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By Suleman Chitera

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has been recognised as Africa’s best performing Head of State in the African Presidency Accountability Council (APAC) Mid-Year Governance Review for 2026, according to a report released at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa on Tuesday.

The recognition places Malawi at the top of the continent’s governance rankings after APAC assessed the performance of leaders from all 54 African Union member states using indicators such as democratic leadership, service delivery, respect for human rights, accountability, economic management and political stability during the first half of 2026.

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Presenting the findings, APAC Secretary General Ambassador Ahmed Sankoh Sheriff described President Mutharika as a leader whose administration has demonstrated that responsive governance can translate into meaningful improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.

“In just six months, President Mutharika has shown the continent what responsive leadership looks like. He is an African star shining from Malawi. He has turned promises into action, and action into food on people’s tables,” Sheriff said.

He said one of Malawi’s strongest achievements has been ensuring food security at a time when many African countries continue to grapple with rising living costs and inflation.

“While many countries are struggling with the cost of living, President Mutharika’s government has made sure that maize, the heart of every Malawian home, is available and affordable. That is leadership that listens. That is leadership that cares,” he added.

According to APAC’s 38-page Mid-Year Governance Review, Malawi has made significant progress in strengthening democratic institutions, reinforcing constitutional governance and restoring public confidence in government.

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The report also praises the administration for implementing policies aimed at stabilising food prices, protecting vulnerable households from regional economic shocks and ensuring that development reaches rural communities as well as urban centres.

“Our data tells one story. President Arthur Peter Mutharika has led with courage, respected democratic values and kept citizens at the centre. When an ordinary Malawian can buy maize without worry, that is the truest measure of governance. Malawi has set the standard,” the Council states in the report.

The report further notes that accountable leadership in Malawi is producing visible results within a relatively short period.

“Accountable leadership is not just an idea. In Malawi, it is delivering real results, and in a short time,” APAC adds.

Governance observers attending the report’s presentation said the recognition reflects a growing continental shift towards evaluating leaders based on measurable performance rather than political rhetoric.

The Council attributes Malawi’s ranking to what it describes as President Mutharika’s commitment to fiscal discipline, stronger public institutions, democratic governance and people-centred policies that have helped maintain national stability despite challenging global economic conditions.

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Analysts believe the recognition is likely to boost Malawi’s international standing and strengthen investor confidence by portraying the country as one of Africa’s leading examples of good governance and accountable leadership.

Ambassador Sheriff also announced that APAC will release detailed governance scorecards for all African Union member states next month, providing comprehensive assessments of governance, democratic freedoms, human rights, accountability and political stability across the continent.

For Malawi, the latest recognition places the country firmly in the continental spotlight, with APAC saying its governance experience demonstrates that strong institutions, responsible leadership and policies focused on citizens’ welfare can deliver measurable national progress.