In Malawi, rising prices are forcing families into desperate measures. Domestic worker Suzanna Kathumba, earning only 80,000 kwacha ($46; £34) monthly, reveals the difficult choices she faces. Struggling to make ends meet for her four children, she is compelled to tell her younger ones not to play, hoping to conserve soap costs. Despite the joy that play brings children, the harsh economic realities have pushed her to prioritize savings over happiness.
Inflation in Malawi has soared to alarming levels, with the annual rate reaching nearly 28% and the country classified as "hyperinflationary" by Ernst & Young. With basic goods' prices rising daily while salaries remain stagnant, Kathumba and many others find themselves scrambling to pay for essential items like school fees, food, and soap, with little left over at the end of the month.
The economic crisis is rooted in a severe shortage of foreign currency, exacerbated by an imbalance between imports and exports, leading to rising costs for businesses and consumers alike. Local traders have also been deeply affected, with some struggling to maintain sales amid escalating prices driven by limited access to foreign exchange.
Demonstrations by informal traders seeking change reflect the growing frustration among citizens over the government's handling of the situation. As Malawi's national elections approach, the issue of inflation is likely to be a focal point, with families hoping for relief from the ongoing crisis. Amidst all these challenges, Kathumba expresses a profound wish for government policies that will consider the struggling population and bring stability to the economy.
Inflation in Malawi has soared to alarming levels, with the annual rate reaching nearly 28% and the country classified as "hyperinflationary" by Ernst & Young. With basic goods' prices rising daily while salaries remain stagnant, Kathumba and many others find themselves scrambling to pay for essential items like school fees, food, and soap, with little left over at the end of the month.
The economic crisis is rooted in a severe shortage of foreign currency, exacerbated by an imbalance between imports and exports, leading to rising costs for businesses and consumers alike. Local traders have also been deeply affected, with some struggling to maintain sales amid escalating prices driven by limited access to foreign exchange.
Demonstrations by informal traders seeking change reflect the growing frustration among citizens over the government's handling of the situation. As Malawi's national elections approach, the issue of inflation is likely to be a focal point, with families hoping for relief from the ongoing crisis. Amidst all these challenges, Kathumba expresses a profound wish for government policies that will consider the struggling population and bring stability to the economy.
