MALAWI: Kabambe Slams 100% Public University Tuition Fee Hike

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi

United Transformation Movement (UTM) President Dalitso Kabambe has strongly criticised the government’s decision to increase tuition fees by 100 percent at Malawi’s public universities, describing the move as “economically reckless and politically suicidal.”

Speaking during a media briefing in Lilongwe, Kabambe said the sharp increase would place higher education beyond the reach of many Malawian families already struggling with the rising cost of living.

Kabambe recalled that it was the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration that, in 2014, withdrew government support for students’ accommodation and meals, forcing learners to meet those costs themselves.

He argued that the same DPP government has now doubled tuition fees, questioning how students from low-income households are expected to access higher education in public universities.

“The government must reconsider this decision because education should remain accessible to all deserving Malawians, regardless of their economic background,” Kabambe said.

His remarks come amid growing concern from students, parents and education stakeholders over the impact the fee increase is expected to have on access to tertiary education.