President Chakwera's election victory had brought hopes of a renaissance.
His team is also dominated by members of prominent families.
Kondwani Nankhumwa, the leader of the opposition, said the new Cabinet is underwhelming.
Some activists are already planning protests against President Chakwera.
Malawi’s new President Lazarus Chakwera has come under fire for going back on his electoral promises by appointing a Cabinet of recycled politicians and relatives of the powerful people.
Mr Chakwera came to power last month after defeating former president Peter Mutharika in a re-run of the 2019 presidential elections.
