Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi has urged newly promoted Directors and Deputy Directors in government ministries, departments and agencies to support the implementation of Malawi’s long-term development vision, Malawi 2063.
Speaking exclusively to Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), Saidi said the promotions were aimed at filling gaps in the executive management of the civil service while strengthening the capacity of government to deliver on its agenda.
The development follows the promotion of 127 Deputy Directors to Director positions and 183 Chiefs to Deputy Director positions, bringing the total number of promoted civil servants to 310.
Saidi said government opted to promote officers from within the civil service rather than filling the positions through political appointments or recruiting individuals from the private sector.
“This decision to promote 310 civil servants is a matter of filling gaps that existed in the executive management of the civil service,” Saidi said.
He added that promoting officers from within the service would motivate civil servants and ensure that people with a strong understanding of government policies are placed in positions where they can effectively drive implementation.
On whether the promotions were based on merit, Saidi said the process followed transparent procedures, with recommendations coming from the respective ministries, departments and agencies.
He said qualifications, experience and dedication were among the key considerations during the selection process.
Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary dismissed concerns that the promotions contradict government’s austerity measures.
Saidi maintained that the positions are essential to strengthening the executive management of the civil service and driving the implementation of government programmes, including the country’s long-term development agenda under Malawi 2063.
