Why Malawi is forcing every civil servant to re-verify their job
Malawi has launched a nationwide payroll audit that will require every civil servant to prove they legitimately hold their job, as the government battles a rapidly expanding wage bill that officials warn is starving the country of development funds.
The audit, announced by Information Minister Shadreck Namalomba, comes following revelations that the public wage bill is projected to reach K1.6 trillion (approx. $941 million) in the 2025/26 financial year, up from K479.6 billion (approx. $282 million) just four years ago. The 234% surge has raised fears that salaries are consuming too much of the national budget.
Namalomba said the wage bill now absorbs 25% of all government recurrent spending, and a staggering 38% of domestic tax revenue goes straight to paying public workers. “This leaves very little money for roads, hospitals, schools, agriculture and economic growth,” he warned.
Officials say the crisis is being fuelled by outdated records, weak controls, duplicated roles, and widespread ghost workers (individuals who no longer serve in government but still receive salaries).
To address this, Malawi will conduct a Comprehensive Civil Service Payroll Audit between December 6, 2025 and February 6, 2026. Every civil servant must present themselves in person with their national ID, academic certificates, appointment letters and other documents. Those who fail to appear will be treated as illegitimate employees, with immediate salary suspension and dismissal proceedings.
Chief Secretary to the Government Dr Justin Saidi described the exercise as critical for “safeguarding public finances” and restoring order to government systems. He said the verification would help permanently eliminate payroll fraud and modernise Malawi’s HR and payroll infrastructure.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
