High illiteracy levels among the populace and lack of sound leadership in all sectors of the country have been cited as some major factors derailing the development of Malawi.

This is according to Moses Mkandawire executive director of Nyika Institute who said since 1994, Malawi has been having leaders that have  a lot of deficiencies in as far as managing the country is concerned.

Mkandawire further observed that high illiteracy levels among the citizenry makes it difficult for them to actively engage authorities therefore creating a platform conducive for mediocrity.

Meanwhile, Mkandawire has warned that unless Malawi sorts out some of these challenges, the country will take long to attain the much talked development.