By Suleman Chitera
Lilongwe, Malawi — In a powerful address at a thanksgiving political rally held at Nchalo Trading Centre in Chikwawa district, Second Vice-President Enock Chihana reiterated the government’s resolve to stabilize critical sectors of Malawi’s economy — notably fuel, foreign exchange (“forex”), food, and fertiliser. Speaking as both a national leader and President of the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), Chihana laid out short-term strategic plans that the administration says are already underway to revive the country’s economic health.
A Renewed Focus on the “4 Fs”
At the heart of Chihana’s message was a commitment to what many analysts describe as the four pillars of economic recovery: fuel, forex, food, and fertiliser. The Vice-President stressed that these are not just long-term ambitions, but immediate priorities for President Peter Mutharika’s government.
Chihana assured Malawians that efforts are already underway to secure maize supply. He revealed that maize sourced from Zambia is expected to arrive in the country within a short period, easing food shortages, especially for the most vulnerable households.
On fertiliser, Chihana said shipments are already en route to Malawi, reinforcing agricultural productivity as a bedrock of economic recovery.
Once food and fertiliser challenges are addressed, the government will turn more focus to fuel, Chihana said, pointing to a phased strategy.
He also underlined the importance of foreign currency stability, which would, in turn, help resolve fuel import bottlenecks.
Maize Distribution for Hunger-Stricken Households
At the rally, Chihana went further, announcing plans to roll out a nationwide maize distribution exercise targeting hunger-stricken households. He called this a moral and strategic priority, emphasizing that no Malawian family should go to bed hungry under this government.
To ensure fair access, he promised that maize will be made available at ADMARC selling points, facilitating distribution across districts.
Solidarity Within the Alliance — and With the President
Chihana also took a moment to praise President Peter Mutharika, saying the alliance agreement between AFORD and Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is being honored in spirit and action.
He framed his appointment as Second Vice-President not just as a political reward, but as a reflection of mutual respect and shared vision for national revival.
Tackling Economic Challenges Head-On
Acknowledging that the inherited economic problems are “enormous,” Chihana painted a picture of a government rolling up its sleeves, working through ministries to deliver solutions quickly.
He urged citizens to remain patient but hopeful, noting that the administration’s short-term measures are carefully coordinated and guided by long-term sustainability.
Why This Matters for Malawi
Economic Confidence: By prioritizing food and fertiliser, Chihana’s government aims to shore up household resilience — a key factor in political stability and economic recovery.
Political Unity: The cooperation between AFORD and DPP underscores a functioning alliance focused on delivering tangible outcomes, rather than ideological point-scoring.
Inclusive Growth: The maize distribution plan could potentially reach the most vulnerable communities, especially in rural districts like Chikwawa, where hunger remains a serious concern.
At the Nchalo Trading Centre rally, Enock Chihana delivered more than political rhetoric — he laid out a blueprint for how Malawi’s government plans to stabilize its most critical economic sectors. By focusing on food security, agricultural inputs, fuel, and foreign exchange, he signaled a pragmatic approach to reviving the economy. Whether these promises translate into real change will depend on execution — but for now, his message is clear: the government is acting, not just talking.
