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By Suleman Chitera

President Arthur Peter Mutharika has directed that the Department of Public Sector Reforms Management (PSRMD) be placed under the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) with immediate effect, in a move aimed at strengthening coordination and accelerating public sector reforms.

Chief Secretary to the Government, Justin Saidi, confirmed the development in a statement, saying the President approved the realignment to streamline decision-making processes within the OPC. The shift is intended to align and consolidate PSRMD’s functions so they can centrally facilitate reforms across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

According to Saidi, bringing PSRMD under the OPC is expected to improve coherence in the design and implementation of reform initiatives, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and ensure that reform priorities are executed more efficiently across government.

The reorganisation is also anticipated to enhance political accountability, placing responsibility for public sector reforms more directly under the Presidency. This, officials say, will strengthen oversight and provide clearer lines of responsibility to the public on the progress and outcomes of reform programmes.

Public sector reforms in Malawi have historically focused on improving service delivery, strengthening institutional capacity, and promoting transparency and efficiency in government operations. By centralising PSRMD within the OPC, the administration aims to reinforce these objectives and ensure reforms are driven at the highest level of government.

The statement did not indicate whether the move would involve changes to PSRMD staffing or leadership, but stressed that the department’s mandate remains focused on coordinating and facilitating reforms across the public service.

The directive takes effect immediately.