In brief
As inflation surges in Malawi, mother of four Suzanna Kathumba shares her sacrifices to stretch her meager monthly salary of $46, highlighting the difficulties faced by families in a hyperinflationary economy.
At 43, Suzanna Kathumba juggles her role as a mother and a domestic worker in Malawi, earning a mere 80,000 kwacha ($46; £34) a month. With most of her income going towards school fees for her four children, she has resorted to extreme measures to save money. “I've told my youngest children not to get too dirty when playing, so we can save on soap,” she explained. Living in the capital, Lilongwe, Suzanna is the family’s main breadwinner, facing skyrocketing prices for essentials like sugar, which costs 4,500 kwacha ($3) per kg. The country's inflation rate was reported at a staggering 27.7% in May, alongside concerns of hyperinflation impacting daily life. Economist Dr. Bertha Bangara Chikadza pointed out that Malawi's economy is primarily reliant on low-value exports like maize, while it imports costly goods. Business owners are feeling the pressure too, with many struggling to keep customers as prices soar. In response to the dire economic situation, many informal traders protested in February, blocking the parliament in hopes of change. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has suspended its loan agreement with Malawi due to unmet review requirements, affecting the economic landscape further. As Malawians gear up for September's national elections, the government vows to tackle rising prices amidst growing public concerns. For Suzanna and her family, the hope for relief remains intertwined with political decisions, wishing to see their struggles recognized and addressed.
