Update: An International Monetary Fund delegation has concluded its two-week mission in Malawi without finalising a new financing agreement. According to Nyasa Times and Reuters, the IMF team ended its visit on Tuesday, stating that the government's efforts to tighten fiscal discipline and reduce public debt provide a positive foundation for a future lending programme. Discussions will continue regarding a potential Extended Credit Facility arrangement.
A recent public opinion poll shows President Peter Mutharika maintaining strong political support one year after returning to office. According to Malawi24, an online survey of 16,600 participants saw Mutharika secure 52 percent of the vote. UTM President Dalitso Kabambe placed second with 27 percent, while former President Lazarus Chakwera received 6 percent. The results come as the administration faces criticism over persistent foreign exchange shortages and fuel queues.
The Malawi government has also escalated its response to xenophobic violence in South Africa, facilitating the voluntary repatriation of 59,931 citizens. According to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs and VaccinesWork, health teams are meeting the returning families at arrival terminals to provide medical screenings and nutritional support. The initiative includes catch-up immunisations for children to protect local communities from potential disease outbreaks.