The National Statistical Office is preparing to launch Malawi's Second Census for Economic Activities to improve national planning and economic policymaking, according to the Malawi News Agency. Running from August to December 2026, the census will gather data on business operations, employment, sales, and production across multiple sectors, including retail, manufacturing, and agriculture. NSO Commissioner for Statistics Victor Sandikonda stated that the initiative is supported by the World Bank through the Southern African Development Community. The exercise is expected to update the national statistical business register and improve the accuracy of Gross Domestic Product estimates.
The data collection comes as Malawi continues to experience a severe macroeconomic crisis characterised by foreign exchange shortages and high inflation. An August 14 analysis published by African Arguments noted that the government is still dealing with a growing external debt burden and chronic food insecurity, which continue to strain the commercial sector. Furthermore, financial advisory firm Bridgepath Capital released its mid-August market update on Friday, tracking the ongoing domestic pressures as policymakers attempt to stabilise the kwacha and restore reliable supplies of foreign currency to support local businesses.