Minister Ben Phiri warns officials sabotaging development

Corrupt public officials accused of frustrating Malawi’s development will face arrest and dismissal, Local Government Minister Ben Malunga Phiri has warned.

In a blunt message delivered during the launch of the 2026-2036 National Decentralisation

Strategy in Mchinji on Tuesday, Phiri said the government would no longer tolerate individuals undermining service delivery and national progress.

The minister said Malawians had for years been deceived and denied meaningful development by people who enriched themselves while citizens were left celebrating achievements that brought little benefit to their lives.

His warning came as government unveiled a new strategy aimed at strengthening decentralisation and empowering local authorities to drive development at community level.

The strategy, launched under the theme “Deepening Decentralisation in Malawi: Gateway to Robust Political and Socio-Economic Development by 2063,” has received backing from UNICEF, Ireland and the European Union.

The event began with a solidarity walk led by Phiri from the Mchinji District Council offices to the district’s Old Aerodrome grounds, drawing government officials, development partners, traditional leaders and members of the clergy.

UNICEF Country Representative Penelope Campbell challenged government and councils to ensure the strategy delivers real results rather than remaining a policy document.

She urged authorities to turn commitments into action and ensure public resources are used to improve the lives of children and communities across the country.

Meanwhile, Mchinji District Council Chairperson Kennedy Peter Chipanga called for unity among key stakeholders, saying collaboration would be critical if Malawi is to achieve its Malawi 2063 development ambitions.

The launch marks the beginning of a decade-long push to deepen decentralisation, with government betting that stronger local governance will help unlock faster political, social and economic development.