By Burnett Munthali
Adil James Chilungo is an independent presidential candidate contesting Malawi’s September 16, 2025 general election, marking his first formal entry into frontline politics with a vision focused on unity and sustainable development.
He officially submitted his nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), fulfilling all legal requirements including payment of the MK10 million nomination fee.
Chilungo hails from the districts of Chiradzulu and Zomba and is a practicing Muslim. He promotes a broader Muslim–Christian alliance aimed at bridging religious and regional divides to foster inclusive development across Malawi.
With a solid academic background, Chilungo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Economics, and Islamic Studies, as well as a Master’s degree in Public Administration, both earned in Malaysia.
Professionally, he has served in various leadership roles including Operations Manager at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Finance and Administration Manager at the National Local Governance Finance Committee, and lecturer at both the Malawi College of Accountancy and the Malawi School of Government.
Beyond academia and administration, Chilungo is actively involved in community development. He chairs the African Muslim Schools Association, manages an ICT and local development consultancy, and leads a fish-based organic fertilizer company called Glowbest.
Chilungo describes himself as “angry enough” to tackle Malawi’s self-inflicted problems such as hunger, excessive loan interest rates, inequality, and poor governance.
He advocates for ending hunger through modern, climate-smart agriculture that includes irrigation and the use of affordable organic fertilizers to increase land productivity.
His economic vision emphasizes introducing non-interest banking and interest-free loans to empower entrepreneurs and reduce the burden of high loan costs on vulnerable populations.
Chilungo insists his candidacy is based on fresh ideas and effective policies rather than political alliances, arguing that Malawians deserve innovation rather than recycled political faces.
He is among four independent candidates who have submitted presidential nomination papers this election cycle, competing against a total of fourteen candidates.
Political analysts suggest that Chilungo’s campaign may serve as both a serious bid for the presidency and a strategic platform to negotiate alliances post-nomination.
Concluding Analysis
Adil James Chilungo offers a unique combination of technocratic expertise, development-focused policies, and principled independence in a crowded political field.
His manifesto, titled “Operation Restore Dignity,” lays out clear plans for equitable wealth distribution, agricultural revitalization, youth empowerment, and institutional reforms.
While he faces challenges such as limited campaign infrastructure and lower national recognition compared to established party candidates, Chilungo’s focus on issue-based leadership and unity resonates with voters disillusioned by personality-driven politics.
The coming months will test his ability to mobilize grassroots support, amplify his message, and sustain visibility during the campaign.
Chilungo’s candidacy embodies a growing public demand for accountable, inclusive leadership, and if he succeeds in connecting with voters, he could play a significant role in shaping Malawi’s democratic discourse in 2025.
