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IMF Urges Malawi to Uphold Fiscal Discipline Amid Economic Challenges
Lilongwe, Malawi The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reiterated its call for Malawi’s government to maintain rigorous fiscal discipline and prioritise productive spending in order to stabilise its economy a pressing message delivered following the Fund’s recent Article IV consultation with the country. IMF eLibrary+2IMF eLibrary+2
During the assessment, the IMF noted that while Malawi has experienced some revenue growth in the 2024/25 fiscal year, its vulnerability remains high owing to elevated inflation, heavy public debt, and external challenges. The deficit in the 2024/25 fiscal year stood at around 10.1 percent of GDP. IMF eLibrary+1
The IMF’s “Frequently Asked Questions” paper on Malawi emphasises that fiscal policy in countries with narrow revenue bases and high spending pressures must focus on: collecting more revenues through tax-administration reforms, ensuring expenditure is efficient and well-targeted, and protecting social outlays while avoiding unsustainable borrowing. IMF
Minister of Finance Joseph Mwanamvekha described the IMF team’s visit as a “fact-finding mission” that provided the Fund with a clearer picture of Malawi’s economic situation. He affirmed that talks have covered how to boost recovery and explore potential new IMF programmes, following the termination of the previous Extended Credit Facility (ECF) after only US$35 million of the US$175 million commitment was disbursed. Reuters+1
Key Recommendations from the IMF
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Prioritise useful spending: The IMF stresses that Malawi must focus on investment that enhances growth-potential such as infrastructure, agriculture, energy and human capital rather than consumption spending which does not yield long-term returns.
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Strengthen revenue mobilization: With high deficits and limited resources, Malawi must improve tax collection, broaden the tax base, reduce exemptions and enhance compliance. IMF eLibrary+1
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Maintain debt sustainability: Malawi’s debt remains elevated and servicing it consumes a large share of revenues. The IMF emphasizes that without better fiscal balance, debt risks worsen. Reuters+1
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Implement structural reforms: Beyond fiscal policy, reforms in governance, public financial management, and the exchange-rate regime are considered critical by the IMF to create lasting stability. IMF
Implications for Malawi
Malawi’s economy is facing multiple headwinds: inflation remained high; foreign exchange reserves were low; and growth prospects modest. The need to stabilise macroeconomics becomes more urgent as public expectations rise and external vulnerabilities persist. For this reason, the IMF’s message carries extra weight now.
What to Watch Next
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Whether Malawi secures a new IMF programme or staff-monitored arrangement that conditions support on specified reforms. Reuters reported productive talks with the Malawian government in late October 2025 about a new programme. Reuters
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How Malawi’s government starts to implement revenue reforms and public-expenditure prioritisation. Progress in these areas will be a key indicator of whether fiscal discipline is being strengthened in practice.
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Transparent publication of budget performance, debt servicing, and external-account management will also matter for investor confidence and donor support.
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The broader impact on social spending: balancing austerity or fiscal tightening with safeguarding essential public services will be a delicate challenge.
Malawi to Launch “Unite to End Digital Gender-Based Violence” for 16 Days of Activism 2025
Lilongwe, Malawi The Government of Malawi, through its Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, has announced that the 2025 edition of the global campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender‑Based Violence will be observed from 25 November to 10 December under the national theme “Unite to End Digital Gender-Based Violence in Malawi”. This year’s official launch is scheduled to take place in Balaka District, signalling a strong focus on emerging forms of violence inflicted via digital platforms.
According to the published concept note, the campaign will primarily address the growing challenge of online abuse and digital gender-based violence (DGBV) targeting women and girls. Specific priority areas include image-based violence (such as non-consensual sharing of intimate images), cyber-bullying, online sexual exploitation, harassment on social media platforms (including Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok) and other forms of digital misuse. UN Women+2UN Women+2
The Ministry emphasises that while Malawi has long been active in the 16 Days of Activism campaign, the 2025 edition marks a deliberate shift toward digital spaces, acknowledging that technology has become a significant vector for gender-based harm. The concept note highlights that perpetrators increasingly exploit digital tools to inflict gender-based harm, abuse, hate speech, control, harassment and violence a trend documented across the continent. UN Women+1
Objectives & Key Activities
The campaign in Malawi is set to achieve several key objectives:
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Raise awareness among citizens especially young women and girls about the nature and risks of digital gender-based violence and how to report it.
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Promote safer online spaces by engaging telecommunication companies, social-media platforms, digital rights organisations and community groups to implement awareness-raising and preventive measures.
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Strengthen legal and community responses by reviewing existing policy frameworks, improving coordination across the justice and cyber-security sectors, and mobilising local leaders to challenge harmful digital practices.
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Encourage investment in prevention not only reacting to violence but proactively designing digital-safe programmes, supporting survivors, and changing the digital culture around gender.
Launch in Balaka District
The official launch event in Balaka District on 25 November will bring together government officials, civil society organisations, youth and digital activists, traditional and religious leaders, as well as representatives of private-sector tech and telecommunication firms. The event is expected to include public pledges, digital-safety workshops, community dialogues and a youth-led online-campaign component.
Why This Matters
Malawi’s decision to centre the 2025 campaign on digital gender-based violence comes at a time when data from local studies indicate a rising prevalence of cyber-violence against women and girls. One survey highlighted malicious online behaviour such as cyber-bullying, online defamation, revenge pornography and harassment via WhatsApp or social media in Malawi. arXiv
Moreover, aligning the campaign with the global UN-run 16 Days initiative ensures that Malawi remains part of a broader international movement tying together gender-based violence and human-rights violations. The initiative symbolically runs from International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November) to Human Rights Day (10 December). Women Lawyers Association of Malawi+1
Looking Ahead
As the launch approaches, key themes to watch include:
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How Malawi’s digital-safety and cyber-regulation frameworks respond to this thematic shift.
