As Malawi approaches the 2025 general elections, a growing number of figures from the corporate and technocratic sectors are moving into the political space, reflecting changing voter expectations around leadership and economic competence.
A notable example is Dalitso Kabambe, a former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi and respected finance expert. Although he has not formally declared political ambitions, Kabambe has increased his visibility through public lectures at universities and frequent media appearances, sparking speculation about his political intentions.
These engagements, while framed as academic discussions, function as strategic platforms for building public credibility, shaping national debate, and appealing to an increasingly issue-conscious electorate—particularly young professionals and students.
The use of public speeches and media platforms as political tools is well established. Ausloos et al. (2019) note that rhetoric has historically played a key role in political legitimacy. In Africa, leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah and, more recently, Kenya’s William Ruto, effectively used rhetoric to influence public opinion and mobilize support.
Unlike populist campaign styles, Kabambe’s approach emphasizes economic expertise and technocratic credibility, signaling a possible shift in Malawi’s political communication ahead of the 2025 polls. Whether this strategy can translate into broad electoral support remains an open question as voters weigh expertise against everyday socioeconomic concerns.
