History of Malawi in Timeline

Malawi, once known as Nyasaland, is a landlocked southeast African country bordered by Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. Covering over 118,484 sq km, its estimated population is 19,431,566. Malawi's capital and largest city is Lilongwe, followed by Blantyre, Mzuzu, and its former capital, Zomba.

1907: British Central Africa Protectorate renamed Nyasaland

In 1907, the British Central Africa Protectorate, encompassing present-day Malawi, was renamed Nyasaland, marking a period of continued British rule.

1944: Formation of the Nyasaland African Congress (NAC)

The Nyasaland African Congress (NAC) was formed in 1944 to advocate for the interests of native Africans under British rule.

1953: Nyasaland joins Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland

In 1953, Nyasaland was merged with Northern and Southern Rhodesia to form the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, a move met with resistance from African nationalists.

1958: Hastings Banda returns to Nyasaland

Hastings Banda, a physician working in Ghana, returned to Nyasaland in 1958 to join the nationalist movement against colonial rule.

1959: Hastings Banda jailed by colonial authorities

Hastings Banda's activism led to his imprisonment by colonial authorities in 1959, highlighting the tensions between the independence movement and British rule.

1960: Banda's release and involvement in constitutional reform

Hastings Banda was released from prison in 1960 and tasked with helping to draft a new constitution for Nyasaland, one that aimed to grant Africans a majority in the Legislative Council.

1961: Malawi Congress Party wins Legislative Council elections

The Malawi Congress Party (MCP), led by Hastings Banda, secured a majority in the Legislative Council elections in 1961, setting the stage for Banda's leadership in the newly independent nation.

1963: Dissolution of the Federation and Nyasaland's path to independence

The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland was dissolved in 1963, paving the way for Nyasaland's independence the following year.

1963: Federation dissolved, Banda becomes Prime Minister

The year 1963 marked significant changes: the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland was dissolved, and Hastings Banda assumed the role of Prime Minister of Nyasaland.

July 1964: Nyasaland becomes independent as Malawi

On July 6, 1964, Nyasaland achieved independence from British rule and adopted the name Malawi. This historic event is commemorated annually as Independence Day.

1964: Original Flag of Malawi Adopted

From 1964 onward, Malawi adopted its flag, consisting of three horizontal stripes of black, red, and green. The black stripe symbolized the African people, the red stripe represented the blood shed by martyrs for African freedom, and the green stripe signified Malawi's natural environment. A red rising sun at the center of the black stripe represented the hope and dawn of freedom for Africa.

1964: Nyasaland achieves independence as Malawi

On July 6, 1964, Nyasaland gained independence from British rule and was renamed Malawi. This day is celebrated as Independence Day, a public holiday.

1964: Malawi's Independence and Subsequent Judicial System Evolution

Upon gaining independence in 1964, Malawi embarked on a journey of shaping its judicial system. Over the years, the country has implemented various changes, drawing inspiration from the English model. The judicial system has witnessed the integration of both conventional courts and traditional courts, yielding mixed outcomes in terms of effectiveness and impartiality.

1971: Banda declared President for Life

Hastings Banda, Malawi's first president, consolidated his power and was declared president-for-life in 1971, ushering in an era of authoritarian rule.

1976: Malawi Air Force Established

The Malawi Air Force was established in 1976 with assistance from Germany.

1984: Lake Malawi National Park Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Lake Malawi National Park was recognized for its outstanding universal value and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

1985: Malawi Provides Refuge to Those Displaced by Conflict

Beginning in 1985, Malawi became a sanctuary for refugees fleeing conflict and instability in neighboring African countries, particularly Mozambique and Rwanda. This influx of refugees, while placing a strain on Malawi's resources and economy, also attracted significant humanitarian aid from international donors, highlighting the country's role in regional humanitarian efforts.

November 1987: National Dance Troupe Formed

In November 1987, the Malawian government established the National Dance Troupe, previously known as the Kwacha Cultural Troupe.

1990: High Poverty Rate in Malawi

In 1990, Malawi faced a high poverty rate, with 54% of the population living below the poverty line.

1991: First Science and Technology Policy

Malawi introduced its inaugural science and technology policy in 1991, laying the groundwork for the country's science and technology development.

1992: Primary School Enrollment at 58%

In 1992, the enrollment rate for primary schools in Malawi was 58%.

