By Rahim Abdul
United Democratic Front (UDF) President Atupele Muluzi has acknowledged improvements in public perceptions of government’s economic management but says significant challenges remain for ordinary Malawians.
Muluzi made the remarks in a statement published on his official Facebook page while commenting on the latest Afrobarometer survey released in November 2026.
According to the survey, 53 percent of Malawians approve of government’s handling of the economy, representing a 32-percentage-point increase from 21 percent in 2024. Additionally, 54 percent approve of government’s efforts to create a conducive business environment, while 52 percent are satisfied with its efforts to control inflation.
However, Muluzi said the findings also highlight continuing economic difficulties, with 60 percent of Malawians believing the country is heading in the wrong direction, while 58 percent describe the national economic situation as fairly or very bad.
He further highlighted that 68 percent of respondents oppose devaluing the Kwacha to address foreign exchange shortages, while 67 percent support keeping fuel prices low even if this could result in fuel shortages.
The survey also shows that 52 percent of Malawians favour reducing public borrowing, while 56 percent oppose increasing agricultural commodity prices to support farmers.
Muluzi said the findings demonstrate the difficult economic policy choices facing the country, stressing the importance of public engagement, clear communication and consensus when implementing reforms.
He urged government to translate the improvements reflected in the survey into tangible benefits for households, businesses, farmers and young people through increased investment, job creation, reliable fuel supplies and improved purchasing power.
He added that economic progress should not only be measured through statistics and public perceptions but also by whether ordinary citizens are experiencing meaningful improvements in their quality of life.
