Malawian president's popularity will persist

Significance

Funds for emergency maize crop purchases from Zambia were allegedly misappropriated, with former Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development George Chaponda implicated in the deal. The scandal comes as the government struggles to deal with the impacts of an ongoing food security crisis which has been compounded by the arrival of the fall armyworm (FAW), a pest which has affected maize crops nationwide.

Impacts

• Chaponda’s leading allies in government could lose their positions.
• Protests and demonstrations against government are likely to increase in urban areas.
• Projected economic growth of 4.5% for 2017 may prove unachievable.