The Malawian government is intensifying domestic revenue collection efforts to fund its MWK 10.9 trillion national budget and offset recent foreign aid cuts. According to Devex, political and economic analysts are warning that the planned introduction of higher taxes and automated public fees will not stabilise the economy unless the state addresses entrenched financial leakages and systemic corruption.
Update: President Peter Mutharika's administration is facing mounting political pressure over inflation and corruption controversies six months into his second term. According to Africa Confidential, public frustration is growing following a value-added tax increase to 17.5 percent and fuel hikes that have pushed petrol prices to K6,672 per litre. This economic strain is compounding the political fallout from the ongoing parliamentary inquiry into the K128.75 billion Amaryllis Hotel acquisition by the Public Service Pension Trust Fund.
In legal developments, the Malawi Law Commission is advancing proposed amendments to the 1911 Witchcraft Act that would formally recognise and criminalise the practice, Mail & Guardian reports. The Special Law Commission has recommended penalties of up to 10 years in prison for practicing witchcraft and capital punishment for those convicted of killing through it. Commission chairperson Justice Robert Chinangwa argued the legal changes are necessary to deter mob justice, though rights groups remain concerned after 11 elderly Malawians were murdered over witchcraft accusations in the first four months of 2026.