1993: Malawi transitions towards multi-party democracy

Facing pressure for political reforms, President Banda agreed to a referendum in 1993, in which Malawians voted for a multi-party democracy, ending the rule of the MCP.

1994: Malawi Strengthens Diplomatic Ties with African Nations After Apartheid

Following the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa in 1994, Malawi seized the opportunity to forge and nurture diplomatic relations with other African countries. This move marked a departure from Malawi's previous foreign policy during the apartheid era, which had strained its relationships with many African nations.

1994: Free Primary Education Introduced

In 1994, Malawi's government introduced free primary education for all Malawian children.

1994: First multi-party elections held in Malawi

Malawi held its first multi-party elections in 1994, leading to the defeat of Hastings Banda and the victory of Bakili Muluzi.

May 1995: Implementation of Malawi's Current Constitution

On May 18, 1995, Malawi adopted its current constitution, laying the groundwork for a unitary presidential republic. This pivotal document established the framework for the country's governance, outlining the roles and responsibilities of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

1999: Muluzi re-elected as president

Bakili Muluzi, having led Malawi through a period of transition, was re-elected as president in 1999.

November 2000: First Multi-Party Local Elections in Malawi

A significant milestone in Malawi's political landscape occurred in November 2000 with the country's first multi-party local elections. This historic event saw the United Democratic Front (UDF) party emerge victorious, capturing 70% of the available seats.

December 2000: IMF Halts Aid to Malawi over Corruption Concerns

Due to serious concerns about corruption, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) made the decision to suspend aid disbursements to Malawi in December 2000, leading many individual donors to follow suit.

2000: Telecommunications Improvements

Between 2000 and 2007, Malawi made progress in improving its telecommunications infrastructure, adding 130,000 landline telephone connections, primarily concentrated in urban areas.

2000: Malawi's Governance Score Shows Improvement

By the year 2000, Malawi had demonstrated notable progress in its governance, as reflected in the Ibrahim Index of African Governance. This positive trend, sustained through 2011, indicated the country's commitment to strengthening its institutions and promoting good governance practices.

2000: Health Insurance Schemes

Health insurance schemes were introduced in Malawi beginning in 2000 to provide an alternative financing mechanism for healthcare services.

2000: Youth Literacy at 68%

In 2000, youth literacy in Malawi was recorded at 68%.

2002: Revised Science and Technology Policy

Malawi updated its national science and technology policy in 2002, outlining its vision for science and technology-driven progress.

2003: Road Network

In 2003, Malawi's road network comprised 24,866 kilometers (15,451 miles) of roadways with varying conditions, including 6,956 kilometers (4,322 miles) of paved roads and 8,495 kilometers (5,279 miles) of unpaved roads.

2003: Science and Technology Act

The Science and Technology Act of 2003 formalized the establishment of a Science and Technology Fund to support research and studies through government grants and loans, although it wasn't operational as of 2014.

2004: Bingu wa Mutharika elected president

Bingu wa Mutharika won the presidential election in 2004, succeeding Bakili Muluzi.

February 2005: President Mutharika Splits from the UDF and forms the DPP

In a significant political development in February 2005, President Bingu wa Mutharika parted ways with the United Democratic Front (UDF), the party that had brought him to power. Mutharika went on to establish his own political party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), attracting reform-minded individuals from various political backgrounds.

May 2005: Cancellation of the Second Round of Local Elections

The year 2005 was set to witness the second round of local elections in Malawi, a constitutionally mandated event. However, the government made the decision to cancel these elections, raising concerns about political transparency and adherence to democratic principles.

2005: Malawi Receives Significant Aid Despite Challenges

Despite facing challenges in economic development, environmental protection, healthcare, education, and financial independence, Malawi received over US$575 million in aid in 2005.

2005: Scientific Publication Output

In 2005, Malawian scientists published 116 articles in internationally recognized journals, marking a starting point for the country's growing scientific research presence.

2006: Poverty Rate in Malawi Decreases to 40%

Efforts by the Malawian government and supporting organizations contributed to a decline in the poverty rate, which fell to 40% in 2006.

