Major Challenges Facing Malawi

Key Issues

• Corruption: Pervasive at all levels, hindering development.
• Poverty: Over half the population below the poverty line.
• Food Insecurity: Recurrent droughts/floods disrupt agriculture.
• HIV/AIDS: ~10% prevalence; leading cause of death.
• Education Deficits: Over one-third illiterate; limited quality schooling.
• Unemployment: High youth joblessness due to rapid population growth and few formal jobs.
• Environmental Degradation: Deforestation, water pollution, soil erosion from poverty and population pressure.

Progress is underway, but sustained effort and international support are needed.