Minister of Local Government Ben Malunga Phiri has warned that officials who derail development through corruption will face arrest and dismissal from their positions.
Phiri issued the warning on Tuesday in Mchinji during the launch of the 2026–2036 National Decentralisation Strategy, saying Malawians had for a long time been cheated through promises and made to celebrate developments that did not benefit them.
He said government would not tolerate corrupt officials who frustrate development efforts and prevent communities from benefiting from public resources.
The launch of the 10-year strategy is part of efforts to deepen decentralisation and accelerate Malawi’s political and socio-economic development in line with the country’s long-term development agenda, Malawi 2063.
Meanwhile, UNICEF Country Representative Penelope Campbell has urged government and local councils to translate the strategy into concrete action, ensuring that public resources are used to improve the lives of children and all Malawians.
Campbell stressed the importance of moving beyond policy commitments to deliver tangible results for communities.
Mchinji District Council chairperson Kennedy Peter Chipanga also called for unity among key stakeholders in responding to community needs and advancing the country’s development aspirations.
The strategy was launched under the theme, “Deepening Decentralisation in Malawi: Gateway to Robust Political and Socio-Economic Development by 2063,” with support from UNICEF, Ireland and the European Union.
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