2006: Madonna Establishes Raising Malawi

In 2006, Madonna founded Raising Malawi, a foundation dedicated to supporting AIDS orphans in Malawi. The organization also funded the documentary "I Am Because We Are," which sheds light on the challenges faced by these orphans. Raising Malawi collaborates with the Millennium Villages Project to enhance education, healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture in Malawi.

2006: Fertiliser Input Subsidy Programme (FISP)

In 2006, Malawi launched the Fertiliser Input Subsidy Programme (FISP) to address critically low agricultural yields and increase crop production. This program aimed to revitalize the land and improve agricultural output.

2006: Chongoni Rock Art Area Joins UNESCO World Heritage List

The Chongoni Rock Art Area, recognized for its significant cultural value, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2006.

2006: Primary School Completion Rate Increases

The percentage of students in Malawi who completed standard five after starting standard one increased from 64% in 1992 to 86% in 2006.

2006: DPP's by-election successes across Malawi

Throughout 2006, President Mutharika's newly formed Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) demonstrated growing popularity by securing victories in by-elections held across the country. This electoral success signaled a potential shift in the political landscape and increased support for Mutharika's leadership.

2006: Malawi Introduces Ethanol Blend to Reduce Fuel Dependence

To reduce its dependence on imported fuel, Malawi started mixing unleaded petrol with 10% ethanol in 2006. The ethanol was produced domestically at two plants.

2007: Telecommunications Infrastructure

By 2007, Malawi had made notable improvements in its telecommunications infrastructure, with the number of landline telephone connections increasing by 130,000 since 2000. However, access to landlines remained limited in rural areas.

2007: Primary School Enrollment Reaches 75%

By 2007, the attendance rate for primary schools in Malawi had risen to 75%.

2007: Malawi Establishes Diplomatic Ties with China

In 2007, Malawi took a significant step in expanding its diplomatic horizons by formally establishing ties with China. This development paved the way for increased Chinese investment in the country, although concerns lingered regarding the labor practices of Chinese companies operating in Malawi and the potential displacement of local businesses.

2007: Significant Reduction in Ultra-Poverty in Malawi

Malawi made progress in reducing ultra-poverty, with the percentage of the "ultra-poor" dropping from 24% in 1990 to 15% in 2007.

2007: Tobacco Accounts for 53% of Malawi's Export Revenues

Malawi's dependence on tobacco as a major export product was evident in 2007, with the product accounting for 53% of the country's export revenues.

2008: Malawi's Energy Imports and No Electricity Trade

As of 2008, Malawi relied entirely on imports for its petroleum needs, with no domestic production. The country did not import or export any electricity.

2008: Railway Network

As of 2008, Malawi's railway network spanned 797 kilometers (495 miles), all of which utilized narrow-gauge tracks.

2008: Malawi Achieves 9.7% Economic Growth

Malawi experienced significant economic growth in 2008, with the rate reaching 9.7%.

2008: Tobacco's Share of Malawi's Export Revenues Jumps to 70%

Malawi's reliance on tobacco exports intensified in 2008, with the product's share of export revenues rising significantly to 70%.

2008: President Mutharika's Anti-Corruption Reforms

Taking a strong stance against corruption, President Bingu wa Mutharika initiated substantial reforms in 2008 aimed at tackling this deeply rooted issue within Malawi. As part of these efforts, several high-ranking members of the former ruling party, the UDF, faced criminal charges, demonstrating the government's commitment to accountability and transparency.

May 2009: President Mutharika re-elected amidst controversy

President Bingu wa Mutharika secured re-election in May 2009, but the election was marred by allegations of fraud from his opponents.

2009: Malawi's Export Value

In 2009, Malawi exported an estimated US$945 million worth of goods.

2009: Malawi's Industrial Production Growth

Malawi experienced a notable industrial production growth rate of 10% in 2009.

2009: Financial Setbacks and Controversial Jet Purchase

Malawi experienced financial setbacks in 2009, including a 23% decline in investment and a nationwide fuel shortage. The purchase of a private presidential jet further strained the economy and raised concerns about financial mismanagement.

2009: Investment Decline Hinders Malawi's Economy

Malawi's economy faced difficulty in 2009 as investment plummeted by 23%, hindering the country's ability to pay for essential imports due to a shortage of foreign exchange.

2009: IMF Predicts Strong Growth for Malawi

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected robust economic growth for Malawi in 2009.

