Ibrahim Matola

Ibrahim Matola is a Malawian politician (born 2 March 1972), who is currently serving as the Minister of Energy in the Office and Cabinet of Malawi. Matola previously served as the chairman of the southern region water board after being appointed by the President.^{[which?][citation needed]}

Right Honorable Ibrahim Matola
Matola taking his oath of office
Minister of Energy
Incumbent
Assumed office 30 January 2022
President	Lazarus Chakwera
Preceded by	Newton Kambala
In office 2012–2014
President	Joyce Banda
Member of Parliament Mangochi,North Makanjira
In office 2004–2009
Member of Parliament Mangochi North Makanjira
In office 2009–2014
Personal details
Born	Ibrahim (1972-03-02) 2 March 1972 (age 53) Mangochi
Nationality	Malawian
Political party	Peoples Party
Residence	Undisclosed
Alma mater	Maddina University (Political Science) UOL (Masters)
Profession	Businessman

National assembly

As the leader of the UDF in the National Assembly, Matola has criticized the government for ignoring the concerns of the minority parties. Though the UDF was the governing party from 1994 to 2004, it currently the second largest opposition party with only fifteen out of the one hundred ninety four seats in the National Assembly.^[1] He has expressed concern that Malawi is returning to a one–party system.^[2] He has been vocally critical of the leadership of the majority Democratic Progressive Party, accusing them of "raping the country". During some particularly contentious debates, such as the debate regarding whether to change the Flag of Malawi, Matola has participated in walkouts of minority party members.^[3]

During debates in the National Assembly he has clashed with George Chaponda. Matola has criticized Chaponda's record while serving with the UDP.^[4]

He has traveled to the European Parliament in Brussels and to the Parliament of the United Kingdom in Westminster for the International Parliamentary Seminar.^[5]

Political positions

Matola has advocated for the rights of farmers in Malawi.^[6] He has also raised concerns that freedom of the press in Malawi is being threatened.^[5]

Matola has repeatedly clashed with the national chairman of the UDF, Friday Jumbe. He led the UDF legislatures in a vote of no confidence in Jumbe and the election of George Nga Ntafu to replace him.^[1]

Matola has also criticised the 2011 Local Courts bill, arguing that it would provide too much power to local chiefs and could devolve into a "draconian system".^[7]