AGP Executive Report

Education & Gender Equity: MANEB released the 2026 MSCE results: 111,510 of 188,169 candidates passed for a 59.26% national pass rate, with males at 62.80% versus females at 53.77%, and Karonga leading distinctions (11.41%). Clean Cooking & Energy Transition: Malawi’s LPG shortage is hitting consumers in Blantyre, just as the country targets clean cooking adoption; government says it plans 117,000 LPG cookstoves and 53,000 electric cookstoves by 2030, while power reliability hopes hinge on incoming machine spares and Mozambique electricity. Youth Skills Push: Standard Bank unveiled “Project Youth,” committing over K500m (including K261m for a school block and K50m to Mubas) to boost education, skills, entrepreneurship and youth participation. Health Research & Diagnostics: A LUANAR-led consortium met to strengthen action against neglected tropical diseases using a One Health approach, stressing improved diagnostic capacity for emerging threats like leishmaniasis. Governance & Oversight: Parliament opened 12 joint probes, including suspected K700m NOCMA fraud and investigations into pensions, mining, prisons and major public projects, as Malawi’s institutions face renewed scrutiny. Lake Malawi Shipping Upgrade: Malawi signed a $20m deal with Hongtai Investment Group to deliver two vessels and modernise Monkey Bay Shipyard to improve inland transport and tourism. Climate Risk & Farming: With El Niño probability high, Malawi’s preparedness plan is estimated at K488.5bn, and experts are again urging reconsideration of GMO maize for drought resilience.

Clean Air Watch: AfriCAN’s Africa Air Quality Brief says more than 20 African countries missed even the WHO’s looser PM2.5 limits in 2025, using satellite and ground data to guide policy. Energy & Health: Malawi’s LPG shortage is hitting Blantyre hard, with long queues at Afrox Malawi and supplies running out as the country pushes clean cooking targets. Education Outcomes: MANEB released the 2026 MSCE results: 111,510 of 188,169 passed (59.26%), with male pass rates higher than female. El Niño Readiness: Government says it needs K488.5bn for 2026/27 preparedness but has only mobilised K163.7bn, leaving a K324.8bn gap across food, water, energy and early warning. Green Industry & Jobs: Malawi is pushing green industrialisation via a workshop on climate action, with priorities spanning SMEs, mining linkages, and university-private partnerships. Governance & Oversight: Parliament opened 12 probes into issues including fuel procurement, pensions, mining and major projects, while a court injunction has temporarily stalled the committee plan. Transport Modernisation: Malawi signed a $20m deal with Hongtai Investment Group to deliver two vessels and modernise Monkey Bay Shipyard on Lake Malawi. AI for Learning: Injini opened applications for an eight-month AI EdTech venture builder across nine Southern African countries, requiring teams with classroom experience.

Lake Malawi Shipping Upgrade: Malawi has signed a $20mn deal with Chinese firm Hongtai Investment Group to deliver two vessels and modernise Monkey Bay Shipyard, aiming to boost inland transport and tourism over the next 18 months. Biotech Seed Knowledge-Sharing: AfSTA will host a 8 September webinar on biotechnology commercialisation, regulation and public awareness, with Malawi and Nigeria sharing lessons on how national biotechnology committees work. MSCE Results Released: MANEB has published 2026 MSCE results: 111,510 of 188,169 candidates passed (59.26%), with online access via e-Registration and results portals and queries due by 8 October. Clean Cooking via Carbon Finance: A new push across Africa is using carbon credit financing to make cleaner cookstoves affordable, cutting indoor smoke and lowering household energy costs. Power Crisis Update: Malawi’s blackouts may ease by December as critical machine spares are expected soon and Mozambique electricity imports are set to start flowing. El Niño Funding Gap: Government says it needs K488.5bn for 2026/27 preparedness but has only mobilised 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 school meals from September 2026 due to funding shortfalls, threatening nutrition and attendance. Communications Sector Accountability: ICT Minister Shadrick Namalomba has told communications parastatals to end “routine” and deliver measurable results, with corrective action for underperformance. Power Sector Governance Concern: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee flags conflict-of-interest risks as top civil service leadership chairs multiple power boards, potentially weakening independence and investor confidence.

