Malawi’s newly elected President Arthur Peter Mutharika has moved swiftly to form his administration, naming a partial cabinet just a day after his inauguration. The appointments signal a return of familiar faces as the 85-year-old leader works to address the nation’s mounting economic troubles.
A statement from the president’s office confirmed several key appointments. Economist and former banker Joseph Mwanamvekha was reappointed as Finance Minister, a position he previously held from 2016 to 2020. In a move that underscores continuity in foreign policy, George Chaponda returns as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Mutharika also strengthened his political alliances by naming Enock Chihana of the Alliance for Democracy as Second Vice President. For the security sector, Lt. Gen. George Jafu was appointed head of the Malawi Defence Force, while Richard Luhanga was named the new police chief.
The appointments come as Malawi faces a deepening economic crisis marked by foreign exchange shortages, fuel scarcity, and a rapidly depreciating currency. Mwanamvekha inherits the challenge of restoring stability to an economy struggling with high living costs and a constricted business climate.
The swift cabinet formation follows Mutharika’s landslide electoral victory last month, marking a dramatic political comeback after losing power in 2020.
While his first tenure from 2014 to 2020 was credited with lowering inflation and improving infrastructure, it was also tainted by accusations of cronyism. The reappointment of several former ministers is expected to draw criticism from opponents as Mutharika continues to build his full cabinet and works to “fix this country.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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