According to Nyasa Times, Malawi's economic challenges have been underscored by the latest Index of Economic Freedom from the Heritage Foundation, which shows the country's score dropping to 50.7 in 2026. The decline places Malawi 143rd globally and 33rd in Sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting persistent issues with weak institutions and policy shortcomings.
In efforts to boost regional trade and transport, the government is negotiating a partnership with the National Bank of Malawi to operate shipping services on Lake Malawi, Maravi Express reports. The initiative includes plans to resuscitate Malawi Lake Services Limited and establish a new Rail and Marine Regulatory Authority to oversee the sub-sectors. Ministry of Transport and Public Works officials emphasised that modernising maritime infrastructure and adopting public-private partnership financing models are necessary steps for unlocking economic growth and improving supply chains.
Meanwhile, government officials are pushing for greater economic diversification through the creative sector. According to the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Minister of Information, Communication and Technology Shadrick Namalomba recently called for stronger collaboration among policymakers, tech companies, and content creators to expand the digital and creative economy.