Early Childhood Education: A new review of pre-primary programmes across The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi and Mozambique finds play-based learning is common, but success depends on what’s built around enrolment—not just getting children into school. Clean Cooking Finance: Carbon credit financing is helping households switch from charcoal to cleaner cookstoves, with Africa still facing major indoor air pollution and health costs. AI for Classroom-Built EdTech: Injini opens applications for an eight-month AI EdTech venture builder, selecting teams from nine Southern African countries and pushing for products designed by people with lived classroom experience. Power Crisis Update: Malawi’s blackouts may ease by December as critical machine spares are expected soon and electricity imports from Mozambique are set to begin. Health Sector Governance: Malawi’s High Court nullifies President Mutharika’s appointment of the Nurses and Midwives Council registrar/CEO, citing qualification problems and unlawful procedure. El Niño Preparedness: Government reports a K324.8bn gap in El Niño readiness for 2026/27, with plans spanning early warning, food and water security, health, energy and logistics. School Meals at Risk: WFP warns 611,800 primary learners could lose meals from September 2026 without urgent donor funding. Rainwater Harvesting Push: Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences launches a rainwater harvesting campaign, backing youth-led behaviour change to boost water security. Mining Boom Watch: Experts say Malawi’s rare earth and critical minerals push could create jobs, but only stronger institutions and local processing will prevent a “resource export” trap. Parliament Oversight Clash: Government denies involvement in a court case challenging Parliament’s planned ad hoc investigations, while the Speaker’s committee moves face legal delays. Communications Parastatals Pressure: ICT minister Shadric Namalomba demands measurable results and warns parastatals against a “culture of routine,” amid governance concerns in the energy sector.

El Niño preparedness gap: Malawi says it needs K488.5bn for the 2026/27 season but has mobilised only K163.7bn, leaving a K324.8bn shortfall that could hit food, water, health and energy; the plan is built on preparedness and resilience, with early warning, pre-positioning supplies and rapid response. School meals at risk: WFP warns 611,800 primary learners could lose meals from September 2026 as funding runs out, risking worse nutrition, absenteeism and harmful coping strategies; it says K34.1bn (US$19.7m) is needed to sustain the programme. Public institution pressure: Government denies involvement in a court case challenging Parliament’s planned probes, while Speaker Suleman’s ad hoc committees face a legal injunction—raising fresh questions about oversight and constitutional powers. Hospital and accountability concerns: Malawi’s referral hospitals are reported to be struggling with infrastructure and service failures alongside controversy over a K700m NOCMA payment tied to alleged cyber-fraud. Digital health rollout: The Ministry of Health is piloting the Malawi Health Care Information System (Mahis) to replace hard-copy health passports, starting at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and selected centres. Climate action via water harvesting: RHAM and Mubas push rainwater harvesting, with RHAM claiming Malawi can harvest over 90bn cubic metres and a new campaign using music to drive behaviour change. Communications sector push: ICT Minister Shadric Namalomba tells communications parastatals to end a “culture of routine” and deliver measurable results, efficiency and innovation.

Public Accountability Push: Malawi’s communications minister Shadrick Namalomba warned parastatals to end “routine” work and deliver efficiency, innovation, and measurable results, as governance questions also grow around overlapping board roles in the power sector. El Niño Readiness Gap: Government says it needs K488.5bn for 2026/27 El Niño preparedness but has mobilised only K163.7bn, risking weaker food, water, health, and energy resilience. School Meals at Risk: WFP warns 611,800 learners could lose school meals from September 2026 without urgent donor funding. Health Tech Rollout: Malawi’s Ministry of Health is piloting a digital health records system (MAHIS) to replace paper health passports at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and selected facilities. Hospital Crisis & Fraud Fallout: Referral hospitals face deteriorating conditions while NOCMA’s alleged K700m cyber-fraud payment deepens institutional trust concerns. Governance Tensions in Parliament: Government denies involvement in a court challenge to Parliament’s planned probes, as Speaker Suleman’s ad hoc committee plans face legal delays. Climate Water Solutions: Rainwater harvesting drives continue, with RHAM citing Malawi’s capacity to harvest over 90 billion cubic metres and Mubas launching campaigns to spread the practice.

