engine of local development.
With K85.5 billion released this month to 30 councils, projects are starting immediately in communities.
President Mutharika has insisted that CDF must benefit ordinary Malawians directly.
Minister of Local Government Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri is working with councils to ensure guidelines are followed and projects are completed on time.
The remaining 6 councils are finalizing processes to access their share.
From rural roads to market shelters, from youth skills centers to water projects, the DPP government is taking development to the people.
Education, youth and women at the center
One year on, the focus on human capital is showing results.
The K17.1 billion school bursary release in August has kept thousands of students in class.
The K15 billion Youth and Women Loan Fund launched in April is empowering entrepreneurs and cooperatives across the country.
President Mutharika has said repeatedly that Malawi’s future depends on investing in its people.
The DPP government is backing those words with action and resources.
Discipline, accountability and service delivery
What sets President Mutharika apart this first year is seriousness. While others talked, APM acted.
Government meetings are now held in offices, not hotels. Expenditure must be authorized. Waste is being eliminated.
The Chief Secretary has made it clear: all MDAs must align with the President’s austerity agenda.
This discipline has restored confidence that public resources will be used for essential services and national development priorities.
Malawi is blessed under APM
One year after the elections, Malawi has a President who leads by example.
A President who cuts waste at the top so that more can be done at the bottom. A President who believes development starts with discipline.
Under President Peter Mutharika and the DPP government, the country is moving forward.
The economy is being stabilized, services are being delivered, and hope is being restored.
As Malawians mark one year since they cast their vote, they can point to real results: money in schools, money in communities, money for youth and women, and a government that respects the taxpayer.
President Mutharika said he would serve the people. One year on, he is doing exactly that.
Malawi is blessed to have him.