2010: Analysis of Women's Status Begins

Around 2010, a comprehensive analysis of the status of women in Malawi was initiated, utilizing various indices to assess their social, economic, and political conditions.

2010: Research and Development Investment

In 2010, Malawi demonstrated a commitment to research and development by allocating 1.06% of its GDP, equivalent to $7.8 per researcher, to these areas.

2010: Malawi modifies its flag

In 2010, Malawi implemented a change to its national flag, replacing the original design with one featuring three colored stripes and a white sun.

2010: Flag Design Changed

In 2010, Malawi's flag underwent a change, replacing the red rising sun with a full white sun in the center to represent the country's economic progress.

2010: Population Estimate

In 2010, Malawi's population was estimated to be around 16 million, a figure that has continued to grow in subsequent years.

2010: Conviction and Pardon of a Couple for Homosexuality

In 2010, a couple was convicted and sentenced to 14 years of hard labour for homosexuality. However, they were pardoned two weeks later after intervention from the United Nations Secretary General.

2010: Women's Life Expectancy at 58 Years

In 2010, the average life expectancy for women in Malawi was approximately 58 years.

2010: Malawi's Strained Relationship with Mozambique

The year 2010 witnessed a period of strained relations between Malawi and Mozambique, primarily stemming from disagreements over the utilization of the Zambezi River and the management of a cross-border electricity grid. These disputes underscored the complexities of resource sharing and regional cooperation in Southern Africa.

March 2011: Malawi's Safe Investment Destination Ranking

In March 2011, Euromoney Country Risk rankings placed Malawi as the 119th safest investment destination globally.

July 2011: Malawi's Diplomatic Row with the UK and US Aid Suspension

Tensions escalated between Malawi and the United Kingdom in July 2011 following the release of a diplomatic memo in which the British ambassador criticized President Mutharika's government. In retaliation, Mutharika expelled the ambassador, prompting the UK to suspend all budgetary aid to Malawi. This diplomatic rift coincided with the United States' decision to freeze a $350 million grant to Malawi, citing concerns over human rights violations and political repression.

July 2011: Protests erupt against President Mutharika

Widespread protests erupted across Malawi in July 2011, fueled by grievances over the rising cost of living, deteriorating foreign relations, concerns about governance, and a shortage of foreign exchange reserves. The protests resulted in fatalities and injuries, highlighting growing discontent with the government.

2011: Malawi's Governance Score Shows Improvement

By 2011, Malawi had showcased considerable progress in its governance as evidenced by its performance on the Ibrahim Index of African Governance. This positive trajectory, which began in 2000, highlighted the country's dedication to enhancing its institutional framework and fostering effective governance.

2011: National Commission for Science and Technology

The National Commission for Science and Technology, envisioned in the 2002 policy, became fully operational in 2011, with a dedicated secretariat formed by merging the Department of Science and Technology and the National Research Council.

April 2012: Death of President Bingu wa Mutharika

In April 2012, President Bingu wa Mutharika of Malawi died from a heart attack. His death was shrouded in secrecy for 48 hours, during which time his body was flown to South Africa. The situation became complicated when ambulance drivers in South Africa refused to transport the body, stating they lacked the proper licensing to handle a corpse. Ultimately, the South African government intervened, threatening to expose the situation, which led to the transfer of presidential power to Vice-President Joyce Banda.

May 2012: President Banda Pledges to Repeal Anti-Homosexuality Laws

In May 2012, President Joyce Banda made a pledge to repeal laws that criminalized homosexuality in Malawi.

2012: Airport Infrastructure

By 2012, Malawi had developed 31 airports, with seven featuring paved runways, including two designated international airports, while the remaining 24 had unpaved runways.

2012: Malawi's Ranking in the Ibrahim Index of African Governance

In 2012, Malawi achieved a commendable 7th place ranking among sub-Saharan African countries in the Ibrahim Index of African Governance. This index, designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of governance across the African continent, highlighted Malawi's strengths in safety and rule of law, while also revealing areas for improvement, particularly in sustainable economic opportunities and education.

2012: Original Flag Design Reinstated

In 2012, Malawi reverted to its original flag design.

2012: Foreign Investment Trends

In 2012, a significant portion of foreign investment in Malawi was directed towards infrastructure projects (62%) and the energy sector (33%), highlighting these sectors as key areas of development.

