AGP Executive Report

AfDB Support for Imports: Malawi is set to benefit from AfDB funding under the Global Energy and Fertiliser Crisis Response Framework, with a pledge aimed at easing pressure on foreign exchange for fuel and fertiliser imports. Lake Malawi Transport Upgrade: Government has signed an MoU with HongTai Investment Group to modernise Monkey Bay shipyard and ports and build new lake vessels, starting with an initial $20m investment. Electricity Cost Row: EGENCO has rejected claims of a K32.3bn monthly diesel bill, saying calculations don’t match its real operating practices, as debate continues over recommissioning diesel generators. Parliament vs Executive Tensions: HRCC warns of rising friction between Parliament and the Executive amid plans for 13 separate parliamentary investigations, urging constitutional order and clearer mandates. Youth Finance Push: Standard Bank unveiled a K500m youth empowerment initiative, targeting education, skills and youth participation to back Malawi’s young population. Road Safety in Focus: Isuzu has recalled thousands of D-Max bakkies over a brake pedal pivot pin issue, advising owners to visit dealerships for inspection and free fixes. Clean Air Warning: A new Africa air quality brief says more than 20 African countries, including Malawi, are failing WHO air pollution guidelines. Regional Trade: Malawi and Tanzania deepen economic ties through a trade and investment forum in Dar es Salaam, with calls to turn agreements into real movement of goods and investment.

Kwacha & Cash Crunch: Malawians report the Kwacha’s stability isn’t easing daily life because cash is scarce, with small earners like minibus drivers saying take-home pay has fallen. Green Industrial Push: Government reaffirmed green industrialisation as the route to jobs and exports, flagging priorities from cleaner energy and SME manufacturing to university-private sector partnerships. CDF Procurement Risks: Councillors and council secretariats are clashing over how contractors are selected for Reformed K5bn CDF projects, raising transparency fears. Old Mutual Earnings Rise: Old Mutual posted stronger first-half results, driven by higher life premium sales and cost discipline. Parliament Oversight Drive: Speaker Sameer Suleman opened 12 joint parliamentary probes into issues including NOCMA fuel procurement, mining, fertiliser contracts, electricity, prisons, pensions and major public projects—sparking debate on what Parliament truly aims to uncover. Corrupt Contract Breach Ruling: Malawi’s government was censured after a High Court order for compensation to four firms over unlawful withholding of AIP/FISP contracts. Netball Governance Shock: Netball Association of Malawi must explain “unsupported” K65m payments after auditors flagged missing paperwork, prompting promised reforms. Lake Malawi Shipping Deal: Malawi signed a $20m MoU with Hongtai Investment Group to supply vessels and modernise Monkey Bay shipyard. Banking & Youth: NBM expands regional reach via Mozambique’s FACIM, while Standard Bank launched “Project Youth” to boost skills and opportunities for young people.

Education & Skills: MANEB released 2026 MSCE results showing 111,510 passes out of 188,169 candidates (59.26%), with top-performing districts including Dedza (9.89%) and Rumphi (8.54%). Agribusiness & Courts: Malawi’s High Court ordered government to compensate four firms after unlawfully denying them AIP fertilizer supply contracts in 2020/21, clearing the way for claims over lost business and profits. Energy & Cost of Living: Energy Minister Jean Mathanga says blackouts should ease by December, citing incoming machine spares and expected Mozambique electricity imports, though consumer watchdogs urge caution. Governance & Finance: CDH Investment Bank sponsored K5 million for IIA Malawi’s governance forum and annual conference under “The Currency of Trust.” Banking & Trade: NBM plc is strengthening its regional footprint at Mozambique’s Maputo trade fair (FACIM), while Standard Bank launched “Project Youth” to support skills and youth participation. Clean Cooking Finance: Carbon credit financing is helping households switch from charcoal to cleaner cookstoves, cutting smoke and costs across parts of Africa. Security: Police arrested Pofera Boma over an Area 25 armed robbery that killed a pregnant woman and left her husband seriously injured. Digital Inclusion: UNDP and Ictam’s Inclusive Digital Transformation for Malawi trained 28 visually impaired people in basic computer skills in Lilongwe.

