By Chisomo Phiri
Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation Joseph Mwanamveka has called for inclusive and constructive participation in the 2026-2027 pre-budget consultations from all stakeholders, emphasizing that the consultations are designed to listen to views and ideas that can contribute to transforming Malawi’s economy.
Speaking during the opening of the consultations at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC ) in Lilongwe on Friday,Mwanamveka said government values evidence-based input that reflects national priorities and fiscal realities.
The minister noted that the consultations are being held against a backdrop of significant global, regional and domestic economic challenges, including foreign exchange shortages, high inflation, climate-related shocks and infrastructure constraints, which continue to affect the country’s economic performance.
On his part,Secretary to the Treasury, Cliff Chiunda, described the pre-budget consultations as a unique platform for stakeholders to contribute ideas on how the national budget can be used strategically to address the country’s current economic challenges.
He said the discussions offer an opportunity to shape policies that will help move the country forward amid prevailing economic pressures.
Chiunda acknowledged that the country continues to experience significant macroeconomic imbalances caused by both internal and external shocks.
He emphasised that the deliberations should therefore focus on practical ways of managing these challenges through prudent, disciplined and effective budget implementation.
Chiunda appealed to participants to submit constructive, solution-oriented proposals that will enrich the 2026-2027 budget formulation process.
He said such contributions are critical to ensuring the budget is technically sound, responsive to citizens’ needs, and supportive of economic stability and sustainable growth.
Similar meetings are expected to be held in the cities of Blantyre and Mzuzu.
