Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation, Joseph Mathyola Mwanamvekha, has today officially opened the 2026/27 Pre-Budget Consultations at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.
Mwanamvekha is presiding over a ministerial pre-budget consultation meeting that has brought together cabinet ministers and senior government officials to align policy priorities ahead of the next national budget.
The consultations mark the start of Government’s engagement with key stakeholders in the formulation of the 2026/27 National Budget.
Two additional consultation meetings are scheduled to take place in Mzuzu and Blantyre as Government continues to align spending priorities ahead of the presentation of the budget to Parliament.
Discussions during the consultations are expected to focus on fiscal discipline, realistic revenue targets and economic stabilisation measures.
In his opening remarks, Mwanamvekha called for inclusive and constructive participation from all stakeholders, stressing that the consultations are meant to gather views and ideas that can help transform Malawi’s economy.
He said Government values evidence-based input that reflects national priorities and fiscal realities.
The Minister noted that the consultations are taking place amid significant global, regional and domestic economic challenges, including foreign exchange shortages, high inflation, climate-related shocks and infrastructure constraints, which continue to affect Malawi’s economic performance.
Meanwhile, Malawi Health Equity Network Executive Director George Jobe said Government should consider increasing the Certificate of Fitness (COF) fees and taxes on motorcycle taxis (kabaza) to raise more resources for supporting victims of road traffic accidents in hospitals.
Mwanamvekha has also called on Malawians to remain resilient and patient as Government implements measures aimed at restoring the country’s economic stability.
He said tough but necessary policy decisions must be put in place to address challenges affecting citizens across different sectors.
Despite the challenges, the Minister said there are positive signs of economic recovery as Government continues to implement various reforms in collaboration with stakeholders.
He acknowledged that the economy has been affected by high debt levels and rising prices.
Mwanamvekha further stated that the 2026/27 National Budget will be informed by input from various stakeholders, as well as priorities outlined in the first Malawi Implementation Plan (MIP 1) of the Malawi 2063 development agenda.
He concluded by urging participants to freely share their views and proposals to ensure that the 2026/27 National Budget is responsive to the needs of Malawians.
