Government has announced that the head count for all civil servants will start on 9th December, 2025.
Minister of Information, Shadreck Namalomba, on Friday briefed the press on government plans to protect public finances and address the growing burden of the public sector wage bill.
The Minister noted that the wage bill rose from MK479.6 billion in 2021-2022 to a projected MK1.6 trillion today, consuming approximately 25 percent of current government expenditure.
He warned that Malawi lacks adequate resources to fund education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic stimulus due to these pressures.
The increase in the wage bill, he explained, is partly the result of duplication, ghost workers, and other irregularities.
In response to the current economic situation, Namalomba said State President Prof. Peter Mutharika has authorized an immediate and comprehensive audit of all public sector wage bills.
The audit aims to eliminate ghost workers, biometrically verify employees, modernize and streamline human resources, and promote accountability.
Chief Secretary to the government Justin Saidi outlined the operational framework for the audit, stressing that personal attendance is essential to ensure integrity.
The audit will run from 9 December 2025 to 6 February, 2026 and the first phase will cover the following ministries:
Ministry of Education,
Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Local Government, All security agencies, All district councils
Other ministries and agencies will follow. Employees are required to present themselves physically with among others National identity card, Original certificates, Letters of first appointment, confirmation, temporary employment, promotion or demotion, Letters of study leave.
Minister Namalomba urged all public servants to prepare thoroughly, warning that failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.
