By Dyson Mthawanji
Prisons in Malawi can now afford a smile following the coming into operation of the Prisons Act (2025) which will see inmates benefiting financially from the skills they acquire in prisons.
The major reforms that come with the new law include establishment of halfway houses. Under the new law, prisoners will also be empowered to engage in labour within and outside the prisons at a fee.
Minister of Homeland Security Ezekiel Ching’oma designated 18 August, 2025 for the Act to become operational to replace the archaic 1956 legislation that dwelled on suppression of offenders rather than rehabilitation.
Malawi prisons offer inmates a range of skills training programmes, including tailoring, barbering, carpentry, welding, and electrical installation, alongside literacy and numeracy.
These initiatives, often supported by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the Malawi Prison Service (MPS), aim to reduce reoffending by equipping inmates with practical, income-generating skills for reintegration into society. The programmes cater to both male and female inmates. The skills initiative also extend to addressing soft skills like conflict resolution
DVV International is one of the NGOs providing ALE in prison in Malawi. Since 2020, DVV International has been providing such services at Zomba Central Prison in collaboration with MPS and Centre for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance (CHREEA).
In an interview with The Nation newspaper, CHREEA Executive Director Victor Chagunyuka Mhango described operationalisation of the Act as a critical step towards replacing the outdated 1956 legislation with a modern framework that reflects constitutional values and international human rights standards.
The commencement of this Act provides an opportunity to improve prison management, protect the rights of prisons deprived of liberty and promote rehabilitation over punishment. We call on all stakeholders, including the Inspectorate of Prisons, civil society, and government to work together to ensure that the Act is fully implemented.
MPS spokesperson Steven Meke told The Nation newspaper that operationalisation of the Act is a game changer in regards to prison management. He said it aligns with the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi and international standards.
It’s favourable for reformation and rehabilitation as it provides for the establishment of open prisons and halfway houses. These facilities are conducive to reformation and rehabilitation, thereby improving post-incarceration lives of inmates as they will be acquiring various skills while servicing their custodial sentences.
Meke said it is expected that reoffending will, therefore, be reduced significantly as inmates will reintegrate successfully into society on the premise that their self-esteem would be improved through acquisition of new skills prior to their release.
According to a study by the United States Development of State, Malawi’s prisons are overcrowded with facilities operating at over 200%.
The study findings complemented MPS statistics which show that there are close to 17 000 prisoners against a recommended holding capacity of 7 000.