The Malawian government is set to gazette a revised minimum wage on May 1, coinciding with International Labour Day, as workers press for a significant hike from the current K90,000 to K180,000. Labour Minister Peter Dimba confirmed that the review process is complete but withheld the final figure, citing protocol ahead of official publication.
The proposed increase follows a Tripartite Labour Advisory Council (TLAC) meeting last week, where the Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) advocated for a 100% raise, while the Employers Consultative Association of Malawi (Ecam) proposed a 40% increase to K126,000, citing inflation and economic strain.
MCTU President Charles Kumchenga emphasized that the meeting was advisory and that the government now holds the responsibility to act. Meanwhile, Ecam’s Executive Director George Khaki argued that industry challenges limit the feasibility of a higher wage.
The Centre for Social Concern highlighted the urgency of the matter, noting that the cost of living for a family of six stood at K503,876 in February—far above even the proposed new wage. As anticipation builds, May 1 may signal a pivotal moment for Malawian workers seeking greater financial relief.