Atupele Muluzi Launches ‘Business First’ Plan to Fix Malawi’s Economy

The president of United Democratic Front (UDF) Dr. Atupele Muluzi has said Malawi is facing serious economic problems and needs urgent solutions.

Mulizi Made the remarks today on 2 May 2025 during a press briefing at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.

Dr. Muluzi said poverty has increased to 70 percent in the past five years, inflation is now at 30 percent, and the country is depending on unofficial exchange rates which are encouraging black market trading.

He said Malawi is now poorer than it was five years ago. To deal with these problems, Dr. Muluzi announced a new plan called “Business First.” He said this strategy can help rebuild Malawi’s economy and improve people’s lives.

He explained that his plan will support poor people who depend on farming by giving them cheap fertilizer and other farming products. Farmers will be helped to export their goods and earn more money.

He also said there is a need to stop the system of export buyers who take advantage of farmers. Dr. Muluzi promised to make sure that poor people have enough food and that the country focuses on irrigation farming.

He added that donor support will still be important, but Malawi must also start depending on itself. He said opening the economy is key to attracting investment and creating jobs. His plan also includes fixing important roads to support trade and development.

Dr. Muluzi also talked about government reforms. He said there is a lot of waste in government and that this must stop. He promised to end unnecessary travel and reduce the size of convoys.

He said corruption is damaging the country and warned that no investor will come to a country where there is corruption. He said those involved in corruption must face the law.

On growth, Dr. Muluzi said the government must support industries like mining and tourism to bring more foreign exchange. He said Malawi should become a business hub that young people must be helped to start businesses.

He added that Malawi has important minerals that are needed to make electric vehicles and this can bring big opportunities if managed well. He wants to attract global investors and create a future global fund to grow the economy.

Dr. Muluzi said Malawians must stop depending on donor aid and focus on doing business to create jobs and income. He said the coming election in September is an important time for people to choose the right leader.

He urged Malawians not to be fooled by last minute promises but to vote wisely for a better future. He described himself as a committed leader with over 20 years in politics and said he is man of action and reform. He ended by saying that if the country does not change its leadership in September, people should not expect their lives to change.