Malawi has sworn in a new second-in-command — Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah, SC, a seasoned lawyer and trailblazing judge whose appointment marks a historic milestone for the country.

At 69, Ansah becomes only the second woman to serve as Malawi’s vice president, following Dr. Joyce Banda (2009–2012).

Her swearing-in comes after the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) ticket, led by former president Arthur Peter Mutharika with Ansah as his running mate, secured a decisive comeback victory in the 2025 general elections with 56.8% of the vote.

Ansah’s rise to the vice presidency carries a cross-continental note: she has been married for over four decades to Bishop Dr. Joseph Addo Ansah, a Ghanaian clergyman.

Their long partnership, she has often said, has been crucial in balancing public service with family life.

A Career of Firsts


Ansah’s professional journey mirrors Malawi’s democratic evolution. Called to the bar in 1978, she rose steadily through the judiciary:

  • 1997/98 – Appointed as a High Court judge.

  • 2006–2011 – Became Malawi’s first female Attorney General.

  • 2011 – Promoted to the Supreme Court of Appeal.

  • 2016–2020 – Chaired the Malawi Electoral Commission during one of the nation’s most contentious elections.

Her resignation after the 2019 polls were annulled by the courts cemented her reputation as a principled leader committed to due process.

Academic and Legal Distinction


Ansah holds an LLB from the University of Malawi, an LLM in International Human Rights Law, and a PhD in the same field from the University of Nottingham in the UK. She remains the only female judge in Malawi to hold a doctorate in law, making her a role model for a new generation of women in the profession.

A Symbol of Change


Her election is widely seen as a victory for women’s leadership and a boost for institutional credibility in Malawi. Analysts suggest Ansah’s dual grounding in the judiciary and politics uniquely positions her to strengthen democratic governance.

As Malawi looks to the future under the returning leadership of Mutharika and his historic deputy, many citizens view Ansah’s presence in the top ranks as both a sign of progress and a reminder that the country’s democratic story continues to be written by trailblazers.