Malawi targets to cut debt to 35% of GDP – The Times Group

Revitalizing Malawi’s Economy: A 35% Debt to GDP Target to Stimulate Growth and Prosperity

Post was last updated: October 28, 2025

Key Business Points

  • The Ministry of Finance aims to reduce Malawi’s public debt from 88% to 35% of GDP by 2030, presenting opportunities for fiscal discipline and economic stability.
  • This ambitious target, outlined in the Draft Strategic Plan for 2024-30, will likely involve reforms in public expenditure and revenue collection, affecting business operations and investment decisions.
  • Achieving this goal could lead to improved credit ratings, lower interest rates, and a more favorable business environment, making it easier for local entrepreneurs to access capital and grow their businesses, or as they say in Chichewa, "kugwira ntchito kwambiri" (to work effectively).

The Ministry of Finance has unveiled an ambitious plan to tackle Malawi’s public debt crisis, which currently stands at 88 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The target, outlined in the ministry’s Draft Strategic Plan for 2024-30, aims to reduce the debt to 35 percent of GDP by 2030. This move is expected to have significant implications for Malawi’s business community, as it will likely involve reforms in public expenditure and revenue collection.

To achieve this goal, the government will need to implement fiscal discipline measures, such as reducing unnecessary expenditures and increasing revenue collection. This could involve introducing new taxes or improving tax administration, which may impact business operations and investment decisions. On the other hand, achieving this target could lead to improved credit ratings, lower interest rates, and a more favorable business environment, making it easier for local entrepreneurs to access capital and grow their businesses.

The Draft Strategic Plan outlines several key strategies for achieving this target, including improving public financial management, enhancing revenue collection, and promoting private sector development. The plan also emphasizes the need for stakeholder engagement and partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and development partners to achieve these goals. As the government moves forward with implementing these reforms, business owners and entrepreneurs in Malawi should be prepared to adapt to changes in the business environment, such as new regulations or tax policies.

Overall, the Ministry of Finance’s ambitious target to reduce Malawi’s public debt presents both challenges and opportunities for the country’s business sector. By achieving this goal, Malawi can improve its economic stability, attract more investment, and create a more favorable business environment, ultimately leading to economic growth and development, or "kuwala kwa malawi" (Malawi’s prosperity). As the government works towards achieving this target, business owners and entrepreneurs should stay informed about the latest developments and be prepared to take advantage of the opportunities that arise.

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