* Behind these numbers are pension savings, school fees, retirement plans and years of personal sacrifice
* Even Malawians who have never bought a share can be exposed through their pension funds
By Duncan Mlanjira
The Treasury, Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) and the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) have been urged to urgently address concerns raised over K5 trillion in market value that has reportedly been wiped off the Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE).
This has been maintained by renowned market analyst, Benedicto Bena Nkhoma following a report published today in the Weekend Nation indicating that nearly K5 trillion in market value has been wiped off the MSE in a year.
Benedicto ’Bena’ Nkhoma
“I could not agree more with the call for authorities to take investors’ concerns seriously,” he wrote on his LinkedIn account.
“Behind these numbers are pension savings, school fees, retirement plans and years of personal sacrifice. Even Malawians who have never bought a share can be exposed through their pension funds.
“What do we tell a retiree who did everything right worked hard, saved faithfully and invested for the future when that future becomes less secure?“
Nkhoma further states that “investors accept market risk [since] share prices cannot rise forever, and authorities cannot guarantee returns”.
“But policy clarity, meaningful consultation and careful implementation are responsibilities we should expect.”
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The market analyst thus summarises three concerns that are highlighted in the report in the Weekend Nation report for Treasury, the RBM and MRA should consider addressing — which include:
* Debt restructuring uncertainty: to communicate what is being considered, the timetable and how potential effects on financial institutions and pension savings will be assessed;
* Tax on gross share-sale proceeds: to review the treatment of investors selling at a documented loss. Someone selling to meet an urgent medical bill may have little choice about when to exit; and
* Implementation of equity limits: to allow a realistic transition that reflects the market’s capacity to absorb sales. Protecting savers requires attention to the consequences of implementation.
“The decline has several drivers. That makes coordination between policymakers and regulators essential.
“The forthcoming Mid-Year Budget is an opportunity to provide clear answers, practical measures and timelines that investors can assess.”
“We encourage Malawians to save, invest and build financial independence. Our policies must support that ambition.”
Nkhoma concludes by asking the authorities to “listen to the people behind the portfolios; their concerns deserve answers and T heir savings deserve careful consideration in every policy decision”.
The Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman published a public notice on October 12 that august House will hold its Mid-Year Budget Review Meeting for the 2026/27 Financial Year from November 9 to December 11, 2026 in Lilongwe.
The 4th meeting of the 52nd Session of Parliament is aimed at providing Parliament with an opportunity to review the implementation of the 2026/27 National Budget and consider other business, including Bills and other matters of national importance.
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