Aid Shock to Health Services: OECD data shows global development aid fell 23.1% in 2025, with Malawi hit hard by US cuts that forced mobile clinics to halt, costing FPAM over a quarter of its health workers and risking setbacks in HIV, malaria and TB care. Court Clears AIP Firms: Malawi’s High Court ruled four companies can claim compensation for lost profits after being wrongly denied fertilizer supply contracts under the 2020/21 Affordable Inputs Programme. El Niño Funding Gap: Malawi says it needs K488.5bn for 2026/27 El Niño preparedness but has mobilised only K163.7bn, leaving a K324.8bn gap across food, health, water and energy. School Meals at Risk: WFP warns 611,800 learners could lose meals from September 2026 unless $19.7m (about K34.1bn) is found. Energy Accountability Fight: Consumers Association of Malawi attacks government’s diesel generator rental plan as “money generation” amid corruption fears, while hospital conditions and a controversial NOCMA payment add to institutional pressure. Mining Boom Debate: New rare earth and critical minerals projects could transform Malawi’s economy, but experts warn Malawi risks exporting raw value without stronger institutions and local processing. Parliament Oversight in Court: A private citizen has obtained an injunction stopping Parliament’s planned investigations into state bodies, as government denies involvement in the case. Sports & Business Pulse: NBM plc injects K40m into NPL’s Mother’s Fun Run, while Bullets thrash Silver 5-0 in the FDH Premiership first-round finale.

Parliament Oversight Clash: Speaker Sameer Suleman’s plan to set up 12 joint parliamentary committees to probe public concerns is sparking a constitutional standoff, with the government insisting it did not fund a court challenge and civil groups warning against political intimidation. Institutional Strain in Health: Malawi’s referral hospitals are reported to be deteriorating, with patients facing poor conditions alongside controversy over a controversial NOCMA payment linked to alleged cyber-fraud. El Niño Funding Gap: Government says it needs K488.5bn for 2026/27 preparedness but has mobilised only K163.7bn, leaving a K324.8bn shortfall across food, health, water and energy. School Meals at Risk: WFP warns 611,800 learners could lose meals from September 2026 without about $19.7m (K34.1bn) in donor support. Governance and Money Controls: Netball Association of Malawi auditors issued a qualified opinion after NAM failed to account for K65m, while consumer watchdogs attack government diesel generator contracts as a corruption risk. Business & Community: NBM plc injects K40m into NPL’s Mother’s Fun Run 2026, and Shire Valley leaders push a dated infrastructure roadmap in the Nchalo Declaration.

Public Institutions Under Strain: Malawi’s referral hospitals are reportedly deteriorating—broken equipment, unreliable power and water shortages—while a controversial NOCMA K700m payment tied to alleged cyber-fraud raises fresh questions on safeguards and accountability. El Niño Funding Crunch: Government says it needs K488.5bn for 2026/27 El Niño preparedness but has mobilised only K163.7bn, leaving a K324.8bn gap that could hit food, energy, health and water systems. School Meals at Risk: WFP warns 611,800 primary learners could lose meals from September 2026 as funding runs out, threatening nutrition and enrolment gains. Parliament Oversight vs Court Fight: Speaker Sameer Suleman’s plan for 12 joint committees faces a High Court injunction sought by private citizen Austin Mkoka; government insists it did not sponsor the case. Governance in Power Sector: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee flags conflict-of-interest concerns as the civil service head chairs boards of Egenco, Escom and PML, undermining independence in power deals. Diesel Generator Controversy: Consumers Association of Malawi attacks government’s genset rental plan as “money generation” amid corruption fears and rising tariffs. Business & Finance: MEDF cuts loan processing to 12 days to speed up SME access to credit. Agriculture & Trade: Minister Roza Mbilizi urges more inclusive agricultural policymaking with bigger roles for farmers, youth, women and the private sector. Sports: Bullets thrash Silver Strikers 5-0 in the FDH Bank Premiership first-round run-up.

