AGP Executive Report

Water & Power Rescue: Blantyre Water Board was quietly bailed out with a K24 billion settlement of Escom arrears, including K19.2 billion converted to equity and a special energy tariff that cut power costs by K5.8 billion, slashing losses by over 70% and improving liquidity. Food Security & Markets: NFRA has reopened maize procurement to all suppliers on a first-come, first-served basis after contracted deliveries fell short, buying at K900 per kg and using multiple depots nationwide. Energy Transition: Energy Minister Jean Mathanga says Malawi plans to shift households from biomass to cleaner cooking, targeting 75% adoption by 2030, alongside restoring hydro units and preparing for Mozambique power imports. Governance & Oversight: Consumer watchdog CAMA says it will support Speaker Sameer Suleman’s planned parliamentary probes, even as the High Court temporarily halts the committees’ work. Private Sector Push: President Peter Mutharika met MCCCI leadership, urging closer government-private sector cooperation on El Niño response, trade and foreign exchange generation. Business & Health: First Capital Bank and the Anadkat/Kantaria families donated a CT scanner worth about K1.2bn to Blantyre Adventist Hospital to expand diagnostic capacity. Sports & Economy: Malawi’s FDH Bank Premiership coaching churn continues, with multiple clubs changing coaches after mixed results.

Private Sector–Government Push: President Peter Mutharika told the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) that stronger government-private sector partnership is key to unlocking development, citing El Niño response and trade as priority areas. Healthcare Investment: First Capital Bank, with the Anadkat and Kantaria families, donated a CT scanner worth about US$720,000 (around MK1.2bn) to Blantyre Adventist Hospital to restore vital diagnostic services. Banking Risk Watch: The Reserve Bank of Malawi warned banks about rising risks of loan defaults and higher insurance claims as the next agricultural season faces climate shocks. Digital Infrastructure: TNM took over operations of the Open Connect Limited (OCL) data centre in Kanengo, Lilongwe, after acquiring it for about MK12bn, positioning it to host AI services for businesses and entrepreneurs. Parliament Oversight Clash: Malawi’s Executive questioned the legality of Speaker Sameer Suleman’s planned 12 governance investigations after a High Court move paused the process, keeping the accountability fight in the spotlight. El Niño Food Security: Luanar is multiplying a medium-maturity maize variety (ZM 523) on 150 hectares in Nkhotakota to help farmers cope with El Niño conditions. Public Data for GDP Rebase: The AfDB backed Malawi’s upcoming national census and economic surveys, expected to support GDP rebasing with modernised economic data.

Parliament Oversight Clash: Malawi’s Executive has questioned the legality of Speaker Sameer Suleman’s planned 12 probes, saying only Parliament can set up committees—after a High Court injunction paused the investigations into public institutions and service delivery. Court Fight for Water Board Funds: The High Court Commercial Division has stayed enforcement of a K2.5bn judgement against Blantyre Water Board, pending appeal, in a dispute tied to third-party debt orders. El Niño Readiness & Food Security: Luanar is multiplying a medium-maturity maize seed (ZM 523) to help farmers cope with El Niño, while the wider national plan faces major funding gaps. Cost of Living Pressure: Maize prices jumped 20% in a month, with IFPRI reporting retail prices rising to K960/kg in August and some regions breaching the government’s K900 cap. Banking Liquidity Paradox: The RBM says banks hold large liquidity, but less than 40% of deposits are turning into loans—highlighting tight lending and forex pressures. AfDB Data Support: AfDB backs Malawi’s upcoming census and economic surveys to enable GDP rebasing. Business & Trade: Malawi and Mozambique border officials get training under the COMESA-EAC-SADC trade facilitation push to cut costs for small traders. Energy & Infrastructure: ESCOM has warned of power cuts over Blantyre Water Board debt, adding pressure to already fragile utility finances.

Parliament Oversight Under Court Challenge: A Thyolo man, Austin Mkoka, won an injunction stopping Parliament’s planned 12 investigations into state institutions, putting Speaker Sameer Suleman’s oversight push under fresh judicial scrutiny and drawing calls for the Malawi Law Society to intervene. Water-Energy Pressure on Services: Blantyre Water Board is facing a possible power cut after Escom demanded K1.6bn within 14 days, while separate court claims against BWB total about K4.5bn. El Niño Preparedness Mobilised: Government and the private sector are teaming up to fund and implement Malawi’s 2026-27 El Niño plan, with a K488.5bn requirement and a large financing gap. Forex Worries and Kwacha Moves: The kwacha weakened against the rand and pound, raising inflation fears for import-dependent businesses. Critical Minerals Spotlight: The US Development Finance Corporation signalled interest in Malawi’s rare-earth projects, while analysts renewed debate on why Malawi still struggles with foreign exchange despite mining potential. Trade Integration Push: COMESA-EAC-SADC training for border officials at Chiponde-Mandimba aims to ease cross-border trade between Malawi and Mozambique. Rural Connectivity Pitch: Huawei briefed Macra on solutions to expand rural telecom access. Health Investment: First Capital Bank and the Anadkat family donated a CT scanner worth about $720,000 to Blantyre Adventist Hospital. Women’s Football Returns: The NBM Women’s Premiership is set to kick off September 19.

