The World Bank Group will on Thursday, September 24, 2026, present the 23rd Malawi Economic Monitor (MEM), focusing on reforms to State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) as part of efforts to improve service delivery and support economic growth.
The report, themed “Building Stability to Unlock Growth,” says Malawi continues to face external shocks, macroeconomic imbalances and structural constraints that are keeping economic growth below the level needed to raise incomes and create enough jobs.
Its special focus, “Reforming Malawi’s State-Owned Enterprises for Better Services,” identifies poorly performing SOEs as a major fiscal risk, noting their heavy reliance on government transfers, subsidies and guarantees.
The World Bank recommends strengthening governance, appointing skilled and independent boards, improving transparency and revenue collection, introducing cost-reflective tariffs and strengthening debt management, particularly among high-risk entities.
CHIPASO executive director Kenneth Sakala described the report as an important roadmap for addressing Malawi’s fiscal challenges.
“This forum is critically significant for Malawi’s recovery,” Sakala said. “It provides the empirical leverage needed to address the systemic fiscal risks that continue to stifle our development.”
He said underperforming entities such as ESCOM and ADMARC have historically depended on bailouts, loan guarantees and subsidies, placing additional pressure on public finances.
Sakala said improving SOE performance could also free up resources for private-sector lending and help address persistent challenges such as electricity and water shortages.
He supported the World Bank’s call for cost-reflective tariffs and independent boards, arguing that utilities need to become financially sustainable to invest in infrastructure without relying heavily on government funding.
The report comes as Malawi continues to face high levels of poverty. World Bank data shows that about 75 percent of the population was living below the $3-a-day poverty line based on the 2019/20 household survey.
The World Bank’s April 2026 Macro-Poverty Outlook projected that the proportion would rise to 76.6 percent in 2025, equivalent to about 17 million people, as economic growth remains below population growth.
Malawi’s poverty challenges have been compounded by climate shocks, food price inflation, low agricultural productivity and weak growth in income per person.
The MEM presentation will take place from 9:30am to noon at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