Parliament Oversight vs Legal Challenge: Speaker Sameer Suleman’s plan for 12 joint parliamentary committees to probe public concerns is facing pushback, with critics warning he’s blurring oversight and investigation, while a citizen has filed for an urgent judicial review to halt the probes. Energy Governance Conflict: Malawi’s power sector is under scrutiny after Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee flagged a conflict of interest where the civil service chief chairs boards of Egenco, Escom and Power Market Limited, raising questions on who negotiates PPAs, tariffs and debts. Business Lending Speed-Up: The Malawi Enterprise Development Fund (MEDF) cut loan processing from 30 days to 12, aiming to help small firms access capital faster, though it says lending checks remain strict. Agriculture Trade and Farmer Voice: Agriculture Minister Roza Mbilizi urged more inclusive policymaking for farmers, youth, women and the private sector, while Malawi is also looking to neighbours to build regional agri-food value chains. El Niño Preparedness: Government says it has a K488.5bn plan for 2026/27, with a funding gap of about K324.8bn, targeting agriculture, food security, water, energy and social protection. Social Protection Financing: Finance officials launched a sustainable financing strategy to reduce donor dependence in social protection programmes. Competition Law Under Pressure: Experts say many Competition and Fair Trading Commission decisions are being challenged in court, as firms seek clarity on how the updated 2024 law is applied. Water Board Power Struggle: Blantyre Water Board’s board-versus-CEO standoff continues to raise governance concerns and questions about accountability.

MEDF Loan Speed-Up: Malawi Enterprise Development Fund has cut loan processing from 30 days to 12, aiming to help small businesses act on opportunities faster while keeping risk checks in place. Social Protection Financing: Government launched a Sustainable Financing Strategy for Social Protection to reduce dependence on donors, including more state funding for social cash transfers and plans to mobilise domestic revenue. El Niño Preparedness: Malawi unveiled a K488.5bn 2026/27 El Niño plan (K163.7bn already mobilised), targeting agriculture, food security, water, energy, health and early warning. Energy Sector Governance: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee flagged conflict-of-interest concerns after the civil service head chairs boards of Egenco, Escom and PML, raising accountability and investor-confidence questions. Competition Law Under Pressure: Under the updated Competition and Fair Trading Act, 60% of CFTC determinations are being challenged in court, with firms seeking stays over penalties. Miss Malawi Fallout: The Miss Malawi Organisation denied claims by reigning queen Thandi Chisi, including disputes over prize payments and access to international pageant opportunities. Digital Payments Slump: RBM data shows digital transactions fell in Q1 2026, with volumes and value down quarter-on-quarter, as consumers cite levies. Court Update—Magalasi: A court refused bail for DPP strategist Collins Magalasi, ordering him to remain in Maula Prison on remand in the Amaryllis hotel money laundering case. Football Title Race: Bullets vs Silver Strikers headlines the FDH Bank Premiership as both chase first-round summit points.

El Niño Preparedness: Malawi’s government, via an adhoc Cabinet committee chaired by Chief Secretary Justin Saidi, has rolled out a 2026/27 National El Niño Preparedness Plan covering agriculture, food security, health, water, logistics and early-warning systems, after forecasts point to below-normal rains in southern and central regions. UK Climate Support: The UK has pledged about $3m to help translate El Niño forecasts into early action, including drought-resistant crops and community-level information. Finance & Payments: The RBM reports digital transactions slowed in Q1 2026, with volumes down 9.2% and value down 28.4%, while MEDF cut loan processing from 30 to 12 days to speed up SME access to credit. Anti–Money Laundering Rules: New “Simplified Due Diligence” thresholds let banks use lighter checks for lower-risk customers, aiming to target AML/CTF controls more proportionately. Electricity Contracts Under Scrutiny: CAMA demands publication of all EGENCO/ESCOM diesel generator rental contracts, warning consumers could face higher costs if deals fail to end blackouts. Corruption Court Update: Collins Magalasi has been refused bail and ordered to stay in Maula Prison as cases linked to the Amaryllis Hotel probe escalate. Trade & Markets: Malawi exports to the US rose 23% in the first half of 2026, and exporters shipped $32m to the US. Sports & Culture: The FDH Bank Premiership first-round ends with Silver Strikers vs Bullets, while Lake of Stars Festival has been pushed to 2027 due to funding and FX constraints.

