Trending 
Malawi’s newly elected President, Peter Mutharika, has appointed Joseph Mwanamvekha as finance minister, reinstating him to the position he held between 2016 and 2020. The decision, announced late on Sunday, comes as the country grapples with foreign exchange shortages and rising living costs.
Mwanamvekha, an economist and former banker, previously served in the same capacity during Mutharika’s first administration.
His return to the finance portfolio comes at a time when Malawi faces persistent fuel shortages, mounting debt distress, and a difficult business environment, all worsened by currency instability.
Mutharika, who was sworn in on Saturday following his victory in last month’s presidential election, has not yet unveiled his full cabinet.
Alongside Mwanamvekha, the president also appointed Enoch Chihana as second vice president and George Chaponda as foreign affairs minister, a role Chaponda previously held during Mutharika’s earlier term.
A former law professor, Mutharika was credited during his 2014–2020 presidency with reducing inflation and improving public infrastructure, particularly in the transport sector. However, he also faced allegations of cronyism, which he has denied.
