In a landmark announcement, Malawi’s newly inaugurated President Peter Mutharika has unveiled sweeping reforms aimed at transforming the nation’s education and food security landscape. Speaking at an annual cultural festival in Thyolo District, Mutharika declared that primary and secondary education will be free for all Malawian students starting January 2026. The president emphasized the critical role of education in national development, urging parents and guardians to ensure every child attends school. ‘Parents will now have no excuse for failing to send their children to school. Education is the foundation of progress,’ Mutharika stated. Additionally, the president addressed the pressing issue of hunger, revealing that his government is securing 200,000 metric tons of maize from Zambia to assist over four million food-insecure citizens. Mutharika, who assumed office on October 4, 2025, following his victory in the September 16 presidential election, has prioritized these initiatives as part of his broader vision for a prosperous Malawi. The agriculture minister has been dispatched to Zambia to finalize the maize procurement deal, underscoring the administration’s commitment to alleviating hunger and fostering sustainable development.