The government of Malawi has finalized its third annual progress report (APR) of Malawi's Poverty Reduction Strategy (MPRS) for the period July 2004 to December 2005. The government's strategy as described in the MPRS focuses on reducing poverty through creating a stable macroeconomic environment and undertaking activities in four interrelated pillars. IMF staff recommends that in future processes, extra effort is made to ensure greater participation by the private sector and key members of parliament. The food security crisis was deeper than anticipated, leading to higher expenditures.

This paper examines the Annual Progress Report on Malawi’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. Malawi could not reach its macroeconomic targets owing mainly to expansionary fiscal policies, which resulted in higher-than-envisaged domestic debt, interest rates, and inflation. The authorities aim to reduce the government’s domestic debt to free fiscal resources for development expenditures and ease credit costs for private sector-led growth. The University of Malawi undertook several activities meant to increase access and equity and to reduce reliance on government subventions.

The objective for net foreign assets was discussed in this paper. Macroeconomic performance under the PRGF arrangement was broadly discussed. Several developments during the second half of 2005/2006 required the authorities to strengthen financial management controls and to make other policy adjustments. To meet additional humanitarian needs, the government expanded its food security operations. The authorities are working with IMF staff and other stakeholders to redefine pro-poor spending for 2006/2007. The government has taken further steps to ensure the viability of the pension system.