The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Synods of Blantyre and Livingstonia have called on the Malawi Government to urgently address economic hardship, improve public accountability and protect vulnerable citizens, warning that persistent foreign exchange shortages, fuel supply uncertainties and rising living costs continue to burden households.
In a joint statement issued on October 14, 2026, the synods said the government must translate its promises of economic recovery, price stability and improved livelihoods into tangible results for Malawians.
The CCAP Nkhoma Synod has also expressed institutional solidarity with the statement following approval by its General Secretary.
The statement, issued through the synods’ Church and Society programmes under the theme “When the Righteous Thrive, the People Rejoice”, said the Church’s concern was rooted in the daily struggles of citizens across markets, farms, hospitals, schools and rural communities.
“Good intentions alone cannot fill fuel tanks, make medicines available, reduce the cost of living or put food on a struggling family’s table,” the statement reads.
The synods identified foreign exchange shortages and uncertainty surrounding fuel supplies as major concerns affecting households, farmers, transport operators, businesses and essential services.
They urged authorities to strengthen confidence in formal foreign exchange markets, improve foreign currency generation and ensure transparent fuel procurement and supply arrangements.
The Church also called for credible evidence of illicit foreign exchange trading or market manipulation to be investigated through lawful procedures, stressing that allegations should not be treated as proof of guilt.
On public financial management, the synods demanded transparency and accountability in the management of workers’ pension contributions, particularly regarding the Public Service Pension Trust Fund’s purchase of Amaryllis Hotel.
The statement referred to the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s announcement on April 3, 2026, that it had reopened investigations into suspected corruption relating to the transaction and was tracing the money trail amid concerns about substantial cash withdrawals.
The synods called for timely public updates, appropriate parliamentary oversight and measures to protect pension beneficiaries, while emphasising that the investigation does not itself establish criminal guilt.
On agriculture, the Church urged the government to invest in irrigation, climate-resilient farming, affordable agricultural inputs, storage facilities and agro-processing to strengthen food security and expand export earnings.
It said farmers faced high production, labour and transport costs, with concerns affecting crops and value chains including maize, cowpeas, groundnuts, soya beans, sugar and tea.
The synods also highlighted the risks associated with the preliminary 2026/27 El Niño preparedness outlook, which warns of possible delayed or erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells in many central and southern districts.
They said early investment in irrigation, water management and climate-smart agriculture was necessary to protect livelihoods and prevent future crises.
The statement further called for greater transparency in the mining sector, including public access to mining agreements and licensing information, disclosure of government revenues and royalties, and stronger enforcement of environmental obligations.
On social services, the synods raised concerns about access to essential medicines, pressure on public health facilities and the affordability of higher education.
They also urged authorities to resolve the traditional leadership dispute involving Group Village Headman Duswa in the Mimosa area of Mulanje without disadvantaging learners seeking access to free secondary education.
The Church called on the Ministry responsible for Local Government, Mulanje District Council, the district commissioner and the Ministry of Education to establish the facts, clarify administrative procedures and ensure that eligible learners are not denied opportunities because of disputes among adults.
“Children must not become collateral damage in disputes among adults,” the statement said.
The synods also cautioned that the transition towards electronic financial transactions should not impose additional burdens on citizens already struggling financially.
With cheque processing scheduled to be phased out by March 2027, they urged the Reserve Bank of Malawi, Malawi Revenue Authority, banks and mobile money providers to ensure that digital financial services are affordable, secure and accessible.
They said transaction charges, network failures, fraud risks and limited access to digital services could disproportionately affect rural communities, small-scale traders, farmers, pensioners and low-income households.
On governance, the Church urged constitutional officeholders to fulfil their responsibilities with mutual respect and effective communication, warning that political conflict should not undermine public service.
It also called for journalists, faith communities, civil society organisations and citizens to be allowed to raise governance concerns lawfully and without intimidation.
The synods concluded by urging the Presidency and public institutions to demonstrate transparent leadership and ensure that any necessary austerity measures are implemented fairly, with public expenditure, remuneration, allowances and benefits governed by clear rules and accountability.
The statement was signed by Reverend Donnex Mateyu Ngalande, Executive Director of the CCAP Blantyre Synod’s Church and Society Programme, and Reverend Godwins Maere, Executive Director of the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia’s Church and Society Programme.
The Church said Malawi had the people, land, knowledge and potential to improve living standards, calling for an economy that rewards work, institutions that protect the common good and leadership that responds to the struggles of ordinary citizens.
The CCAP statement comes days after the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) rated President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s administration 3.75 out of six in its first-year performance assessment, identifying progress in education, food availability and local development but highlighting persistent challenges in the cost of living, foreign exchange, energy supply and healthcare.