2012: Primary Education Made Compulsory

In 2012, the Revised Education Act made primary education compulsory in Malawi.

2012: Malawi reverts to its previous flag

The flag modification introduced in 2010 was short-lived. By 2012, Malawi had reinstated its former flag, featuring the familiar black-red-green color scheme.

2013: Agriculture's Contribution to Malawi's GDP

Despite employing over 80% of the population in subsistence farming, agriculture contributed to 27% of Malawi's GDP in 2013.

2013: National Export Strategy

Malawi adopted a National Export Strategy in 2013, aiming to reduce its reliance on traditional exports and promote the production and export of a wider range of products.

2013: Investment Portfolio Development

The Malawi Investment and Trade Centre curated an investment portfolio in 2013, showcasing 20 companies across six major economic growth sectors. This portfolio aimed to attract foreign investment and promote economic diversification.

2014: Science and Technology Fund

Despite being established by the 2003 Science and Technology Act, the Science and Technology Fund, designed to provide financial support for research and studies, remained non-operational as of 2014.

2014: Peter Mutharika elected as President of Malawi

In 2014, Peter Mutharika, the brother of former President Bingu wa Mutharika, secured victory in the Malawian general election. His win marked a return to power for the Mutharika family following the passing of his brother in 2012.

2014: Scientific Publication Output

Malawian scientists exhibited significant growth in their scientific research output in 2014, ranking third in Southern Africa with 322 articles published in internationally recognized journals.

January 2015: Devastating Floods in Southern Malawi

Southern Malawi experienced catastrophic floods in January 2015, described as the worst in living memory. The floods resulted in widespread devastation, displacement of over 336,000 people, and loss of life.

2015: Youth Literacy Improves to 75%

By 2015, youth literacy in Malawi had improved to 75%, largely due to factors such as enhanced learning resources, improved infrastructure, and the implementation of feeding programs in schools.

2015: Religious Diversity

By the end of 2015, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had established a presence in Malawi, with a membership exceeding 2,000 individuals.

2015: HIV/AIDS Epidemic

In 2015, Malawi faced a severe HIV/AIDS epidemic, with an estimated 980,000 adults (9.1% of the population) living with the disease. The epidemic resulted in approximately 27,000 deaths and over half a million orphaned children.

2015: Moratorium on Anti-Gay Laws

In 2015, President Peter Mutharika imposed a moratorium on Malawi's anti-gay laws, suspending them pending further review.

2015: Malawi Raises Legal Marriage Age

Malawi raised the legal age for marriage from 15 to 18 in 2015 to address the issue of child marriage.

2015: Review of Strategic Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation

The Secretariat of the National Commission for Science and Technology undertook a review of the Strategic Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation (2011–2015). However, as of early 2015, the revised policy was awaiting Cabinet approval.

November 2016: HIV-Positive Man Sentenced

In November 2016, a court in Malawi sentenced an HIV-positive man to two years in prison with forced labor for engaging in sexual relations with 100 women without disclosing his HIV status. Women's rights activists criticized the sentence, deeming it too lenient.

2016: Population Estimate

Based on recent estimates, Malawi's population in 2016 was approximately 18,091,575.

2016: Growth of Television

By 2016, Malawi's television broadcasting landscape had expanded to include 20 television stations operating on the country's digital network, MDBNL.

2016: Drought

Malawi faced a severe drought in 2016, impacting agricultural production and food security.

January 2017: Armyworm Outbreak

In January 2017, Malawi experienced an outbreak of armyworms, particularly around Zomba. These pests posed a significant threat to the country's staple crop, corn, and had infested 2,000 hectares across nine districts by January 14, 2017.

2017: Women's Life Expectancy Rises to 66 Years

By 2017, the average life expectancy for women in Malawi had significantly increased to 66 years.

2017: Malawi Signs UN Treaty on Nuclear Weapons

In 2017, Malawi signed the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

2017: Malawi's Economic Indicators and Challenges

In 2017, Malawi's GDP was estimated at $22.42 billion (purchasing power parity), with a per capita GDP of $1200. However, the country faced challenges such as high inflation (estimated at 12.2%) and investment barriers related to service costs and poor infrastructure.