Regional Seed Security: Zimbabwe’s COMESA chairmanship could fast-track a regional seed information and certification push, aiming to boost access to quality improved seed and strengthen food security and climate resilience. Rainwater for Resilience: Malawi has the potential to harvest over 90 billion cubic metres of rainwater, with campaigns like Tikolole Madzi a Mvula urging households and institutions to capture and store water for farming and livelihoods. AI Governance in Malawi: A Malawi NEXUS Leadership Summit discussion argues AI should be treated as a management decision, with a “decision-quality” test to measure whether AI improves speed and accuracy without weakening accountability. Women Skills Training: Her Liberty is equipping rural women with vocational tailoring skills in Zomba, pushing beneficiaries to start businesses and earn income. Parastatal Performance Push: ICT Minister Shadric Namalomba warns communications parastatals to end “routine,” deliver measurable results, and improve efficiency and innovation. Energy Sector Accountability: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee flags governance concerns over overlapping board roles in Egenco, Escom and Power Market Limited, warning of conflicts that could undermine investor confidence. Digital Health Records: Malawi’s Mahis digital health records system is in pilot phase at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and selected centres to replace hard-copy health passports and improve continuity of care. Public Health Milestone: Malawi declares the end of cholera and mpox outbreaks after sustained containment, urging continued hygiene and vigilance. El Niño Preparedness: Government has set out a national El Niño preparedness plan to protect agriculture, water, health and livelihoods, based on the seasonal rainfall outlook. Kamuzu Stadium Safety: A structural assessment is recommended for Kamuzu Stadium after inspections found corrosion, cracks, drainage problems and vandalism.

Agriculture Governance: Malawi’s Agriculture Minister Roza Mbilizi urged African governments to “let go” and give farmers, youth, women and the private sector more say in agricultural transformation, pushing a shift from state-led programmes to commercialisation and investor partnerships. El Niño Preparedness: Government has set up a national El Niño preparedness plan after forecasts of below-normal rains in southern and central regions, with risks to farming, water, energy and health. Rainwater Harvesting: Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) is launching a “Catch the Rain” campaign using music to push households and schools to capture and store rainwater. Digital Health: The Ministry of Health is piloting the Malawi Health Care Information System (MAHIS) to replace hard-copy health passports and improve continuity of care at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and selected facilities. Cholera & Mpox Update: Health authorities declared the end of Malawi’s cholera and mpox outbreaks after sustained zero lab-confirmed cases, but urged continued hygiene and vigilance. Aviation Probe: Testimony in the Chilima crash inquiry added new twists, with a retired commander raising a possible pilot incapacitation theory based on flight data, while security screening lapses were also acknowledged. Energy Accountability: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee flagged governance concerns in the power sector, questioning conflicts from civil service leadership chairing multiple boards. Sports Infrastructure: Kamuzu Stadium is set for an independent structural assessment after findings of cracks, corroded reinforcement, drainage issues and vandalism.

El Niño Preparedness: Malawi’s government has launched a 2026/27 National El Niño Preparedness Plan, with early-warning, food and water protection, pre-positioned supplies and rapid response capacity aimed at southern and central rainfall risks. Rainwater Harvesting Push: Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) will launch its “Catch the Rain” campaign using music to drive household and school rainwater capture for sanitation, gardening and livestock use. Outbreak Control: Health authorities declared the end of Malawi’s cholera and mpox outbreaks after sustained zero laboratory-confirmed cases, urging communities to keep hygiene and surveillance high. Digital Health Records: The Ministry of Health is piloting the Malawi Health Care Information System (MAHIS) to replace paper health passports and improve continuity of care at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and selected centres. Aviation Security Scrutiny: Testimony in the Chilima plane crash inquiry says some passengers/entourage were not screened due to boarding timing, while lawmakers question gaps in CCTV coverage. Tourism Recovery: WTTC reports travel and tourism’s contribution rose to K1.6 trillion by 2025, supporting 726,700 jobs, but warns Malawi still needs better access to attract more foreign visitors. Climate Finance Gap: Malawi’s climate plan targets $7.06bn by 2035, but 61% depends on international climate funding, leaving a major financing shortfall. Rare Earths & Clean Cooking: Malawi-linked rare earth processing deals abroad continue to grow, while a clean cooking delegation toured BURN’s stove rollout, including digital-sensor monitoring for carbon-credit activities.

