LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Peter Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)-lead Government has tightened rules on international travel for senior public officers, directing all officials at Grade C — including heads of statutory bodies and state-owned enterprises — to fly economy class.
The directive is contained in an addendum issued on Thursday, November 20, 2025 by Chief Secretary Justin Saidi.
The addendum aims at strengthening the expenditure controls already in place for the 2025/26 financial year.
The circular has made it clear that no exemptions will be allowed.
“Travel bookings and related expenditure must comply with existing procurement and financial procedures and be supported by original documentation for audit purposes,” reads the communication in part.
Saidi however warned, “Any breach, according to the notice, will be treated as non-compliance and may attract administrative action”.
The development comes barely weeks after Saidi also made announcement in which government froze recruitment and promotions, halted the purchase of new vehicles and high-value assets, cut fuel entitlements for ministers and senior officials by 30 percent, and tightened controls on foreign travel, including limits on delegation sizes and removal of government top-ups for donor-funded trips — all aimed at managing pressure on the national budget.
The measures, according to Saidi take effect immediately and will apply throughout the financial year.
Many social and economic governance experts have lauded Mutharika for living within the means amid Malawi’s economic challenges including shortages of forex, high inflation and among others.
Discover more from The Maravi Post
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
