By Edwin Mauluka

Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Simplex Chithyola Banda, has criticised President Peter Mutharika’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), saying it lacked detail on key economic and security issues.

“The SONA was too brief,” said Chithyola. “We expected clear plans on youth programmes, particularly how the government will create sustainable jobs beyond soft loans. This address should tackle critical national issues.”

He said the President also failed to address growing security concerns, including armed robberies and abductions.

“The President should have spoken on these issues, perhaps issuing directions through the relevant ministry,” he said.

On food security, Chithyola noted that the address did not adequately address the mismatch between high production costs and low maize prices.

“If maize is sold at lower prices, then farm inputs must also be affordable to balance production costs,” he said, adding that he would present a comprehensive response after further review of the address.

He further called for clearer strategies on economic recovery, saying Malawians need to understand how the country will transition from current challenges to sustained growth.

Political analyst George Chaima, however, described the SONA as brief but impactful, saying it offered hope and highlighted progress in key areas.

He cited improvements in food security, easing inflation, stabilisation of fuel supply, and reduced forex shortages as signs of progress.

“We can see that the country is moving in the right direction, with inflation easing and signs of economic recovery emerging,” said Chaima.

However, he agreed with Chithyola that the address fell short on security matters.

“There are rising cases of murder, armed robberies and abductions. Malawians needed clarity on the state of security,” he said.

In his address, Mutharika outlined measures on youth empowerment, including continuation of the Graduate Internship Programme and allocation of MK100 million in annual soft loans for youth in each constituency starting in the 2026/2027 financial year.

He also pledged support for women and vulnerable groups, including MK100 million in annual loans for women per constituency, MK250 million in grants for persons with disabilities, and support for the National Children’s Commission launched in December 2025.

On disaster response, the President said the government has mobilised MWK138 billion for food relief out of the required MWK209 billion to assist about four million Malawians affected by hunger, following the declaration of a state of disaster in October 2025.

Mutharika also said his administration is working to restore international confidence by recalling improperly issued diplomatic and service passports, and repositioning diplomatic missions to drive investment and remittances.

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