Vice President Ansah Says SONA Puts Malawians at the Centre of Development

Vice President Jane Mayemu Ansah says the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Arthur Peter Mutharika has sent a strong message that Malawi is on a transformative path towards economic recovery and sustainable growth.

Dr Ansah was present in Parliament during the State Opening of the Second Meeting of the 52nd Session of Parliament and the 2026/2027 Budget Meeting in Lilongwe.

The President delivered the address under the theme: “The Path to Economic Recovery: Delivering a People-Centered Development.”

Writing on her Facebook page after the address, the Vice President said the speech clearly outlined progress made in stabilising the country’s economy and the decisive steps being taken to move Malawi towards recovery.

“From restoring food security and ensuring affordable fertilizer, to expanding energy generation, strengthening local development through an increased Constituency Development Fund, improving healthcare services, and introducing free secondary education — the direction is clear: placing Malawians at the center of development,” she said.

Key highlights of the address included the stabilisation of prices and a projected reduction in inflation.

The President also announced an increase in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to MK5 billion per constituency.

He further introduced free secondary education in public schools, excluding boarding facilities.

The address also outlined strengthened health sector financing aimed at improving drug availability in public hospitals.

Plans to expand energy generation capacity, accelerate decentralisation, promote industrialisation, and enhance social protection programmes were also highlighted.

In addition, the President pledged continued empowerment of women and youth through annual soft loans in every constituency.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to fighting corruption without fear or favour.

Dr Ansah reaffirmed her full support for the President’s vision.

She said she remains committed to ensuring that the promises made in the address translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Malawians.

The 2026/2027 Budget Meeting is expected to focus on implementing the programmes outlined in the State of the Nation Address.