Joyce Banda, Malawi's first female president, has been marking her first year in office since she came to power after the death of President Bingu Wa Mutharika in April 2012.

Thousands of Malawians on Sunday (07.04.13) joined Malawi's President Joyce Banda as she celebrated her first year in office. She was sworn in on April 7, 2012 after President Bingu Wa Mutharika died of cardiac arrest. Africa's second female president came to power in accordance with provisions in the constitution which require that the vice president should take office automatically on the president's death.
Among the challenges President Joyce Banda inherited was the country's deteriorating economic situation, which was partly brought about by the unfavorable relationship between the late President Bingu Wa Mutharika and external donors.
When President Banda was sworn in, many Malawians hoped would fix the country's economy. But one year on, opinions over whether she has succeeded in improving country's economic outlook are divided.