Malawi Digital Push: The World Bank has started a five-day support mission for Malawi’s $150m Digital Malawi Acceleration Project (DMAP), reviewing progress, procurement and coordination with the PPPC and other partners. Cybercrime in Focus: Former MERA boss Collins Magalasi remains jailed after court proceedings over alleged hacking of President Peter Mutharika and senior officials’ phone numbers, with prosecutors citing flight risk and ongoing digital analysis. Stadium Safety Check: Kamuzu Stadium is set for an independent structural assessment after inspections found corroded reinforcement, cracks, drainage problems and vandalism—raising concerns about safety and repairs. Climate & Weather Readiness: UK Met Office scientists are sharing expertise with Malawian forecasters under WISER ActionFirst to turn El Niño-linked warnings into practical early action. Climate Finance Gap: Malawi’s new climate plan shows a major shortfall for its 2035 climate goals, with most funding expected from international sources. Clean Cooking Rollout: Government officials toured BURN’s clean cooking operations, highlighting large-scale stove distribution and household fuel savings tied to climate goals. Parliament Oversight: Parliament has opened 12 probes, including fuel imports, electricity, pensions and fertiliser coupon distribution, with committees set to report at the mid-year budget meeting. Critical Minerals & Jobs: Malawi’s rare earth ambitions face scrutiny as projects point to limited local processing and export-focused value chains. Health Warning: A Nigeria report highlights late colorectal cancer diagnoses—underscoring the need for earlier screening and faster referral systems.

Cybersecurity & Justice: Malawi’s former MERA boss Collins Magalasi remains jailed as court proceedings allege he helped an IT expert hack the phone numbers of President Peter Mutharika and senior officials, raising fresh concerns about digital security and bail risks. STEM & Labs: Astrix launched “The Purpose Lab” to boost global science outreach, including pro-bono support for Malawi University of Science and Technology’s Centre for Clinical and Biological Sciences Research. Digital Malawi: The World Bank begins a five-day mission to review progress on the $150m Digital Malawi Acceleration Project, focusing on coordination, procurement and next-phase priorities. Climate Risk & Early Warnings: UK Met Office scientists are sharing expertise with Malawi’s weather forecasters under WISER ActionFirst to turn El Niño forecasts into clearer early action. El Niño Pressure on Farming: Malawi faces high fertiliser costs and dry-sky fears as El Niño strengthens, with farmers weighing whether to plant and how to manage moisture. Clean Cooking & Emissions: Government toured BURN’s clean cooking operations as Malawi pushes climate goals, including stove distribution and carbon-credit monitoring. Parliament Oversight: Parliament opened 12 probes, including fuel supply, electricity, pensions, mining and fertiliser coupon distribution, with calls for accountability. Rare Earths & Jobs Debate: Malawi’s Songwe rare earths plan is set to mine locally but process abroad, spotlighting the “local crumbs vs overseas steak” jobs question. Health & Inclusion: RBM urged faster financial inclusion as Old Mutual launched OMFIN, while Zambia received lenacapavir HIV prevention drug shipments.

Malawi Digital Push: The World Bank has started a five-day support mission for the $150m Digital Malawi Acceleration Project, meeting the PPPC CEO and reviewing progress, procurement and next-phase priorities. Cyber Crime in Focus: Former MERA boss Collins Magalasi was charged after alleged involvement in hacking President Peter Mutharika’s phone number and those of senior officials, with an IT expert and an HP laptop at the centre of the case. Climate Forecasts Meet Action: UK Met Office scientists are sharing expertise with Malawi’s weather forecasters under WISER ActionFirst to turn El Niño warnings into clear, practical early action. El Niño Risk Escalates: A “supersized” El Niño is expected to peak late 2026, with extreme heat, floods and drought risks stretching into 2027—raising pressure on preparedness. Clean Cooking Rollout: Malawi’s climate ministry toured BURN’s clean cooking operations, highlighting 160,000+ biomass stoves and household savings, with support for carbon-credit monitoring. Parliament Oversight: Speaker Sameer Suleman announced joint parliamentary probes into 12 issues, including fuel imports, electricity, pensions, mining and fertiliser coupon distribution. Rare Earths Deal: Lindian Resources signed a long-term offtake partnership with Carester for heavy rare earths, advancing downstream processing plans. Health & Safety Watch: A new study estimates nearly half of the world’s farmers face pesticide poisoning each year, with eastern Africa among the hardest hit. Aviation Safety Warning: Testimony in the Chilima crash inquiry says Malawi risks failing an ICAO audit without urgent investment in radar and airport safety systems.

