George Ng'ambi's Closet

Tag: Politics

  • The national budget as a battlefield: Who really controls Malawi government spending?

    Introduction: Beyond the numbers National budgets are often presented as technical documents, carefully constructed plans that allocate scarce resources to priority sectors in pursuit of development goals. In this framing, the budget appears neutral, objective, and guided by rational assessment of needs. In practice, however, the budget is something far more consequential. It is a…

  • A distant war, an empty plate: How global oil disruptions threaten Malawi’s food Security

    Introduction: A distant war, a local crisis At first glance, the turmoil in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz might seem distant from the daily lives of people in Malawi. But this perception is misleading. What we are witnessing is not just an energy crisis; it marks the beginning of a serious…

  • Why Good Reforms Fail: The Politics behind Institutional Change.

    Introduction: The reform paradox revisited Across Malawi and much of Sub-Saharan Africa, reform is constant. Public Financial Management systems are getting a much-needed upgrade. We’re seeing revisions to policy frameworks, the launch of new strategic plans, and the reworking of institutions to better serve their communities. Development partners are stepping in to provide technical assistance,…

  • Why Malawi funds maize more than livestock: A Political Economy explanation.

    Introduction: A Persistent Imbalance Malawi’s agricultural policy landscape reveals a striking and persistent imbalance. When we look at agricultural support, it’s interesting to see how things play out between maize and livestock. Maize receives significant government attention and funding. This includes measures like input subsidies and strategic grain reserves, as wheat is a staple food…

  • Neoliberal capitalism and democracy in Malawi (1980s–Present)

    Introduction Malawi’s journey since gaining independence presents a compelling story of how economic changes and the push for democracy can shape a nation. Starting in the 1980s, Malawi has undergone significant market-driven reforms, guided by programs from the IMF and the World Bank, aimed at bolstering the economy. Simultaneously, the country made a pivotal shift…