Employers Consultative Association of Malawi (Ecam) has proposed a 25 percent increase in the general minimum wage to partially restore workers’ purchasing power eroded by inflation while ensuring employers are not squeezed. In a position paper dated January 23 2026 submitted to the Ministry of Labour, Skills and Innovation, Ecam proposed raising the general minimum wage from K126 000 to K157 500. In the manufacturing sector, Ecam has recommended a minimum wage of K157 500 per month while commercial agriculture workers would earn K132 300 representing five percent above the general minimum wage. He further cautioned that excessive wage increase could raise employers’ operating costs, which may be passed on to consumers through higher prices thereby fuelling inflation and creating a vicious cycle of economic challenges. Last year, the general minimum wage was increased by 40 percent from K90 000 to K126 000.