Malawi’s President, Lazarus Chakwera, has implemented immediate measures, suspending all international travel for government officials, including himself.
He’s also called back ministers currently abroad, imposed restrictions on local travel, and reduced fuel allocations by half for cabinet members and senior officials.
These measures will stay in effect until the fiscal year’s end in March.
Similar steps were taken during the COVID-19 pandemic but lacked enforcement.
Chakwera urged the finance minister to plan for a reasonable wage hike for civil servants in the upcoming budget review.
Additionally, he directed a cut in income tax to aid workers affected by inflation-driven pay devaluation.
These actions coincide with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approving a $174 million credit facility for Malawi following the country’s recent devaluation of its currency by 44%.
Analysts suggest this devaluation might have been a condition for securing the IMF credit.
Source-BBC
