By Jones Gadama
In a moment that will be remembered as a turning point for Malawi’s development, the hardworking and ever-visionary Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Honourable Chimwemwe Mazabuka Chipungu, on Tuesday made history at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, where he officially launched the Ministry’s ambitious Five-Year Strategic Plan for 2026–2031.
The launch was nothing short of glamorous. The BICC hall was decorated to international standards, packed with top government officials, Principal Secretaries, development partners, private sector giants, traditional leaders, and the media.
The atmosphere was electric, the mood was hopeful, and the message was clear: Under President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, Malawi is moving forward with purpose.
This colourful launch, sponsored by Eris Properties MW, Habitat for Humanity Malawi and NBS Bank, was not just an ordinary government function — it was a celebration of APM’s clear vision for a land-secure and developed Malawi.
Delivering his powerful keynote address, Hon. Chipungu, who is widely regarded as one of the most hardworking and results-oriented Ministers in President Mutharika’s Cabinet, outlined a bold five-year roadmap that will transform land governance, unlock access to adequate and affordable housing for all Malawians, and promote sustainable, well-planned urban development.
“Land is one of Malawi’s most important natural resources. It provides the foundation for agriculture, housing, infrastructure, industry, investment and many other productive activities,” declared Minister Chipungu to thunderous applause.
In his signature no-nonsense style, the Minister challenged all Ministry officials to move from rhetoric to action.
“Let us measure success not by the number of meetings we hold or documents we produce, but by the tangible improvements experienced by Malawians,” said Chipungu. The statement left the audience nodding in agreement — this is a Minister who walks the talk.
Hon. Chipungu further revealed that digital transformation will be at the heart of this plan. He highlighted the Land Information Management System as a game-changer that will end delays, kill corruption, improve access to land information and bring services closer to the people — exactly what President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika promised Malawians.
On housing, the Minister did not hide his passion. He called for stronger partnerships with the private sector, financial institutions and development partners to deliver the dream of affordable housing for every Malawian family — from Chitipa to Nsanje, in line with APM’s vision of leaving no one behind.
The launch received huge endorsement from development partners. World Bank Country Manager, Mr. Abdul Muwonge, who was present at the glamorous event, commended Minister Chipungu and the Ministry for developing a world-class strategic plan that is fully aligned with the priorities of other government ministries and the Malawi 2063 vision championed by President Mutharika.
Muwonge emphasized the need for coordination among government institutions and praised the linkage of the plan with the National Agriculture Transformation initiative — a clear sign that the international community has confidence in the leadership of President Mutharika and his brilliant Minister Chipungu.
Unlike other plans that gather dust on shelves, this five-year plan adopts a serious results-based approach, linking every strategic objective to measurable outcomes, annual work plans, budgets and strict performance monitoring. This is accountability at its best.
With this launch, Hon. Chimwemwe Mazabuka Chipungu has once again proved why President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika trusted him with one of the most sensitive and important ministries in government. He is loyal, hardworking, visionary and patriotic.
From Nantipwiri land allocation to securing land for poor Malawians in villages, to this historic strategic plan — Minister Chipungu is delivering APM’s promises one by one.
Malawi is in safe hands.
