Competing coalitions in alcohol policymaking in Malawi: a retrospective case study analysis of the alcohol sachet ban

Background

Harmful alcohol consumption has significant public health implications across Africa and disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. In Malawi, the emergence of alcohol sachets - small, affordable plastic packets containing high-strength spirits – and their consumption, has raised substantial public health concerns. In particular, the resulting access and consumption amongst young people, led to a ban on those products by the Malawi Government in 2017. This study focuses on the policy process of the sachets ban, from agenda setting, to formulation and covers the modalities for implementation.

Methods

Retrospective policy case study involving a documentary analysis of all key regulatory documents and in-depth interviews with thirteen policy stakeholders and key informants. The Advocacy Coalition Framework was used to guide the analysis.

Results

The findings reveal a long and contested process involving two primary coalitions. The pro-ban coalition (NGOs, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and government representatives), which used empirical and local evidence on sachet alcohol-related harms, particularly among young people, to emphasize the need to regulate. The opposing coalition (spearheaded by alcohol and plastics manufacturers) mounted multiple legal challenges, stalling the policy formulation of the ban. Ultimately, a strong enduring public health coalition, a high court ruling and a decisive government decision facilitated a final and complete ban in 2017.

Conclusion

This analysis demonstrates how public health advocates successfully countered industry interference through evidence-based advocacy, community engagement, and strategic coalition-building. The Malawi case offers valuable lessons for other African countries considering similar alcohol control measures, highlighting the role of coalitions, the importance of framing alcohol regulations as public health protections, and of developing robust implementation mechanisms.