Roza Mbilizi Biography
Roza Mbilizi is a prominent figure in Malawi’s public service and politics. She has built a career focused on economic development and governance. On October 16, 2025, President Arthur Peter Mutharika appointed her as Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development. This role places her in charge of a key sector that supports Malawi’s economy. Agriculture makes up about 30 percent of the country’s gross domestic product and employs over 70 percent of the population. Her background in economics and tax administration makes her a fitting choice for this position. She aims to improve farming practices, irrigation systems and water management to boost food security and economic growth.
This biography explores her life journey. It covers her early years, education, professional path, political entry, personal experiences and lasting impact. Readers will learn how her work has shaped Malawi’s financial and agricultural policies. By understanding her story, people can see the importance of strong leadership in developing nations like Malawi. Her experiences highlight challenges and successes in public service, offering lessons for aspiring leaders. For instance, her reforms at the Malawi Revenue Authority show how better tax collection can fund national projects. This article uses simple words to make her story easy to follow and educational for all readers.
Roza Mbilizi’s rise shows the value of education and hard work in Africa. Many women in Malawi face barriers in politics and business, but she has broken through them. Her story encourages young people to pursue studies in economics and public administration. It also explains how government roles connect to everyday life, like ensuring farmers have water for crops. In Malawi, where many rely on rain fed farming, her new role could bring changes through better policies. This introduction sets the stage for a deeper look at her life, starting with her beginnings.
Roza Mbilizi Early Life and Background
Roza Mbilizi was born as Roza Madalo Fatch on October 6, 1968, in Malawi. Her birthplace links to Blantyre, a major city in the southern region, based on her career ties there. Growing up in Malawi during the 1970s and 1980s, she saw the country’s efforts to build its economy after independence in 1964. Malawi faced challenges like poverty and reliance on agriculture, which shaped many lives. Her family background remains private in public records, but she comes from Malawian roots that value education and community service.
As a child, Roza likely experienced the typical life in Malawi, where families focus on farming or small businesses. The economy then depended on tobacco and tea exports, teaching young people about the need for strong financial systems. She changed her name to Roza Mbilizi after marriage, a common practice in many cultures. This shows her connection to family traditions. Limited details exist on her siblings or parents, but her later achievements suggest a supportive environment that encouraged learning.
Her early influences probably included Malawi’s push for development. In the 1980s, the government promoted education for girls, though access was limited in rural areas. Roza’s path to university indicates she overcame such hurdles. This background prepared her for roles in economics, where understanding local needs is key. For readers, this shows how personal origins affect career choices. In Africa, many leaders start from modest beginnings and use education to contribute to society. Roza’s story educates on Malawi’s history, like how economic policies from that era still impact today. It highlights the role of women in family and community, inspiring readers to value their own roots.
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Roza Mbilizi Education and Qualifications
Roza Mbilizi pursued higher education in economics, building a strong foundation for her career. She earned a Bachelor of Social Science in Economics and Computer Science from Chancellor College, part of the University of Malawi. This degree equipped her with skills in data analysis and economic planning. Chancellor College is known for training leaders in Malawi, focusing on practical knowledge for national development.
She then studied abroad, obtaining a Master of Economic Studies from the University of Queensland in Australia. This program, completed between 1991 and 1993, covered development economics, which applies to countries like Malawi. Studying in Australia exposed her to global ideas on policy and finance. She also gained certificates in management, leadership, strategic planning, tax administration and women in development. These added to her expertise, making her versatile in public roles.
Her education matters because it shows the path to success in economics. For readers, this section explains why such qualifications are useful. Economics helps understand how money flows in a country, aiding decisions on taxes and spending. In Malawi, where many study locally, her international degree highlights benefits of global learning. Scholarships often support such opportunities, and readers can learn how to seek them. Roza’s story teaches that education opens doors in politics and business, especially for women in Africa. It connects to broader topics like STEM fields for girls, encouraging young people to explore similar paths.
Roza Mbilizi Career
Roza Mbilizi began her professional life as an economist in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development in Malawi around 1999. This entry level role involved analyzing data and helping plan national budgets. It gave her insight into government operations and economic challenges.
She later joined the Malawi Revenue Authority, or MRA, a body that collects taxes to fund public services. At MRA, she held key positions. She served as Head of Policy, Planning and Research, where she developed strategies to improve tax collection. This involved researching ways to make systems more efficient. She then became Deputy Commissioner General from July 2014 to June 2020. In this role, she oversaw operations, including modernization efforts that boosted revenue. For example, her work focused on compliance reforms, helping increase funds for health and education.
At times, she acted as Commissioner General, leading the entire organization. She represented MRA at international events, like those with the World Customs Organization, sharing Malawi’s experiences. Her career at MRA shows expertise in tax administration, strategic planning and performance management. These skills helped Malawi improve fiscal performance, vital for a developing economy.
