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Factbox-Key issues for voters in Malawi's 2025 elections

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 7:47 GMT by ThePrint
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Malawi’s 2025 Election: The 12 Key Issues Voters Must Know

The 2025 Malawi presidential and parliamentary elections are shaping up to be one of the country’s most consequential political events in recent memory. As citizens prepare to cast their ballots, The Print has distilled the debate into a concise “fact‑box” that pinpoints the 12 most pressing issues confronting voters. Below is a comprehensive overview of each theme, the context behind it, and why it matters to the Malawian electorate.

1. Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction

Malawi’s GDP has grown at a modest pace in recent years, yet the majority of the population still lives below the poverty line. Voters are keen on how candidates propose to stimulate jobs, increase wages, and create an environment that encourages both local and foreign investment. The fact‑box notes that the incumbent government has highlighted a 5 % GDP growth target, while opposition parties promise a “growth‑first” agenda that hinges on small‑business support and rural micro‑enterprises.

2. Inflation and Food Prices

The country has experienced surging inflation, with staple foods like maize and fish becoming increasingly expensive. The fact‑box explains that this is partly due to global commodity shocks and a weakening Malawian kwacha. Candidates are proposing measures such as price‑controls on essential goods, subsidies for farmers, and the construction of new storage facilities to reduce post‑harvest losses.

3. Land Reform and Ownership

Land remains the lifeblood of Malawi’s largely agrarian society. The fact‑box discusses the long‑standing land‑ownership crisis, particularly the tenure of communal lands and the controversial “private land” legislation that has been criticized for favoring elites. Voters are evaluating each party’s stance on clarifying land titles, protecting customary land rights, and enabling access to credit for small farmers.

4. Agricultural Development

Beyond land tenure, the broader agricultural sector requires support. The fact‑box highlights the need for modern irrigation systems, extension services, and research into drought‑resistant crop varieties. Candidates’ promises range from the expansion of the National Agriculture Development Agency to privatizing irrigation schemes, each with differing implications for rural livelihoods.

5. Education and Youth Employment

With a youthful population that makes up nearly 50 % of Malawi’s citizens, the education sector’s quality and relevance are hot topics. The fact‑box shows that many young people feel education does not match labor‑market demands. Proposals include revising curricula to incorporate STEM and vocational training, increasing teacher salaries, and partnering with private industry to create apprenticeship programs.

6. Health Care System and Pandemic Preparedness

The COVID‑19 pandemic exposed gaps in Malawi’s health infrastructure, from understaffed clinics to a shortage of critical supplies. The fact‑box stresses the importance of building resilient health systems, expanding the reach of mobile health clinics, and securing consistent funding for disease prevention programs. Parties differ on whether to pursue more robust public‑private partnerships or to increase direct state investment.

7. Corruption and Governance Transparency

Malawi’s Transparency International ranking has declined over the last decade, reflecting widespread concerns about corruption. The fact‑box identifies key corruption hot spots, including public procurement and land allocation. Voters are debating the effectiveness of the current anti‑corruption commission and whether reforms such as digital e‑procurement or stronger whistleblower protections are needed.

8. Electoral Reform and Voter Registration

The 2025 elections will be the first major test after a series of changes to the electoral commission’s mandate. The fact‑box notes that many voters worry about voter rolls that may not reflect current realities, especially in rural areas. Candidates propose different strategies: some push for an automatic voter registration system, while others advocate for a thorough audit of the voter registry before the polls open.

9. Public Security and Crime

Crime rates, particularly petty theft and youth‑driven gang activity, have risen in urban centers. The fact‑box highlights the need for stronger policing, community‑based safety initiatives, and social programs aimed at reducing juvenile delinquency. Parties vary on how much of the national budget should be allocated to law enforcement versus social services.

10. Environmental Concerns and Climate Adaptation

Malawi is highly vulnerable to climate change, with recurring floods and droughts disrupting livelihoods. The fact‑box underlines the necessity for climate‑resilient infrastructure, forest conservation, and early‑warning systems. Candidates have offered policy mixes, such as expanding reforestation projects and integrating climate finance into national budgeting.

11. Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

While Malawi has made strides in women's representation, many women still face barriers in political participation and economic opportunity. The fact‑box discusses proposals for gender‑balanced candidate quotas, empowerment grants for women entrepreneurs, and education campaigns to challenge traditional gender roles.

12. Regional Integration and Foreign Investment

Finally, the fact‑box points to Malawi’s position in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the broader African Union framework. Candidates debate whether to prioritize deeper integration with regional trade blocs, or to adopt a more inward‑facing investment strategy that protects local industries. The stakes are high, as foreign investment can boost infrastructure and job creation, but may also lead to resource exploitation if not properly regulated.

Bottom Line

The 12 issues above encapsulate the most pressing debates that will shape Malawi’s 2025 elections. Each one interlocks with the others: for example, economic growth cannot be sustained without addressing corruption, and rural agricultural success hinges on land reform, education, and climate adaptation. As voters head to the polls, a clear understanding of how each candidate plans to tackle these challenges will be essential. The Print’s fact‑box provides a handy reference, but the depth and feasibility of each proposal will ultimately determine which political vision resonates with the Malawian public.