In 2022, when we moved to Blantyre, the cost of living was pegged at K277,726 according to the Centre for Social Concern. Fast forward to 2025, merely three years later, and that figure has soared to K748,097. This represents a staggering 169.37% increase in the cost of living during this period.
While the cost of living has skyrocketed, salary adjustments have lagged behind. Between May 2022 and February 2025, salaries have only risen by approximately 76.18%. For many of us, this disparity has turned daily living into a relentless struggle. Personally, I feel trapped, surviving only by the grace of God, as I estimate I’d need a cost of living adjustment of about 53% this year just to stay afloat.
This is why, when civil servants protest for a 44% salary adjustment, I find myself empathizing with their plight. The demand may seem steep to some, but it’s a reflection of the harsh economic realities we’re facing in Blantyre today.
However, a significant roadblock to achieving fair wage adjustments lies in the economic mindset. There seems to be a persistent belief among economists that increasing salaries beyond the inflation rate—approximately 30%—would inevitably fuel inflation. But this view fails to account for the reality on the ground. Historically, salary adjustments have been based on the expectation that inflation would remain below 10%. Even as inflation has surged past this figure, the policy has remained unchanged, perpetuating an unfair wage system.
The constitution guarantees every worker the right to a fair wage. Adjusting salaries to reflect inflation isn’t just a demand; it’s a necessity to uphold this constitutional entitlement.
Now, let’s address the frequently cited argument against significant wage increases: the fear of the wage-price spiral. Economists argue that if people earn more, they’ll spend more, increasing demand and consequently driving up prices. Furthermore, they claim that such salary increases should be backed by increased production to prevent inflation.
But here’s the truth: an increase in wages doesn’t create new demand—it liberates people to meet their existing needs. The lack of purchasing power doesn’t negate the need; it merely suppresses it. If industries respond to increased demand by ramping up production rather than hiking prices, the so-called wage-price spiral can be avoided entirely.
In essence, the key to balancing wage adjustments and inflation lies in aligning production growth with increased demand. Simply raising prices does nothing to address the needs of the population—it only deepens the struggle.
The cost of living in Blantyre has placed many in an untenable position. It’s time for policymakers and economists to take a realistic and empathetic approach, ensuring that wage adjustments reflect the economic realities we face today. Only then can we hope to foster a fair and sustainable economy.
