By Burnett Munthali
Vice President Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah SC, JA (Retired) opened the Cabinet gathering with a message delivered on behalf of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, calling the nation’s leaders to a new standard of public service.
She reminded the Ministers that the President’s vision, outlined during his 4 October 2025 inauguration, continues to guide the Government’s agenda.
That vision, which reawakened national hope, centred on rebuilding Malawi through perseverance, discipline and a renewed work ethic.
Dr. Ansah highlighted that the President had articulated a refreshed compact binding the Government to its citizens.
She urged the Cabinet to lead by example in fulfilling the obligations of that commitment.
The Vice President noted that the retreat should not be seen as a mere formality but as an opportunity to confront Malawi’s economic and political realities head-on.
She pointed to the country’s pressing challenges, including shortages of essential commodities such as foreign exchange, fuel and medical supplies.
Dr. Ansah observed that businesses are now operating under significantly harsher conditions than they faced in 2020.
She also lamented that a substantial number of Malawians are still trapped below the poverty threshold.
These individuals, she emphasised, are the ones who have placed their faith in the Government’s promise of change.
She outlined the strides made by the DPP administration, including cost-cutting measures and an expanded farm input subsidy.
Dr. Ansah further mentioned ongoing efforts to eliminate ghost workers through payroll audits and improved digital systems.
Despite those achievements, she acknowledged that the nation still has a long way to go.
She said the retreat’s purpose was to encourage bold thinking and identify practical routes to sustainable prosperity.
According to her, progress demands disciplined leadership, accountability and unwavering responsibility.
Dr. Ansah observed that Malawi has a strong ability to craft policies but struggles significantly when it comes to implementation.
She encouraged the Cabinet to consider shifting global financial trends and new geopolitical priorities.
The Vice President cautioned that development financing is increasingly directed to regions seen as strategically important by donor countries.
This, she said, requires Malawi to use its limited resources more intelligently and to broaden its approach to securing development financing.
She insisted that Malawi must reshape its national story by embracing innovation, accountability and visible progress.
Dr. Ansah reminded Ministers that campaign promises must now translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
She expressed hope that the retreat would reaffirm the Government’s resolve to stabilise the economy and restore public confidence.
She urged the Cabinet to stay focused on MW2063, the long-term vision for economic transformation.
Dr. Ansah emphasised that agriculture remains the anchor of inclusive growth.
She called for strategic investments in industrialisation and mining.
She stressed that value addition, reliable power supply and modern infrastructure are central to long-term development.
The Vice President urged the Government to embrace technological advancement, including digital systems and artificial intelligence, to support procurement reforms, identity systems and financial transparency.
She also identified private capital, diaspora financing and new partnership models as vital to future development.
Dr. Ansah encouraged the Cabinet to accelerate decentralisation efforts.
She said empowering local authorities and developing secondary cities would help distribute economic opportunities more evenly.
She reminded Ministers that leadership is ultimately measured by the work done after leaving the retreat—not the statements made within it.
Discipline, collaboration and innovation, she emphasised, must underpin every decision taken.
She added that consistent policy leadership is essential for national progress.
The Vice President reaffirmed that President Mutharika has positioned Malawi as a welcoming destination for international investors.
She recalled his declaration that the country is seeking partnership—not charity.
She stressed that to attract meaningful investment, Malawi must uphold contracts, strengthen regulatory clarity and eliminate corruption.
Dr. Ansah noted that Malawi’s development blueprint is well established and its momentum is building.
She said what the nation urgently requires is sustained discipline across all Government institutions.
She encouraged Ministers to draw lessons from countries that refused to let adversity define their future.
Dr. Ansah challenged leaders to act with integrity, deliver honestly and rebuild trust in public institutions.
She expressed gratitude to development partners, particularly UNDP, for their continued support.
Dr. Ansah acknowledged UN Assistant Secretary General Ahunna Eziakonwa’s assurance that Malawi is not alone in its development journey.
On behalf of President Mutharika, she formally opened the Cabinet Retreat.
She concluded the address by invoking a blessing over the nation.
