Mutharika engages private sector on Elnino preparedness
President Peter Mutharika emphasizes that ongoing collaboration between the government and the private sector is essential for advancing Malawi’s economic growth and addressing current challenges.
Mutharika expressed these views during a meeting with representatives from the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with MCCCI and urged for continued collaboration on critical economic issues, such as the response to El Niño and trade.
The El Niño phenomenon has exacerbated food insecurity in the nation.
The latest IPC analysis indicates that approximately 1.9 million individuals are facing crisis levels of acute food insecurity from April to September 2026, with an additional 4.4 million categorized as “stressed.
“The Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) forecasts that around 2.6 million Malawians, representing 14 percent of the population, will experience hunger during the 2026/27 consumption period.
This marks an improvement from the 4 million people affected in 2025/26; however, the situation remains dire.
The WFP warns that the effects of El Niño have driven up to 40 percent of Malawi’s population into hunger, with maize prices nearly doubling within a year.
The government has declared a State of Disaster in 23 out of 28 districts impacted by El Niño conditions, and humanitarian organizations are increasing their support for the most vulnerable populations.
During the meeting, MCCCI President Ronald Ngwira expressed gratitude to Mutharika for the discussion and assured that the business community is committed to addressing the effects of El Niño and enhancing trade.
Ngwira stated that the private sector is prepared to collaborate with the government to alleviate the impacts of climate shocks, stabilize food prices, and support livelihoods.
Mutharika reiterated that since over 80 percent of Malawians depend on agriculture, safeguarding this sector from climate shocks is crucial for economic recovery.
