As Malawi marks 62 years of independence this July 6, current and former presidents have called for renewed efforts to achieve economic transformation, saying political freedom must now be matched by lasting economic independence.

In separate interviews with Zodiak Online, former presidents Joyce Banda and Bakili Muluzi together with immediate past president Lazarus Chakwera have reflected on the country's journey since attaining independence on July 6 1964. While acknowledging progress in democracy, education, healthcare and human rights, they said Malawi's next chapter should be defined by sustainable economic growth and self-reliance.

Former president Joyce Banda urged Malawians to safeguard the peace and unity the country has enjoyed over the years, saying these remain the foundation for national development.

She said love, compassion and a change in mindset are essential to building an inclusive society where development benefits every citizen.

"As we witness the challenges Malawians are facing in South Africa (xenophobia) and conflicts affecting other countries, we must cherish the peace we enjoy and use it to build a better future for everyone," said Banda.

Former president Bakili Muluzi stressed the need to reform the country's education system by investing more in technical and vocational education.

He said government should expand community and technical colleges to equip young people with practical skills that can enable them to create jobs instead of relying solely on white-collar employment.

"We must invest in community colleges and technical colleges so that young people can acquire skills to create jobs for themselves and others," said Muluzi.

President Chakwera said Malawi's future prosperity depends on harnessing the talents and potential of its youthful population.

He said empowering young people through education, innovation and skills development is critical to achieving the aspirations of the Malawi 2063 development blueprint and transforming the country into a self-reliant upper-middle-income economy.

President Arthur Peter Mutharika has also called for this year's Independence Day commemorations to focus on economic transformation, directing that all public funds budgeted for the celebrations be redirected to productive sectors to help reduce poverty, which he said has deepened over the past five years.

In his Independence Day message, Mutharika said Malawi's next frontier is economic independence, adding that this year's commemorations will be marked through prayers only.

“My Administration is steadfast in creating an environment for a prosperous nation. Despite global natural, political, and economic headwinds, food security remains under control and macroeconomic stability is steadily taking root, laying a fertile ground for investments that will generate foreign exchange, create jobs, and grow our economy for the benefit of all.”  Said Mutharika in the statement.

Malawi attained independence from British colonial rule on July 6 1964.

However, governance commentators say although the country has made significant strides in democratic governance and social development over the past six decades, economic challenges continue to undermine national progress.

Lost History Foundation executive director Conleth Selenje said Malawi has recorded notable political achievements since independence, but corruption has eroded many of the gains.

He called for stronger accountability and decisive action against corruption to accelerate economic development.

Political Science Association spokesperson Mabvuto Bamusi also observed that unemployment, corruption and weak public accountability continue to constrain the country's development aspirations and suffocate state owned enterprises.

He said responsible leadership, economic empowerment and inclusive development will be key to securing a prosperous future for Malawi.