By Burnett Munthali
Millward Tobias is an independent presidential candidate who has recently emerged as one of the most intellectually grounded and policy-driven contenders in Malawi’s 2025 presidential race.
He is best known for his extensive work in governance, public policy, and research, having led the Centre for Research and Consultancy (CRC), a Lilongwe-based think tank focused on evidence-based policy advocacy.
Tobias has long been a respected voice in Malawi’s civil society space, often contributing sharp policy analyses and governance commentaries in national media and public forums.
Before becoming Director of the CRC, he held senior roles in organizations such as the Malawi Economic Justice Network (MEJN), where he championed transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in public finance management.
He also previously served as Director of the Institute for Policy Interaction (IPI), a public policy institution committed to deepening democracy and dialogue in Malawi.
Tobias holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and several certificates in public finance, economic governance, and policy analysis obtained both locally and internationally.
His deep understanding of governance systems, fiscal accountability, and democratic development has made him a well-cited expert among policymakers, development partners, and international observers.
As an independent candidate, Millward Tobias represents a departure from traditional party politics and appeals to Malawians disillusioned with the status quo of entrenched political elites.
He is positioning himself as a reformist candidate, advocating for strong institutions, merit-based leadership, and an overhaul of Malawi’s public service systems to prioritize performance and citizen welfare.
Tobias believes Malawi’s biggest challenges—corruption, poor service delivery, economic mismanagement, and youth unemployment—stem from weak leadership and politicization of institutions.
His campaign is centered on values of integrity, technocratic competence, and a people-first approach to national development.
Though he lacks the vast political machinery of major parties, Tobias is counting on his credibility, professional track record, and grassroots outreach to win over voters seeking a clean break from recycled leadership.
Analysts view his candidature as bold and refreshing, especially in a political environment often dominated by populist rhetoric and patronage-based campaign strategies.
If elected, Tobias pledges to run a lean government, strengthen oversight institutions like the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Office of the Auditor General, and ensure that national resources are equitably and efficiently used.
He also supports reforms to electoral laws, political party financing, and the decentralization process to ensure local governments are adequately empowered to serve communities.
Millward Tobias’s entry into the presidential race adds intellectual depth and policy-focused discourse to Malawi’s 2025 elections, challenging other candidates to move beyond slogans and present real solutions.
Though he faces an uphill battle as an independent, Tobias is making it clear that transformative leadership is not about political lineage but about ideas, integrity, and action.
His vision for Malawi is that of a country led by capable, honest leaders who serve with humility, guided by data, and grounded in the interests of ordinary citizens.
In a nation hungry for credible leadership and lasting reforms, Millward Tobias’s candidature presents a serious and timely option for voters seeking substance over spectacle.
