Government Suspends Recruitment, Cuts Fuel Allowances to Control Spending

The Government of Malawi has announced an immediate suspension of recruitment and a reduction in external travel as part of a broad plan to strengthen expenditure controls up to the end of the 2025/2026 Financial Year.

In a statement dated November 6, 2025, Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi said the measures aim to tighten fiscal discipline across all ministries, departments, agencies, and state-owned enterprises.

Saidi said the expenditure control measures also include a 30 percent reduction in fuel entitlements, a review of all mining licences, and scrutiny of extra budget requests. He further ordered that the number of delegates on government-funded trips be trimmed, and all procurements be aligned with available government resources.

“Controlling officers, heads of departments and chief executive officers of parastatals and state-owned enterprises shall be held responsible for ensuring strict adherence to the expenditure control measures,” said Saidi.

The move comes as the government seeks to manage rising public spending amid economic pressures and growing demands for accountability in the use of public funds.