HIV Funding Pressure: Malawi’s National Aids Commission warns declining donor support is testing gains as it pushes for more domestic financing for HIV programmes. El Niño Preparedness: The UK pledges about $3m (K5.3bn) to help Malawi turn climate forecasts into early action ahead of the 2026/27 El Niño season, including support for agribusiness and drought-resistant crops. Electricity Contracts Scrutiny: Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) demands EGENCO and ESCOM publish all diesel generator rental contracts, saying secrecy could mean higher tariffs and that rentals haven’t solved blackouts. Corruption Case Watch: Collins Magalasi remains in custody after bail delays and fresh charges tied to the Amaryllis Hotel deal, as the state argues for continued detention. Parliament vs Executive: Opposition parties back Parliament’s planned investigations into public failures, while the DPP warns the Speaker not to create competing centres of authority. Health Crisis Signal: A new WHO-linked report says non-communicable diseases now drive about 4 in 10 deaths in Malawi, pushing calls for stronger leadership and funding. Festival Hit: Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival is postponed to 2027, citing rising costs and FX and funding constraints. Regional Fuel Security: Zimbabwe and Mozambique expand the Beira-Feruka pipeline, boosting capacity to help shield SADC from fuel supply shocks. Agriculture Deals: Malawi’s 22nd National Agriculture Fair reportedly generated deals worth over K2.2bn, including tractor sales and new market links. Digital Transformation Check: The World Bank steps up scrutiny of Malawi’s Digital Malawi Acceleration Project, including plans for 100 mobile towers and support for data protection.

Child Protection & Cross-Border Crime: South Africa’s Social Development Minister Dina Pule received two girls, aged 9 and 15, repatriated to OR Tambo after alleged trafficking into Malawi in 2024; officials say passports were confiscated, movement restricted and the children were mistreated, with the case handled through Interpol and South African and Malawian authorities. Parliamentary Oversight Clash: Malawi’s Speaker Sameer Suleman’s plan to set up 12 joint parliamentary committees to investigate public concerns has drawn a sharp DPP backlash, with the party warning against “competing centres of authority” and urging respect for the Executive. Governance & Accountability: A separate push for scrutiny covers fuel supply, electricity, pensions, mining, passport services, prison conditions and fertiliser coupon distribution, including questions on the share of foreign versus local transporters in fuel imports. Court & Cyber Security: Former MERA boss Collins Magalasi was charged over alleged involvement in hacking senior officials’ phones, with bail arguments focused on whether the State is bringing charges piecemeal. Agribusiness & Trade: Cotton supply is reported at a 99% deficit after farmers supplied only about 4,000mt against installed ginning needs, blamed largely on seed access and high input costs. Digital Transformation: The World Bank is pressing Malawi’s digital agenda with MACRA over implementation gaps under the Digital Malawi Acceleration Project, including plans for 100 mobile towers in underserved areas.

Rare Earth Deal: Lindian Resources signs a binding long-term offtake partnership with French firm Carester, paving the way for a Kazakhstan oxide separation facility and a long-term route to market for heavy rare earths. Climate & Food Security: Malawi is among countries flagged by UNICEF as home to over 162 million children in eastern and southern Africa vulnerable to intensifying 2026/27 El Niño impacts, with drought, floods and heat threatening nutrition, health and schooling. Clean Cooking Push: Government tours BURN’s clean cooking operations as Malawi targets a 51% greenhouse gas cut by 2040, highlighting stove distribution, household fuel savings and carbon-credit monitoring. Energy & Regional Trade: Malawi’s NOCMA arrests follow alleged fraudulent transfer of over US$400,000 linked to fuel shipment charges in Mozambique, while regional fuel corridor expansion plans underline growing cross-border energy trade. Governance & Oversight: Parliament Speaker Sameer Suleman sets up 12 joint committees to investigate public concerns including pension challenges and Blantyre Water Board procurement and losses. Sports Business: SULOM raises gate charges by 50% for the Bullets-Silver Strikers showdown, citing crowd control at a small-capacity venue.

El Niño Watch: UNICEF warns over 162 million children across eastern and southern Africa, including Malawi, are exposed to intensifying 2026-2027 El Niño risks—drought, extreme heat, flooding and knock-on effects on food, health, schooling and safe water. Retail Expansion: Cashbuild plans about 15 new stores next year, but says traditional shopping-centre sites are harder to secure, pushing more “small model” formats; it also reported revenue growth yet profit pressure from tough trading and a Malawi exit loss. Tobacco Earnings: Malawi’s 2026 tobacco marketing season is closing Sept 10 after 21 weeks, with revenue down sharply—US$282.5m (K494bn) from 142.4m kg sold in the first 19 weeks, reflecting weaker prices and volumes. Digital Push: The World Bank has restarted support for Malawi’s $150m Digital Malawi Acceleration Project with a five-day mission to review progress and unblock the next phase. Banking & Inclusion: RBM Governor George Partridge urged deeper formal financial access as Old Mutual launches OMFIN, a new microfinance credit arm. Health Sector Governance: Malawi’s High Court nullified the appointment of Dr Chrissy Kamwachale as Nurses Council CEO/Registrar for lack of statutory qualifications, setting up a leadership shake-up. Mining Interest: MITC says about nine firms have registered for mining exploration since April 2025, with investor facilitation and financing linkages. Business Links: AmCham Malawi was launched to strengthen US-Malawi trade and investment ties.

