Reserve Bank Of Malawi

CONSUMER PRICE INDICES: MAY 2026

The Reserve Bank of Malawi is pleased to note a continued decline in inflation, with headline inflation easing to 23.4% in May 2026, down from 24.3% in April 2026.

Key developments include:

Food inflation declined to 17.6%, reflecting improved agricultural market supplies and lower food prices.

Non-food inflation eased to 33.0%, supported by stabilising price pressures and the fading effects of earlier fuel price adjustments.

The Policy Rate remains unchanged at 24%, following the reduction from 26% in March 2026.
The disinflation trend is expected to continue.

The Reserve Bank of Malawi remains committed to maintaining price stability and supporting sustainable economic growth.

RBM LAUDS GERMAN SAVINGS BANKS FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT TO MALAWI’S FINANCIAL SECTOR DEVELOPMENT

The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has commended the German Sparkassenstiftung for International Cooperation (DSIK) for its unwavering support towards strengthening Malawi’s financial sector and advancing financial inclusion across the country.

Speaking during the signing ceremony of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between RBM and DSIK held in Blantyre on 16 June 2026, RBM Governor Dr. George Partridge emphasized that the partnership continues to play a pivotal role in driving economic empowerment and sustainable growth.

The renewed agreement continues with a strong collaboration between the two institutions, advancing financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and a resilient MSME sector.

The new phase of cooperation (running from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2028) will focus on four strategic areas; strengthening SME resilience and growth, expanding access to inclusive financial education, supporting Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards in the financial sector, and promoting knowledge sharing at national and regional levels.

RBM is fully committed to providing strong leadership to ensure the success of this partnership and deliver real impact for Malawians.

RBM URGES STAKEHOLDERS TO ENHANCE PENSION COMPLIANCE

The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has urged stakeholders in the pension sector to strengthen compliance with regulatory requirements in order to safeguard members’ retirement benefits and ensure the long-term sustainability of pension schemes.

Speaking on Monday, 15 June 2026, during a stakeholder engagement meeting on pension compliance, RBM Deputy Governor for Economics and Regulation, Mr. Henry Mathanga emphasized the importance of strict adherence to pension regulations by all players in the sector.

He highlighted that employers, pension administrators, and other stakeholders have a critical responsibility to ensure timely remittance of pension contributions and to uphold sound governance practices.

Mr. Mathanga further noted that achieving effective compliance requires consistent enforcement of the Pension Act, clear communication among stakeholders, and strong collaboration with the Ministry of Labour. He stressed that adherence to the regulatory framework is key to protecting pension members’ interests and strengthening public confidence in the country’s pension system.

He also called on stakeholders to work closely with the RBM in addressing existing compliance gaps and implementing measures aimed at improving the performance and resilience of the pension sector.

The engagement brought together key industry stakeholders to deliberate on compliance challenges, exchange insights, and identify practical strategies for strengthening the sector in line with regulatory expectations.

PUBLIC NOTICE: EXPORTING GOODS MADE EASY!

Exporting goods from Malawi is now simpler and more transparent thanks to improved digital systems by the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM).

Key Steps to Start Exporting:

1.Register as an exporter
•Business Registration Certificate
•Export Permit (MOIBTT)
•Register on RBM Export Proceeds Reconciliation Module (EPRM)

2.Create CD1 Form
•Log into EPRM
•Declare goods, destination, and value
•Submit documents through your commercial bank.

3.Wait for Approval ; Then Export

For Farm Produce Exporters: Additional requirement:
Customs Controlled Warehouse Certificate (MRA)

IMPORTANT REMINDERS!:
•Do NOT sell CD1 Forms
•Do NOT use clearing agents to manage your account
•Always reconcile export proceeds through your bank

Need help?
Visit your commercial bank (International Trade Desk).

Register here: https://eprm.rbm.mw/EPRMWeb

Contact RBM:
Foreign Flows Monitoring
[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE REGISTRAR OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INSURANCE ACT 2024 (ACT NO. 6 OF 2025)

RBM Governor Supports Improved Liquidity Support for Africa

The Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi Dr. George Partridge has called on African countries and development partners to collaborate in securing faster, fairer, and better-structured liquidity support for the continent.

Dr. Partridge made the call during a High-Level Panel discussion organized by Africa Economic Research Consortium, Climate Vulnerable Forum, and partners on the sidelines of the African Development Bank Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. He noted that timely access to finance is critical for resilience and sustainable growth.

He highlighted that in Malawi, climate change is not just an environmental challenge but is also a financial sector and economic growth issue. “Climate shocks are a threat to the financial sector asset quality, inflation stability, and a strain on fiscal and external balances." He said.

It is in this light that the RBM is taking steps to strengthen resilience by promoting climate risk awareness in financial institutions, encouraging the integration of Environmental Social Governance (ESG) and climate considerations into governance and lending frameworks, strengthening macroprudential surveillance, and supporting the development of climate-resilient and inclusive financial solutions.

The sentiments were echoed by Bank of Zambia Deputy Governor Operations Dr. Francis Chipimo who noted that similar experience with climatic related shocks in Zambia and elsewhere have triggered new thinking on how central bank traditional mandate should be anchored to cushion the impact on financial sector and the general economy.

As we continue promoting the values of TIPITE (Transparency, Integrity, Professionalism, Innovation, Teamwork, and Efficiency), the Reserve Bank of Malawi joins the entire African community in celebrating Africa Day, a moment to reflect on our shared heritage, unity, and collective aspirations for sustainable growth and prosperity across the continent.

RBM Calls for Strong Governance and Sustainable Practices to Grow Malawi’s Economy

The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has called for strengthened governance systems and the integration of sustainability principles in the built environment to support Malawi’s economic transformation agenda.

Delivering her keynote address at the Surveyors Institute of Malawi (SIM) Mid-Year Continuing Professional Development (CPD) conference in Lilongwe on 20th May 2026, RBM Executive Director for Corporate Services, Mrs. Mercy Kumbatira, stressed that strong governance, transparency, and professional integrity among surveyors are critical in unlocking investment and fostering financial sector confidence.

Mrs. Kumbatira highlighted that reliable property valuations, transparent land management systems, and sound project costing are essential to anchor prudent lending decisions and reduce financial risks. “When governance is strong, capital flows, projects rise, and economies grow,” she noted.

She therefore concluded by calling on surveyors and related professionals to uphold high standards of ethics, quality, and accountability, noting that their work is pivotal in shaping Malawi’s economic future.

In his speech, the Minister of Lands and Urban Development, Honourable Chimwemwe Chipungu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the land and built sector by proposing reforms, including new laws and regulatory bodies, to improve efficiency in land administration.

Surveyors Institute of Malawi Vice President, Mr. Emmanuel Thawani, said the institute is committed to promoting good governance and excellence in land and surveying. He also urged academic institutions to produce well-trained, highly professional surveyors.

On this Kamuzu Day, the Reserve Bank of Malawi joins the nation in honouring Ngwazi Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, whose vision and leadership laid the foundation of modern Malawi.