2017: Human Rights Issues in Malawi

In 2017, despite some governmental efforts, Malawi faced several human rights challenges such as excessive force by security forces, mob violence, harsh prison conditions, limits on freedom of speech and press, lengthy pretrial detentions, arbitrary arrests, violence against women, human trafficking, child labour, and deep-rooted government corruption.

2018: Religion in Malawi

This entry likely contained data about the religious makeup of Malawi in 2018, though the specific details are not provided.

May 2019: Peter Mutharika's Re-election Marred by Controversy

The month of May 2019 saw President Peter Mutharika secure a second term in office through an election marred by allegations of fraud and irregularities. Despite facing challenges from Lazarus Chakwera, Atupele Muluzi, and Saulos Chilima, Mutharika's victory would later be contested and overturned by Malawi's courts.

2019: Malawi's Forest Landscape Integrity Index Score

In 2019, Malawi achieved a mean score of 5.74 out of 10 on the Forest Landscape Integrity Index, ranking 96th globally out of 172 countries assessed.

2019: Global Innovation Index Ranking

In 2019, Malawi held the 118th position in the Global Innovation Index, a testament to its efforts in fostering innovation.

2019: Peter Mutharika re-elected in a contested election

The 2019 Malawian general election saw a narrow victory for incumbent President Peter Mutharika. However, his re-election was plagued by allegations of irregularities and fraud, ultimately leading to legal challenges that would overturn the results.

February 2020: Malawi Constitutional Court annulment of the 2019 Presidential Election

In February 2020, Malawi's Constitutional Court made a landmark decision by overturning the results of the 2019 presidential election. The court cited widespread irregularities and fraud as the basis for their decision, marking the first time an election in Malawi had faced a successful legal challenge.

May 2020: Malawi Supreme Court upholds the annulment and orders a new Presidential Election

In May 2020, the Malawi Supreme Court affirmed the Constitutional Court's decision to nullify the 2019 presidential election results, further solidifying the cancellation of President Peter Mutharika's victory. Consequently, a fresh presidential election was scheduled for July 2nd of the same year.

2020: Malawi's central government budget for 2020/2021 Fiscal Year

For the fiscal year 2020/2021, Malawi's central government allocated a budget of $2.8 billion. This budget, larger than the subsequent year's allocation, suggests different economic conditions and government priorities at the time.

2020: Constitutional Court Nullifies Mutharika's Re-election and Chakwera becomes President

In a historic move, Malawi's Constitutional Court annulled President Peter Mutharika's re-election in 2020, citing widespread fraud and irregularities during the 2019 election. This landmark decision paved the way for opposition leader Lazarus Chakwera to assume the presidency, ushering in a new era for Malawian politics.

March 2021: Malawi Netball Team Ranked 6th Globally

As of March 2021, the Malawi national netball team achieved a global ranking of 6th.

June 2021: Malawi's First LGBT Pride Parade

On June 26, 2021, Malawi's LGBT community celebrated a milestone by holding their first Pride parade in Lilongwe.

2021: Population Growth Rate

As of 2021, Malawi's population exceeded 19 million, characterized by a growth rate of 3.32%.

2021: Malawi's central government budget for 2021/2022 Fiscal Year

During the 2021 fiscal year, the Malawian government operated with a central budget of $2.4 billion. This budget allocation reflects a decrease from the previous fiscal year's $2.8 billion, indicating a shift in government spending priorities.

2021: Global Innovation Index Ranking

Malawi's innovation capabilities were acknowledged in 2021 when it secured the 107th position in the Global Innovation Index, reflecting an improvement from its 118th ranking in 2019.

2022: Malawi's central government budget for 2021/2022 Fiscal Year

During the 2022 fiscal year, the Malawian government operated with a central budget of $2.4 billion. This budget allocation reflects a decrease from the previous fiscal year's $2.8 billion, indicating a shift in government spending priorities.

2022: Mobile and Internet Usage

In 2022, Malawi had 10.23 million active mobile phone connections, indicating a significant level of mobile phone penetration. The country also had 4.03 million internet users, reflecting growing internet access.

2024: Malawi's Democratic Ranking

According to the 2024 V-Dem Democracy indices, Malawi holds a strong democratic standing. It ranks 74th globally and 11th within Africa in terms of electoral democracy.