Simplex Ed Chithyola Banda

Simplex Ed Chithyola Banda is the Leader of the Opposition of Malawi’s National Assembly for the 2025 to 2030 Parliament. He leads the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), the largest party outside government, in the House.

He was born in Kasungu in 1969, went to Kasungu Secondary School and holds a master’s degree in public policy and administration.

Under President Lazarus Chakwera he was Minister of Finance from 2023 to 2025, replacing Sosten Gwengwe. He set out a ‘4F’ plan built around fuel, forex, food and fertiliser. In April 2026 he presented himself to police for questioning after learning they were investigating allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.

Simplex Ed Chithyola Banda is the Member of Parliament for Kasungu South constituency in Kasungu district, in Malawi’s Central Region. He sits as a member of the MCP. In the 16 September 2025 general election Banda won the seat with 12,349 votes (49.3% of valid votes), ahead of Joseph Manguluti (Independent) with 11,817. 4 candidates stood.