Value Addition Push: Malawi’s exports still lean heavily on commodities—about 91% of merchandise exports are commodities and 89.5% are agricultural—keeping the country stuck in low-value trade even as forex shortages bite. Tourism Growth Bottlenecks: Tourism’s GDP and jobs gains are real, but structural issues are frustrating the sector’s ability to turn visitor numbers into bigger earnings. Kwacha Pressure: The kwacha has weakened versus the rand and pound, raising fears of higher import costs and inflation. GDP Update: Malawi’s nominal GDP has more than tripled since 2017, reaching K19.67tn in 2024, though imports are rising faster than exports. Power Crunch: Escom confirmed a nationwide blackout and has also given Blantyre Water Board 14 days to pay K1.6bn electricity arrears or face disconnection. AfDB Budget Support: AfDB approved US$20.5m (about K34bn) direct budget support to help Malawi secure fuel and fertiliser, with talks ongoing for more. El Niño Funding Gap: Government says it needs K488.5bn for El Niño preparedness, but about K325bn remains unfunded; private sector is urged to step in. Gold Market Access: RBM’s Export Development Fund opened new gold buying outlets to bring artisanal miners into formal markets, with KYC checks. Health Investment: First Capital Bank founder Hitesh Anadkat’s family donated a CT scanner worth about K1.26bn to Blantyre Adventist Hospital.

AfDB Support for FX Relief: Malawi has secured $20.5m (about K34bn) in AfDB direct budget support to bolster foreign exchange reserves for fuel and fertiliser purchases, with more talks expected under the AfDB global energy and fertiliser crisis response framework. El Niño Funding Crunch: The Chief Secretary says Malawi needs K488.5bn for the 2026/27 El Niño preparedness plan, but only K163.7bn is in hand—leaving a K325bn gap—as government urges private sector backing to protect agriculture, water, health and logistics. Energy Payment Pressure: ESCOM has given Blantyre Water Board 14 days to pay K1.6bn or face a head office blackout, adding to governance and operational tensions around the water utility. Forex Risks to Business: The Reserve Bank warns that persistent forex shortages (reserves at $616.3m, about 2.5 months import cover) could disrupt imports and raise loan default risks for import-dependent firms. Electricity Meter Migration: ESCOM says prepaid migration is over 99% complete, with only 344 complex postpaid meters left, mostly three-phase connections in Blantyre/Limbe. Regional Trade Facilitation: COMESA-EAC-SADC is training border officials at the Chiponde–Mandimba post to simplify trade and cut costs for small-scale traders between Malawi and Mozambique. Health Sector Compliance: PMRA has disciplined 10 pharmacy professionals and businesses for medicine handling and record violations, warning that ethics must come before livelihoods.

Fuel & Power Watch: Malawi’s fuel storage plan is drawing heat after NOCMA moved to double capacity to 120 million litres while reserves are often left short by foreign exchange constraints, with critics saying the real bottleneck is financing, not tanks. Banking & Finance: Old Mutual’s OM Bank says it is on track to hit 1-million customers before year-end, with half of new sign-ups outside the group, as the lender targets 2.5–2.8 million customers by 2028. Youth & Skills: Standard Bank unveiled “Project Youth”, committing over K500m to education, media advocacy and skills development, including a school block and support for Mubas. Governance & Oversight: Malawi’s Human Rights Consultative Committee and advocacy groups are warning about rising Parliament–Executive tensions as Speaker Sameer Suleman pushes independent probes into 13 national issues, including energy and fuel procurement. Trade & Investment: Malawi and Tanzania opened their 3rd Investment and Trade Forum in Dar es Salaam, pushing SMEs and cross-border deals in agro-products and other priority sectors. Transport Infrastructure: Blantyre City Council says road rehabilitation across key corridors will start by end-September after signing with the Road Fund Administration. Business & Markets: NBM plc backed ICAM’s annual conference with MK12m, while also collecting marketing awards tied to brand-building and women’s football sponsorship.

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.