The list of ministers and deputy ministers has been reduced from 33 to 27, but critics say it is still too large.

The reshuffle was expected following reports that a number of ministers were implicated in a corruption investigation being carried out by Malawi's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the UK's National Crimes Agency.

In his New Year message, President Chakwera had promised to name a new and leaner cabinet.

The list of the new cabinet minister was released on Tuesday at around midnight local time.

Mr Chakwera has not allocated himself a ministerial portfolio as was the case previously. He also did not allocate ministerial responsibilities to his Vice-President Saulos Chilima - who is facing corruption charges that he denies.

The vice-president remains in office because under Malawi law he cannot be sacked.

Senior party members from the ruling coalition were also left out of the new cabinet.