Regional Energy & Trade: Presidents Mnangagwa and Chapo are set to launch the second phase of the Mozambique-Zimbabwe Beira-Feruka fuel pipeline expansion, lifting pumping capacity from 3m to 5m cubic metres and adding two new pumping stations to boost diesel, petrol and jet fuel supply across SADC, including Malawi. Malawi Business Finance: National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc posted a 59% jump in half-year profit after tax to K133.97bn, driven by higher deposits, a growing loan book and improved recoveries. Governance & Accountability: NBM also donated K5m to support the Institute of Internal Auditors Malawi’s 2026 Governance Forum in Mangochi, under a “Currency of Trust” theme. Public Procurement Bottleneck: Mombera University remains unbuilt 11 years after its foundation stone, with a K100bn procurement dispute between PPDA and the Education Ministry delaying construction and pushing timelines toward 2027. Tobacco Economy: Malawi’s 2026 tobacco season is under pressure: earnings fell to US$282.5m after 19 weeks, down from US$500.4m last year, as both volumes and prices dropped. Sports & Business Risk: Wanderers suspended coach Bob Mpinganjira after losing the Airtel Top 8 final, with mixed reactions ahead of the CAF Champions League tie versus Simba. Skills for Inclusion: Nyasa Rainbow Alliance trained 50 LGBTIQ Malawians in plumbing and electrical work to support self-reliance and income opportunities.

Health & Tourism Infrastructure: Tanzania’s Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute says it is expanding specialist capacity for both international patients and sportspeople ahead of AFCON 2027, reporting 211,359 patients served in FY2025/26. Football & Governance: Malawi’s Wanderers suspended coach Bob Mpinganjira after an Airtel Top 8 final loss to Ekhaya, with mixed reactions as the club prepares for CAF Champions League fixtures. Tobacco Economy: Malawi’s 2026 tobacco earnings fell sharply, with K489.5bn earned in 19 weeks versus K867.1bn last year, as volumes and prices weakened; meanwhile, young farmers question whether tobacco still pays. Banking Results: Centenary Bank posted K5.6bn half-year profit on rising deposits and income, while CDH Investment Bank reported K41bn profit after tax, up 124% year-on-year. Agriculture Investment Push: Government is pitching a $2.4bn mega-farm plan to develop 470,000 hectares, targeting commercial irrigated farming and export growth. Energy & Compliance: Mera and MBS begin enforcement against non-compliant renewable energy importers and retailers from 1 September, with fines and possible prosecution. Public Sector & Water: Blantyre Water Board faces a leadership crisis as workers move to remove CEO Yeremia Chihana and board chair Stanley Chirwa, raising legal questions. Regional Trade Facilitation: Southern African customs administrations agreed a roadmap to interlink systems for customs-to-customs data exchange to cut border delays and logistics costs.

Regional Power Trade: Malawi has completed its side of the 400kV Mozambique-Malawi (MOMA) interconnector and says Mozambican construction is now done too, with the line energised on August 8; tariff talks are the last hurdle before commercial electricity trading starts. Energy & Transport Policy: MERA says EV charging will be rolled out in a phased way, targeting selected filling stations in major towns rather than forcing every outlet to install chargers immediately. Cross-Border Trade Facilitation: Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe agreed a customs-to-customs data exchange roadmap to speed cargo clearance, improve revenue collection and curb illicit trade. Governance & Accountability: Former MERA boss Collins Magalasi has been arrested again as investigators deepen the Amaryllis Hotel cash-trail probe. Business & Finance: CDH Investment Bank reported half-year profit after tax of MK41.0bn, up from MK18.3bn, driven by higher interest income and trading margins; Standard Bank launched the “Khaa! Your247” digital bills promotion. Health & Social Protection: A new push highlights how lack of water, sanitation and hygiene in rural health facilities is harming women giving birth; breastfeeding advocates also call for safer, stigma-free spaces for mothers.