Former President Joyce Banda has pledged to introduce free secondary education if elected in the upcoming September 16 general election.

Speaking during the launch of the People’s Party (PP) manifesto, Banda, who is the party’s president, said education is a top priority, alongside restoring and revitalizing Malawi’s struggling economy, which she described as being in the “intensive care unit.”

“Our manifesto is centered on restoring, rebuilding, and reenergizing the economy. Education is a right, not a privilege, and we will ensure that all children, regardless of background, can access secondary education free of charge,” she stated.

Banda also reaffirmed her commitment to social protection programs, including the Cash-for-Work initiative and the Social Cash Transfer Program, which she introduced in 2012 during her tenure as President following the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika.

She recalled the austerity measures she implemented while in office, including a 30% salary cut, reducing the fleet of government vehicles, and instituting fiscal discipline to curb unnecessary expenditures.

She pledged to reinstate these measures and redirect saved resources toward essential services.

“If elected, I will reinstate these cost-saving strategies and channel the funds into programs that matter—such as free secondary education, purchasing essential medicines, and reducing the cost of basic goods on the market,” Banda declared.