A Dangerous Divide: The State of Inequality in Malawi

Malawi has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years, but the gains of this growth have not been spread evenly and the gap between rich and poor has widened at an alarming pace. Today, half of all Malawians live in poverty.

This report examines the sharp rise in inequality in Malawi between 2004/5 and 2010/11, and models the link between poverty, inequality and growth from 2015 to 2020. It analyses inequality in Malawi across a number of dimensions, including education, health, wealth and income/consumption, and also looks at how inequality is reinforced by corruption, gender inequity and an unequal distribution of political power. The authors warn that unless the government takes action, many more Malawians will live in poverty by 2020.