Henry Mathanga, the governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi, has left office following a voluntary resignation, receiving a severance package valued at MK1.5 billion.
The departure coincides with the return of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to power, marking a significant leadership change in the country's financial administration.
2 trillion in the previous fiscal year, according to government figures.
The substantial exit payment has drawn scrutiny in a nation grappling with mounting fiscal pressures.
Malawi's total debt stands at K16 trillion, with domestic debt accounting for 65 percent of the total.
Interest payments on this debt are projected to rise to K2.7 trillion in the 2026/27 financial year, up from K2.2 trillion in the previous fiscal year, according to government figures.
Critics argue that high-profile payouts during periods of economic strain undermine public trust and fiscal responsibility.
Bertha Phiri, executive director of the Malawi Economic Justice Network, has previously noted the country's vulnerability to global commodity price swings, as its exports are dominated by tobacco, tea, and sugar.
The resignation underscores the broader challenges facing Malawi's economic policy framework.