Malawi Freedom Network 
By Malawi Freedom Network
Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) Executive Director John Kapito has accused the Malawi Government of ignoring repeated requests for an update on the implementation and impact of its austerity measures.
Kapito made the remarks during an exclusive interview on Capital FM’s Capital Straight Talk programme on Tuesday evening, where he said CAMA had written to government on three occasions seeking information on the progress and savings generated from the expenditure-control measures.
According to Kapito, the letters were channelled through the Chief Secretary to the Government but CAMA has not received a response to any of them. He said the lack of communication has left the consumer body questioning government’s commitment to providing information on the implementation of the measures.
“Samayankha, ndipo lero zafika poti olo kuwapatsa moni anthu akubomawa kuti anduna muli bwanji, samayankha,” Kapito complained, suggesting that communication between CAMA and government officials has deteriorated to the point where even basic interactions are no longer reciprocated.
CAMA has previously sought clarification on the actual financial impact of the austerity programme, including the amount of money saved through measures targeting areas such as government travel, workshops, allowances, vehicles and other public expenditure.
The government has maintained that the austerity measures are aimed at controlling expenditure and ensuring prudent management of public resources.
In September, Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi announced the suspension of government-funded external workshops, directing Ministries, Departments and Agencies to use existing government facilities for meetings and other official engagements as part of the austerity agenda.
Finance authorities had also indicated earlier that government would provide details of revenues collected and savings made during the 2026/27 financial year through the budget review process.
However, Kapito’s latest comments indicate that CAMA remains dissatisfied with the level of information being made available to stakeholders.
The CAMA executive director has consistently argued that austerity measures should not only be announced but should also be subjected to public scrutiny, with government demonstrating how much has been saved and how the savings are contributing to improved public services and the wider economy.
His latest concerns come amid continuing public debate over whether government expenditure-control measures are being adequately implemented and whether Malawians are seeing tangible benefits from them.
