By Vincent Gunde
Malawians across the country and in the Diaspora are celebrating 15th January, 2026 Reverend John Chilembwe Day in the spirit of embracing God for national transformation and the return to proven leadership.
As they are celebrating Chilembwe Day, they are honoring Chilembwe’s courage, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve and all those who stood for dignity, justice and a better future for the country observing that Chilembwe’s legacy reminds them that progress is never achieved without resilience, unity, and a clear sense of purpose values.
Speaking during Chilembwe Day in Chiladzulu on Thursday, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralization Dr. Joseph Mathyola Mwanamvekha, said government remains firmly committed to placing the welfare of Malawians at the centre of all policy decisions guided by the values of sacrifice, responsibility, and national unity that Chilelmbwe embodied.
Mwanamvekha said today, Malawi is facing challenging economic conditions saying the economy has been under pressure from a combination of global and domestic shocks, including high inflation, foreign exchange constraints, climate- related disruptions, and rising cost of living.
He said these challenges have affected households and businesses alike saying government remains resolute in steering the country towards recovery, stability, and inclusive growth observing that transformation begins with the renewal of the citizens’ minds.
The Finance Minister said the change of mindset is the beginning of national transformation urging all Malawians to change the way they think and doing things for the country to change saying it takes courage to change a country, change is never always welcome- that is why Chilembwe faced resistance and got killed.
He said the current administration since September, 2025 after taking the office, is taking deliberate and practical steps to improve the lives of Malawians saying it is working tirelessly to stabilize the economy and ensure the availability of essential commodities that underpin livelihoods and economic activity.
Mwanamvekha said Government has taken decisive and concrete steps towards economic recovery and these efforts are already yielding tangible results as evidenced in the stabilization of fuel supplies, and reduction in the prices of maize from K100,000 to below K50,000 per 50 Kilogram bag.
“There is availability of essential medicines in public hospitals that were previously in short supply,’ he said.
He said Government has ensured the construction of key infrastructure development projects across the country by reducing prices of key construction inputs such as cement and other essential goods saying all this is proving that proven leadership has come to stay in Malawi.
