Invest in employee development, says Deputy Chief Secretary

Deputy Chief Secretary Calls for Employee Development Investment to Strengthen Malawi’s Economy

Post was last updated: July 30, 2026

Key Business Points

  • Invest in employee training and development to stay competitive in a changing economy, as skilled workers are the driving force behind productivity and growth for Malawian businesses.
  • Prepare for the new Human Resource Bill that will regulate the HR profession, and use it as an opportunity to formalise workforce practices and improve workplace standards.
  • View employees as skilled partners, not just costs, because organisations that prioritise their people’s well-being and conditions of service see stronger long-term results and sustainable profits.

Deputy Chief Secretary to the Government Stewart Ligomeka has told employers in Malawi that investing in their people is one of the most important steps they can take to grow their businesses and increase profits. He made this clear statement during a recent event in Blantyre, warning that companies failing to develop their workforce will struggle to keep up with the pace of change.

Ligomeka spoke at the Institute of People Management Malawi (IPMM) annual dinner and dance on Friday. He used simple but powerful words: "My message to employers who are not investing in issues of human resources is simple and straightforward, invest." He stressed that no organisation can expect meaningful growth if it does not commit to raising the quality of its workforce.

One area he highlighted as especially important is continuous training. "Most of the time it is training," he explained. "It can be on-the-job training or long-term or short-term training. The world is changing." This message carries particular weight for Malawi’s business sector, which is increasingly affected by global trends like digital transformation and artificial intelligence. For local entrepreneurs and established companies alike, ignoring these developments could mean falling behind regional competitors.

Ligomeka also confirmed that the Human Resource Bill is currently being developed and will move through Cabinet approval before being presented to Parliament. Once passed, this legislation would formally regulate human resource practices in Malawi, giving employers clearer guidelines and workers stronger protections. For business owners, this is not something to fear but to prepare for. Getting ahead of regulatory changes allows companies to build better hiring processes, clearer job descriptions, and fair treatment of staff all well before the law takes effect.

IPMM president Frank Sabola added an important perspective during the same event. He challenged the common saying that "people are the greatest asset," arguing that it does not go far enough. "I believe that skilled people are the greatest asset," he said. This distinction matters in Malawi’s context, where many businesses still struggle to find workers with the right skills for modern roles.

For local entrepreneurs, the takeaway is practical: skilling your team should not be treated as an expense but as an investment. When employees gain new abilities, businesses gain the capacity to take on larger contracts, serve customers better, and explore new markets. This idea aligns with the Malawian concept of "kukulabwera nthuwo," which means to utilise people’s strengths. Companies that recognise and develop the talents of their workers will find themselves in a stronger position to compete both locally and across the region.

Looking ahead, the combination of employer investment in people, new human resource regulations, and a growing awareness of the value of skills training points toward a more structured and promising business environment in Malawi. For business owners and entrepreneurs, the opportunity is clear. Start thinking now about how your company supports its workforce, and you will be positioning your enterprise for the growth that Malawi’s economy demands.

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Vanessa Banda
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