Suleman Chitera 
By Suleman Chitera, MFN Reporter
MULANJE, October 9, 2026 — Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Dr Ben Phiri has appealed to Malawians to remain patient as the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)-led government works to address the economic and other challenges affecting the country.
Phiri acknowledged that Malawians are experiencing difficulties, assuring the public that the government is aware of their concerns and is working to find solutions.
He made the remarks on Friday at Mulanje Park during a ceremony to elevate traditional chiefs in Mulanje District.
The minister said leaders must recognise the challenges citizens are facing and work collectively to address them.
“As leaders, we must admit that Malawians are facing challenges and government is aware. Let me assure you that government is working tirelessly to address those challenges,” said Phiri.
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Phiri also apologised to Malawians for the difficulties they are experiencing, calling for cooperation between the government, the business community and other stakeholders to help improve the country’s situation.
His remarks come amid public concerns over economic pressures and foreign exchange availability, which remain important issues for businesses that depend on imported goods, raw materials and other essential supplies.
The minister stressed that addressing these challenges requires collective responsibility rather than relying on government efforts alone.
He urged the business community to engage with the government and contribute ideas on how the country can improve the availability of foreign currency.
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“We want the business community to come forward and work with government on how best we can maximise the availability of forex in the country,” he said.
Government Seeks Business Community Support on Forex
Foreign exchange availability is a critical factor in Malawi’s economy because businesses need access to currencies such as the United States dollar to pay for imports and other international transactions.
Limited access to foreign currency can make it difficult for companies to import essential commodities, industrial inputs and equipment, potentially affecting production, trade and the availability of goods.
Phiri said the DPP-led government remains committed to supporting the business community as part of broader efforts to address the country’s foreign exchange challenges.
He assured businesses that the government wants them to complement its initiatives in improving forex availability and tackling the economic difficulties affecting the country.
However, the minister did not outline specific measures, implementation timelines or targets for improving foreign exchange availability in his remarks at the ceremony.
Malawians Await Practical Solutions to Economic Challenges
Phiri’s appeal for patience places renewed emphasis on the government’s responsibility to translate its assurances into practical improvements in people’s lives.
For ordinary Malawians, the key concerns include the availability and affordability of essential goods, business operating conditions and the wider economic pressures affecting household purchasing power.
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Businesses, meanwhile, will be looking for concrete steps that improve access to foreign currency and create a more predictable environment for importing goods and maintaining operations.
Although the minister assured citizens that the government is working to address the challenges, the effectiveness of those efforts will ultimately depend on the policies introduced and the results experienced by households and businesses.
His call for collaboration also highlights the importance of dialogue between government and the private sector in identifying workable solutions to Malawi’s economic difficulties.
As the government seeks to address these concerns, Malawians will be watching for tangible progress, particularly in areas affecting the cost of living, business operations and access to foreign exchange.
Malawi Freedom Network will continue to follow government measures and developments affecting the economy and the lives of ordinary Malawians.
