Government has said the 2025/2026 budget will utilise revenue from taxes and other revenues and not rely on borrowing from donors to develop the country.

Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola said this on Monday during the opening of the first 2025/26 pre-budget consultation meeting in Lilongwe.

He said government wants to formulate a “people-friendly budget” focusing on key areas for sustainable economic growth.

“This meeting is critical and of utmost importance as it provides us with the opportunity to gather and solicit views on the formulation of the 2025/26 National Budget from a diverse range of stakeholders”, said Chithyola.

Chithyola stated that government is still in discussion with the International Monetary Fund to consider supporting Malawi with the Extended Credit Facility (ECF).

Representing the Secretary to the Treasury and Principal Secretary for Administration in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Heatherwick Njati, stressed the importance of collaboration in crafting a transformative budget.

“The budget is a tool for economic transformation. Its success depends on proper planning, programming and implementation,” he said.

He therefore urged participants including professional bodies, civil society and faith-based organisations to contribute solutions to challenges that could hinder the budget’s success.