Malawi at 62: Decades of decline, grounds for hope

By Mercy Matonga: The 62nd Independence anniversary on Monday offers more than a moment of national pride; it presents an opportunity to reflect on a development journey marked by both progress and missed opportunities. While some sectors have advanced, the decline of key economic infrastructure that once underpinned the country's growth has become a powerful symbol of an economy still searching for its footing. What was once a self-contained network of state-backed manufacturing industries, affordable rail transport and vibrant rural trading hubs has largely disappeared, replaced by a heavy reliance on expensive road transport, imported goods and predominantly smallscale informal trade. Experts agree that Malawi still has the potential to achieve economic growth but this will require effective implementation of development projects, sound policy direction and adherence to national priorities. Economist Velli Nyirongo said governance challenges, including corruption and inefficiency in public institutions, have further weakened Malawi's economic performance over the past half of the period. Public resources that should have supported infrastructure, education and productive investment have often been lost or misused, limiting the country's ability to build long-term wealth. "Malawi's economic history shows that infrastructure and key institutions such as the railway system, manufacturing industries, Admarc and air transport once played an important role in supporting growth. "The railway system helped move goods more cheaply and linked farmers and businesses to wider markets. Manufacturing industries added value to raw materials and created jobs, while air transport improved trade and regional connectivity. "Together, these systems helped build a more productive economy in the early years of independence," Nyirongo said. He, however, said Malawi still has strong potential for recovery. "The country has fertile land, a young population, and opportunities in mining, tourism and regional trade. However, recovery will depend on a clear shift in focus towards economic growth and wealth creation for citizens. "It also requires balancing current needs with future priorities, ensuring that short-term pressures do not undermine long-term development," he said. Lost History Foundation Executive Director Conleith Selenje said Malawi has indeed lost critical infrastructure, a development that has contributed to the country's economic setbacks. "Somewhere, somehow, we went astray, maybe because we did not fully understand the extent to which we could practise our democracy. "We overlooked that aspect as we failed to preserve and sustain what was built under the one-party system," Selenje said. He also said the country's political environment has been another setback, as successive presidents often fail to build on the foundations laid by their predecessors. "We always seem to be starting afresh. Every administration comes with its own plans without considering what has already been started. This has been one of our biggest setbacks in terms of development," Selenje added. He, however, said Malawi has the capacity to achieve meaningful development. "We have the human capacity, fertile land and sound help move the country forward," Selenje said. policies. Combined, these can Since its independence in 1964, Malawi's economy has experienced periods of growth and decline, with agriculture remaining the dominant sector. While the country has seen progress in some areas, it continues to face challenges related to poverty, economic diversification, and vulnerability to external shocks, particularly climate-related events.

WIRE — By Mercy Matonga: The 62nd Independence anniversary on Monday offers more than a moment of national pride; it presents an opportunity to reflect on a development journey marked by both progress and missed opportunities. While some sectors have advanced, the decline of key economic infrastructure that once underpinned the country's growth has become a powerful symbol of an economy still searching for its footing. What was once a self-contained network of state-backed manufacturing industries, affordable rail transport and vibrant rural trading hubs has largely disappeared, replaced by a heavy reliance on expensive road transport, imported goods and predominantly smallscale informal trade. Experts agree that Malawi still has the potential to achieve economic growth but this will require effective implementation of development projects, sound policy direction and adherence to national priorities. Economist Velli Nyirongo said governance challenges, including corruption and inefficiency in public institutions, have further weakened Malawi's economic performance over the past half of the period. Public resources that should have supported infrastructure, education and productive investment have often been lost or misused, limiting the country's ability to build long-term wealth. "Malawi's economic history shows that infrastructure and key institutions such as the railway system, manufacturing industries, Admarc and air transport once played an important role in supporting growth. "The railway system helped move goods more cheaply and linked farmers and businesses to wider markets. Manufacturing industries added value to raw materials and created jobs, while air transport improved trade and regional connectivity. "Together, these systems helped build a more productive economy in the early years of independence," Nyirongo said. He, however, said Malawi still has strong potential for recovery. "The country has fertile land, a young population, and opportunities in mining, tourism and regional trade. However, recovery will depend on a clear shift in focus towards economic growth and wealth creation for citizens. "It also requires balancing current needs with future priorities, ensuring that short-term pressures do not undermine long-term development," he said. Lost History Foundation Executive Director Conleith Selenje said Malawi has indeed lost critical infrastructure, a development that has contributed to the country's economic setbacks. "Somewhere, somehow, we went astray, maybe because we did not fully understand the extent to which we could practise our democracy. "We overlooked that aspect as we failed to preserve and sustain what was built under the one-party system," Selenje said. He also said the country's political environment has been another setback, as successive presidents often fail to build on the foundations laid by their predecessors. "We always seem to be starting afresh. Every administration comes with its own plans without considering what has already been started. This has been one of our biggest setbacks in terms of development," Selenje added. He, however, said Malawi has the capacity to achieve meaningful development. "We have the human capacity, fertile land and sound help move the country forward," Selenje said. policies. Combined, these can Since its independence in 1964, Malawi's economy has experienced periods of growth and decline, with agriculture remaining the dominant sector. While the country has seen progress in some areas, it continues to face challenges related to poverty, economic diversification, and vulnerability to external shocks, particularly climate-related events.

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