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Lazarus ChakweraPresident of Malawi since 28 June 2020
Date of Birth: 05.04.1995
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Content:
- Lazarus Chakwera: President of Malawi
- Education and Religious Career
- Political Career
- Presidency
- Executive Authority:
- SADC Chairmanship:
Lazarus Chakwera: President of Malawi
Birth and Early LifeLazarus Chakwera was born in Lilongwe, Malawi, on April 5, 1955. His family lived a subsistence farming lifestyle on the outskirts of the city.
Education and Religious Career
Chakwera earned a Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) from the University of Malawi in 1977. He pursued theological studies, receiving an honors diploma from the University of the North in South Africa and a master's degree from the University of South Africa in 1991. Trinity International University in the United States awarded him a doctorate in 2000. He also holds a professorship from the Pan Africa Theological Seminary (2005).
From 1983 to 2000, he served as an instructor at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, becoming its director in 1996. He was co-director and lecturer at the All Nations Theological Seminary. Since 1989, he has been the General Overseer of the Assemblies of God Malawi.
Political Career
In 2014, Chakwera ran for President of Malawi, losing to Peter Mutharika and becoming the official opposition leader in parliament. He became President on June 28, 2020, following a victory in the presidential election.
Presidency
Cabinet Appointments:Upon assuming office, Chakwera faced criticism for appointing relatives to his cabinet. Six members of the announced 31-member cabinet were related, including a brother and sister as the new ministers of labor and health.
Executive Authority:
Chakwera announced plans to reduce the power of the executive branch to make the presidency more accountable and enhance the role of other government branches.
SADC Chairmanship:
Malawi was elected to chair the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for the year following the 40th SADC summit in August 2020. Chakwera assumed the chairmanship from Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi in August 2021.
