LILONGWE, Malawi – The Centre for Democracy and Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has given the Malawi Government a 20-day ultimatum to reverse the recently announced 100 percent increase in university tuition fees, warning that it will mobilize students for nationwide demonstrations if the decision remains unchanged.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lilongwe, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa described the fee increase as a heavy burden on students and their families, arguing that it could deny many young Malawians access to higher education.DPP forwards CDEDI’s fuel stolen request to police
Namiwa said the government had failed to live up to promises made during the election campaign that higher education would become more affordable and accessible. He maintained that the sharp increase in tuition fees contradicts those commitments and risks widening the gap between students from wealthy and low-income households.K183 Million ‘ghost contract’ scandal: CDEDI demands action as ACB file “vanishes” in EGENCO–aga deal
He urged authorities to reconsider the decision, saying education should remain a priority for national development rather than becoming unaffordable for ordinary citizens.
During the same briefing, Namiwa also raised concerns about the recently relaunched Beautify Malawi Trust (BEAM). He questioned why several companies had contributed funds toward the initiative and called for greater transparency regarding its operations and financing.
He further appealed to the First Lady to publicly reaffirm her commitment to the fight against corruption, saying such a statement would strengthen public confidence in the government’s anti-corruption agenda.
Namiwa argued that because the Office of the First Lady is financed through public funds, institutions responsible for accountability should ensure that all activities linked to BEAM are transparent and open to public scrutiny.
The government had not yet responded to CDEDI’s demands at the time of publication.
