By Chisomo Phiri
The Corporate Africa International Foundation (CAIF) has praised president Arthur Peter Mutharika’s decision to introduce free secondary school education in the country saying it is as a bold step toward improving access to education.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe on Monday, CAIF Executive Director Kay Phillip Kagwa commended the president for fulfilling his campaign promise, saying the policy demonstrates his administration’s commitment to transforming the country’s education sector.
Kagwa, however, cautioned that the success of the initiative will depend on how effectively it is implemented, urging the government to address potential challenges that could undermine its impact.
“While we commend President Mutharika for this historic policy, we urge government to ensure that secondary schools do not introduce hidden charges such as development or examination fees, which have previously affected the effectiveness of free primary education,” he said.
Kagwa added that many Malawian learners continue to face barriers to education due to extra fees and inadequate school resources, and called for stronger investment in infrastructure, teacher recruitment, and learning materials to make free education sustainable.
Mutharika announced the new policy on Sunday during the Mulhakho wa Alhomwe cultural festival in Mulanje, stating that free secondary education will commence in January 2026.
The move has been widely viewed as part of the president’s broader effort to enhance social equality and human capital development in the country.
