By Joseph Dumbula
President Peter Mutharika has called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector as Malawi confronts the economic and humanitarian impact of El Niño and other climate-related shocks.
Mutharika made the remarks during a meeting with representatives of the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, where discussions focused on economic development, trade and the private sector’s role in supporting the country’s response to food insecurity.
The President said government has maintained a close working relationship with MCCCI and stressed the importance of sustaining that partnership as Malawi tackles pressing economic challenges. He urged businesses to play an active role in supporting national priorities, particularly efforts to mitigate the effects of El Niño, strengthen trade and protect livelihoods.
The climate shock has worsened food insecurity across Malawi. According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, about 1.9 million people are experiencing crisis levels of acute food insecurity between April and September 2026, while an additional 4.4 million people are classified as being under food stress.
The Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) has projected that about 2.6 million Malawians, representing roughly 14 percent of the population, could face hunger during the 2026/27 consumption period. While this represents an improvement from the estimated four million people affected during the 2025/26 period, food insecurity remains a major concern.
The pressure has been compounded by high food prices, particularly for maize, Malawi’s main staple. With millions of households dependent on agriculture for both food and income, disruptions caused by drought and erratic weather have placed additional strain on vulnerable communities and the wider economy.
Government has declared a State of Disaster in 23 of the country’s 28 districts affected by El Niño conditions, while humanitarian agencies are scaling up assistance to communities considered most at risk.
Mutharika said the scale of the challenge requires cooperation beyond government alone, pointing to the private sector as an important partner in strengthening food security, maintaining supply chains, stabilising markets and supporting economic recovery.
With more than 80 percent of Malawians dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods, the President said protecting the sector against climate shocks remains critical to the country’s broader economic recovery. Building greater resilience in agriculture, he indicated, would also help safeguard jobs, incomes and national food security.
MCCCI President Ronald Ngwira thanked Mutharika for engaging the business community and pledged the private sector’s support for government efforts to address the consequences of El Niño while strengthening trade and economic activity.
Ngwira said businesses were prepared to work with government to mitigate the effects of climate shocks, support livelihoods and contribute to efforts aimed at stabilising food supplies and prices.
The meeting underscored the growing importance of public-private cooperation as Malawi seeks to navigate the immediate humanitarian pressures created by El Niño while building a more resilient economy capable of withstanding future climate shocks.
