President Mutharika Unveils New Cabinet and Key Government Appointments
Published on October 6, 2025 at 7:24 AM by Evance Kapito
President Arthur Peter Mutharika has announced the first line-up of his administration, appointing new ministers and senior officials to head various sectors of government.
Mutharika, who was sworn in last Saturday at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, moved quickly to fill critical posts as his government begins work.
In his appointments, Enock Kanzingeni Chihana of the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) has been named Second Vice President.
Former cabinet minister George Thapatula Chaponda returns to government as Minister of Foreign Affairs, while Alfred Gangata has been appointed Minister of State. Joseph Mwanamveka takes over as Minister of Finance.
In the security cluster, Mutharika has named George Jafu as the new Commander of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF). The Malawi Police Service will now be led by Richard Chikoko Luhanga, who assumes the post of Inspector General of Police.
Other top government positions have also been filled, with Dr Justin Sadak Saidi appointed Chief Secretary to the Government and Kiswell Dakamau named Controller of State Residences.
The appointments are the president’s first major step in assembling his team, signaling the priorities and direction of his administration.