In politics, Roza joined the Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, a major political group in Malawi. In August 2024, she announced her candidacy for Director of Women in the DPP. This position focuses on empowering women in the party. She campaigned on equal opportunities and inclusive leadership. Though details on the outcome are limited, her involvement boosted women’s roles in politics.
She also ran for parliament. In the September 2025 elections, she won the Mangochi Central constituency seat as a DPP member. This victory marked her shift from administration to elected office. As an MP, she represents local needs, like improving agriculture in Mangochi, a lakeside district.
Her career faced challenges. In July 2020, police arrested her over allegations of abuse of office, including issues with duty free imports and sale of MRA properties. She was granted bail shortly after. In July 2022, the Anti Corruption Bureau arrested her again, along with two others, over abuse of former President Mutharika’s tax identification number. They were released on bail. These cases involved claims of helping import cement without duties. By 2024, reports suggest the charges were dropped or not pursued further, allowing her to continue in politics.
This career section educates on public service roles. Tax collection, for example, funds schools and roads. Roza’s reforms at MRA likely increased revenue, helping Malawi reduce donor dependence. Her political entry shows how experts can influence policy.
Roza Mbilizi Appointment
On October 16, 2025, President Arthur Peter Mutharika appointed Roza Mbilizi as Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development under Section 94(1) of Malawi’s Constitution. This came after her election as MP for Mangochi Central. The role oversees policies on farming, water supply and irrigation, crucial for Malawi’s food production.
Her appointment fits her economic background. At MRA, she handled planning and reforms, skills useful for agricultural transformation. Malawi faces issues like climate change and poor irrigation, with only a small percentage of land irrigated. As minister, she can link tax expertise to funding subsidies for farmers.
The announcement was part of a cabinet update to strengthen governance. Alongside her, George Partridge became Minister of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism. This shows a focus on economic sectors.
For education, this section explains ministerial duties. In Malawi, the agriculture minister manages programs like farm input subsidies, helping smallholders. Roza’s role could address challenges like droughts by promoting better water use. Readers learn how appointments reflect national priorities, like boosting exports. Her story illustrates career progression from civil servant to minister, motivating others in public service.
Recent events include an alleged plot against her in October 2025. Former MP Victoria Kingston and others were arrested for conspiracy to commit murder, linked to election disputes. They were granted bail on October 17, 2025. This highlights political tensions but does not define her tenure.
Roza Mbilizi Personal Life
Roza Mbilizi is widowed. Her husband, Francis Mbilizi, passed away on August 1, 2020, due to Covid 19. They had one child together, Kwayera Mbilizi. Francis had three other children from previous relationships, making four children in total surviving him. A 2021 court case involved estate matters, but details remain private.
She enjoys golf and is rated as one of Malawi’s top female golfers. She has traveled to over 20 countries, likely through work and personal interests. As a dedicated Presbyterian in the CCAP Blantyre Synod, faith plays a role in her life. She runs businesses, adding to her economic insights.
Her personal life shows balance between family, hobbies and career. For readers, it humanizes leaders, teaching that public figures face losses like anyone. In Malawi, where family is central, her story educates on resilience after widowhood. It connects to broader topics like women’s roles in society and the impact of pandemics on families.
Conclusion
Roza Mbilizi’s biography reveals a dedicated economist and politician who has influenced Malawi’s development. From her early life in 1968 to her 2025 ministerial appointment, she has focused on economic reforms and public service. Her work at MRA improved revenue collection, while her political roles promote women’s empowerment. Despite challenges like arrests in 2020 and 2022, which were resolved, she continues to contribute.
Her legacy includes advancing agriculture policies and inspiring women leaders. As Minister, she can drive changes in irrigation and farming, aiding Malawi’s growth. Readers can follow her work to see real impacts. This story encourages education and service, showing how one person can shape a nation.
FAQs
Who is Roza Mbilizi?
She is a Malawian economist, politician and current Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, appointed on October 16, 2025.
What is Roza Mbilizi’s education?
She holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Economics and Computer Science from Chancellor College, University of Malawi, and a Master of Economic Studies from the University of Queensland, Australia.
What are Roza Mbilizi’s achievements?
Her key achievements include leading reforms at MRA as Deputy Commissioner General, boosting tax collection, and winning the Mangochi Central MP seat in 2025.
Was Roza Mbilizi arrested?
Yes, she was arrested in July 2020 and July 2022 over allegations related to duty free imports and tax number abuse, but granted bail and cases not pursued further.
What is Roza Mbilizi’s role in government?
She serves as Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, overseeing farming and water policies.
What is Roza Mbilizi’s family background?
Born Roza Madalo Fatch on October 6, 1968, she is widowed since 2020, with one child from her marriage and ties to Blantyre.