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The role of private-sector partners (telecommunications & tech platforms) in supporting prevention of digital GBV.
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Engagement of youth and digital natives in shaping peer-to-peer campaigns and online activism.
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Implementation of community-level interventions that link offline gender-based violence with its digital counterpart.
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Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the impact of the campaign — especially in reporting, prosecution, and survivor support in the digital domain.
SDP 2023 Presidential Candidate Criticizes Tinubu Over 15% Import Duty on Refined Petroleum Products
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) 2023 presidential candidate has openly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of a 15% import duty on refined petroleum products, calling it an “anti-people decision.”
He warned that the policy would further deepen the economic struggles of Nigerians by increasing fuel prices and putting more pressure on small businesses already battling inflation and high operational costs.
The SDP candidate emphasized that instead of adding more taxes, the government should prioritize the rehabilitation of local refineries, strengthen domestic production, and implement people-centered economic reforms aimed at reducing hardship.
According to him, real progress can only be achieved when leadership focuses on empowering citizens and making life easier for the average Nigerian.
First Lady Fatima Maada Bio Returns Safely After Series of Diplomatic Engagements
Alhamdulillah! 🙏
Her Excellency Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, has recently returned home safely after a productive series of diplomatic engagements abroad.
During her travels, she represented Sierra Leone on several key platforms, strengthening international partnerships, advancing women’s empowerment, and promoting sustainable development across Africa and beyond.
Her return marks the successful completion of another impactful diplomatic mission dedicated to service, unity, and progress.
~FMB.
Florida Sheriff Defends Sharing Mugshot of 9-Year-Old Black Boy Amid Public Outrage
A Florida Sheriff has defended his controversial decision to post the mugshot of a 9-year-old Black boy on social media — a move that has sparked widespread outrage and reignited debate over policing ethics and racial sensitivity.
According to CNN, critics argue that publicly sharing the child’s photo violates his privacy and could cause lasting emotional harm. However, the sheriff maintains that his decision was meant to promote transparency and accountability within the justice system.
The incident has since fueled a larger conversation about law enforcement practices, especially concerning minors and racial bias in U.S. policing.
Governor Hope Uzodinma Praises Tinubu’s Economic Reforms for Reviving Nigeria’s Prosperity
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold and strategic economic reforms, stating that they have helped restore Nigeria’s financial stability and growth.
Speaking during a media briefing, Governor Uzodinma highlighted that President Tinubu inherited a struggling economy in 2023 but took decisive actions including the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange rate unification, and fiscal restructuring — which have gradually made Nigeria “rich again.”
He further emphasized that these policies, though challenging at first, are laying the foundation for long-term economic sustainability and improved national development.
Fatima Maada Bio Departs Freetown for Istanbul to Attend International Climate Change and Zero Waste Forum
Her Excellency Fatima Maada Bio, an Eminent Member of the United Nations Zero Waste Advisory Board, has departed Freetown for Istanbul, Türkiye, to attend the International Forum on Climate Change and Zero Waste.
This significant global event brings together world leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts who are dedicated to advancing innovative strategies and sustainable solutions for a cleaner, greener, and healthier planet.
Through her continuous advocacy, Fatima Maada Bio remains a strong voice for environmental preservation and global sustainability.
Davido and Chioma Celebrate Twins’ 2nd Birthday in Atlanta
Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido and his wife Chef Chioma Adeleke recently celebrated their twins’ second birthday with a heartwarming party in Atlanta, USA.
The celebration was filled with joy, laughter, and music, creating memorable family moments that captured the hearts of fans across social media. The couple shared glimpses of the party, showcasing the love and happiness surrounding their growing family.
This milestone adds another special chapter to Davido and Chioma’s journey as proud parents while highlighting their dedication to family amidst their busy careers in music and culinary arts.
📌 Source: Legit.ng
Cameroonian Drum Master Ela Oyono Mathieu Takes Social Media by Storm
Ela Oyono Mathieu, a talented musician from the South Region of Cameroon, is currently going viral for his extraordinary drum skills and captivating performance style.
Known for his unique flair and rhythm, Ela has been hailed as one of Cameroon’s best animators and musicians, showcasing African talent on the global stage. His performances are earning widespread recognition, inspiring young artists, and generating excitement across social media.
Fans and followers are encouraged to show love and support for this gifted African brother, celebrating the richness and creativity of African music.
💖 Support African talent: Share, like, and celebrate musicians who are putting Africa on the global music map!
Nigerian Businessman Gives VDM 24 Hours to Take Down China Business Videos
A Nigerian businessman recently issued a 24-hour ultimatum to VDM, demanding that he stop sharing videos that expose business opportunities in China and take down all his existing content.
The businessman claims that VDM is “ruining” their operations, as traders have long profited by buying inexpensive goods from China and selling them in Nigeria at high margins. According to him, VDM’s videos are making it harder for them to maintain their business model.
However, many observers argue that VDM isn’t harming businesses but educating Nigerians on how to access global trade opportunities directly. Instead of resisting transparency, some suggest that local traders could adapt by offering competitive prices and improving services.
💡 Moral lesson: Knowledge empowers. Exposing business opportunities can disrupt traditional profit models, but it also opens doors for innovation, fair pricing, and entrepreneurship growth.
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