Malawi's Economic Struggles: A Mother's Dilemma Amidst Inflation**

With inflation at unprecedented levels, Malawian families, like that of Suzanna Kathumba, struggle to make ends meet, forcing difficult choices that compromise basic living standards.**

In Malawi, economic challenges loom large for many, particularly for single mothers like Suzanna Kathumba. With a modest salary of 80,000 kwacha ($46; £34) a month, Kathumba finds herself at a crossroads of financial strain as she raises four children alone. Living in the capital city of Lilongwe, her discussions revolve around creative budgeting strategies, such as telling her younger children not to play too vigorously to reduce soap costs.

As Kathumba cleans her home, her thoughts are occupied by the rising costs of essentials, particularly as inflation soars. The annual inflation rate was recorded at 27.7% in May, a drop from 29.2% in the previous month, but still among the highest in Africa. Ms. Kathumba highlighted the disconnect between stagnant salaries and the ever-increasing prices of goods: "The money finishes before it even comes. We're living a very hard life."

The country faces a crisis classified as a "hyperinflationary economy" by Ernst & Young, and projections indicate further inflationary pressure in the coming years. With 70% of the population surviving on less than $2.15 per day, Kathumba admits that saving is a distant dream. She spends approximately 50,000 kwacha ($29) per term on her children’s schooling, leaving little for other necessities like food and cleaning supplies.

The economic turmoil in Malawi is exacerbated by a lack of foreign currency, affecting the ability to import essential goods. This has caused businesses like that of stationery shop owner Mohammed Hanif Waka to suffer from plummeting sales and forced redundancies. He expressed frustration over the scarcity of forex, telling the BBC: "I can't remember when our banks gave us forex."

Discontent is palpable among the populace, with informal traders protesting in February, confronting the escalating costs that hinder their businesses. While a $175 million loan from the IMF remains temporarily suspended due to economic strain, Finance Minister Simplex Chithyola Banda asserts it was a necessary decision based on the urgency of procuring essential items like fuel over building reserves.

As Malawi approaches national elections, the economic crisis has emerged as a pivotal campaign issue, with citizens like Kathumba yearning for political solutions that address their everyday struggles. “I hope the politicians remember the less privileged Malawians when making their decisions,” she expressed, reflecting the overarching sentiment across the nation. With hopes pinned on effective governance, Malawians watch for feasible measures to bring stability and relief to their daily lives.