By Mustafa Makumba

More than sixty years after independence, Malawi remains one of the poorest countries in the world. Despite decades of political promises, elections, foreign aid, and development plans, millions still struggle to afford food, healthcare, education, and decent housing.

According to World Bank data, about 75 percent of Malawians were living below the international poverty line of $2.15 per day in 2019. Even more worrying, recent economic assessments suggest the figure may now be even higher as inflation and the cost of living continue to rise. 

The United Nations and World Bank use the international poverty line to measure extreme poverty across the globe. While the figure may sound small, experts explain that it represents severe deprivation and inability to meet basic human needs. 

But why does poverty continue after six decades of self-rule? Many people point to corruption, weak institutions, theft of public resources, poor leadership, and dependency on donors. These are real problems. Yet beyond economics lies a deeper crisis: moral decline. The Quran warns: “Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what people’s hands have earned…”
(30:41)

No nation can progress when dishonesty becomes normal. Hospitals cannot function when money meant for medicine disappears. Schools cannot improve when public funds are abused. Agriculture cannot grow where greed replaces service.

At the same time, responsibility does not belong to leaders alone. Citizens also shape the future of a country through their actions, values, and choices. When bribery is accepted, cheating admired, and hard work ignored, society slowly destroys itself from within. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.”
(Bukhari and Muslim)

This teaching reminds people that accountability belongs to everyone, not only presidents and ministers. The Quran also states: “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves.” (13:11)

History shows that nations rise when justice, discipline, education, and integrity are protected. Countries that were once poor transformed themselves through strong institutions, productive economies, and a culture of responsibility.

Malawi’s challenge is therefore not only economic. It is also moral and social. Real change will require more than speeches and political slogans. It will require honesty in public office, responsibility among citizens, and a return to values that place justice and human dignity above personal gain.