Malawi’s former President who is also the President for People's Party (PP), Dr. Joyce Banda became the second aspiring presidential candidate to launch her 2025 party’s manifesto under the theme: Restoring, Transforming, and Re-energizing Malawi, at the event held at Crossroads hotel in Lilongwe which was filled with energy, purpose and a clear call to action rooted in her past achievements and forward looking vision.
Speaking exclusively to Umunthu FM at her Area 43 residence in Lilongwe, Dr. Banda declared her solid commitment to the people of Malawi, saying her return to politics is not for power, but to serve and uplift the nation once again.
“When I took over the presidency in 2012, the country was struggling and fuel was scarce, blackouts were common, and public trust in leadership was low, Banda said adding, "I went straight to work and helped stabilize the economy.
"In short, I found the country as it is now and if I managed to get it back to its track that time, what is difficult this time around?” Questioned Dr Banda with a confident tone.
The former President emphasized that Malawi needs experience not experiment adding that a key highlight of her campaign is the political alliance between People’s Party (PP) and the Freedom Party including other political parties, a strategic move aimed at strengthening her position ahead of the 2025 elections with Khumbo Kachali, her former Vice President, as her running mate this time around.
“He understands the mission. We have worked together before and delivered results. This is a tested and trusted partnership. It is my plea to Malawians that this time around, let us choose experience over experiment. You have seen it all how things are now. It is like we are so many steps backwards from where we reached,” Banda noted.
Among other key points, Dr. Banda’s manifesto promises major reforms in agriculture and economic development. She emphasized support for pepper farming, which she says already has confirmed international buyers and can develop the country.
The PP Leader added that her manifesto centers much on Mining and Tourism as the country has all it takes but it lacks a visionary leader who can turn the Abundant-God given resources to the development of the country.
“This country is blessed and has abundant minerals that are exceptional and expensive around the world.
“My manifesto’s key area is to make sure that the country revamps its maximum potential in extracting such minerals which are being ignored and the same applies to tourism.
“On the issue of farming, we are not just talking about growing crops but rather farming that pays. Pepper is in high demand globally, and I have already secured markets for Malawian farmers in India, for example,” she explained.
She also expressed strong concern over the lack of development in lakeshore districts, especially Nkhotakota, vowing to reverse the neglect and unlock the region’s economic potential.
According to Dr Banda, her plans include introducing fast-growing fish species (lingalies) to boost the fishing industry and create new income opportunities.
She added that it is worrisome to note that lake shore districts are not properly utilized for the economic good of the country, promising to bring international sports and cultural events, including Olympics-linked programs, to lakeshore communities as part of decentralizing development and promoting tourism.
Among the 22 presidential hopefuls for the 2025 elections, Dr. Joyce Banda remains the only female candidate, a role she said is carried with pride and purpose, under the rallying slogan “Bola mzimayi” (Better a woman).
When questioned on the practicality of introducing free secondary school education in the country once she is voted into power, JB (As commonly known) expressed confidence that she has varsity experience and knowledge in that idea.
“When Dr Bakili Muluzi started free primary education, people were doubting but it worked. I have my own schools and I know what it takes to offer free secondary school education.
“I am one person who has different partners globally and I believe that leadership should be about service, not status. Free Secondary education will be possible and it is practical.” She said.
On the issue of economy, Dr Banda states that when she became President in April 2012, Malawi was on the edge of economic collapse and through bold reforms, she helped lift the economy, raising the growth rate from 1.8% in 2012 to over 6.2% by 2014.
I have already told you that I found the country as it is right now but I managed to restore. I reduced my salary by 30%, not that I had enough, but I have love towards my people.
"I managed to arrest people within my government because I do not smile when it comes to corruption. I'm coming back with full force this time around. Look at Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia.
“They are doing way better than us but the answer is near to address all these challenges.” Concluded the PP Leader.
During Banda’s regime, her passion for women’s health led to the launch of the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health and Safe Motherhood, which contributed to a 32% reduction in maternal deaths from 675 to 460 deaths per 100,000 live births around 2012 to 2013.
Meanwhile, Dr Banda, also a respected global voice on leadership, democracy, and gender equality, has addressed prestigious institutions such as Harvard Medical School, London School of Economics, and George Washington University among others.
As Malawi approaches the 16 September 2025 general elections with few days remaining, all eyes are on the leader with a proven track record and a renewed mission to serve Malawians.