Rare Earth Push: Lindian Resources signs a long-term downstream deal with French firm Carester to advance an 8,000-tonne-per-year rare earth oxide separation facility in Kazakhstan, with a definitive feasibility study due in Q4 2026—aimed at magnet-quality NdPr oxides and heavy rare earth products. Parliament Accountability: Malawi’s Speaker Sameer Suleman faces fresh criticism over plans to use joint parliamentary committees for inquiries, as governance-watchers question whether such probes can deliver real fixes. Digital Malawi Funding: The World Bank starts a five-day support mission for Malawi’s $150m Digital Malawi Acceleration Project, focusing on implementation progress, procurement and coordination with the PPPC. Cyber Crime Case: Former MERA boss Collins Magalasi is charged with allegedly aiding a hack of phone numbers linked to Malawi’s President and senior officials. Mining Interest: MITC says about nine firms have registered for mining exploration since April 2025, offering one-stop facilitation and financing linkages. Financial Inclusion: RBM Governor George Partridge urges banks and new lenders to expand formal access, as Old Mutual launches OMFIN. Health & Power: Zambia receives its first US-funded lenacapavir HIV prevention shipment; in Malawi, Rumphi District Hospital reports service disruption from frequent power blackouts. Climate & Farming: El Niño fears and high fertiliser costs are pushing smallholders to delay or rethink planting, while drought-resilient practices gain attention. Procurement Bottleneck: Mombera University’s K100bn standoff continues after PPDA delays a no-objection decision, pushing construction timelines further.

Aviation Safety Scrutiny: Malawi’s ICAO audit risk is rising as Parliament hears testimony on radar gaps, limited coverage at Kamuzu International Airport, and missing facilities at airports like Chileka and Mzuzu—raising urgent calls for investment in safety and security. Chikangawa Crash Questions: Fresh parliamentary hearings put pressure on the official weather narrative around the Chilima plane crash, with testimony citing Mzuzu Airport visibility and concerns over what pilots received and whether independent tracking systems existed. Pension Scheme Alarm: Parliament Speaker Sameer Gafar Suleman says civil servants’ concerns over the Contributory Pension Scheme will face serious scrutiny through a joint committee, focusing on how contributions are invested and protected. Mombera University Stalled: A K100 billion procurement standoff continues as PPDA rejected a fast-track single-source bid, forcing a longer competitive process and leaving the university unbuilt 11 years after its foundation stone. Farming Under El Niño Pressure: Farmers across Malawi are preparing for a tough 2026/27 season as fertiliser costs stay high and El Niño-linked dry spells threaten early planting and yields. Electricity Strain Hits Services: Power blackouts are disrupting hospitals, with Rumphi District Hospital struggling without reliable backup power, while broader electricity failures keep public pressure on government. Rare Earth Finance: The US DFC expands rare earth financing linked to Madagascar’s Ampasindava ionic clay project, part of a wider push that also includes Malawi in critical minerals supply chains. Local Talent & Skills: A feature highlights how Malawi’s artisans are pushing back against “outsourcing” mindsets, arguing local sign writers and creatives can deliver high-quality work for major clients. Health Focus on Sepsis: A new push argues Africa must prioritise the first 24 hours of sepsis care to keep patients stable while clinicians work out the cause and best treatment.

Procurement Gridlock: Mombera University’s K100 billion build is still stuck 11 years after the foundation stone, as Malawi’s PPDA rejected a fast-track single-source deal and the ministry now faces a competitive process likely to run into April 2027. Power & Health: Rumphi District Hospital is struggling with frequent blackouts and no reliable backup power, disrupting critical services at the district referral facility. El Niño Watch: Southern Africa is bracing for a drier-than-normal Oct–Dec 2026 rainy season as El Niño strengthens, with dryland farming at particular risk. Digital & FX Pressure: Malawi’s forex scarcity is stalling telecom investment, threatening broadband and digital services needed for MW2063. Cyber & Fraud Risks: Nocma says it will not pay a second time after hackers diverted a $403,615 payment to a Mozambican firm, highlighting vulnerabilities in cross-border email instructions. Local Research Capacity: The Nurses and Midwives’ first research journal launches in Malawi to help professionals publish locally instead of relying on overseas studies. Agroecology & Resilience: One Acre Fund supports Dowa tree replanting via community nurseries, while FAO highlights a push to revive drought-tolerant indigenous crops like sorghum and cowpeas.

Digital Economy & Policy: Malawi’s forex crunch is stalling telecom investment, threatening broadband and digital services needed for MW2063, with mobile operators excluded from key foreign-exchange support. Health & Safety: A joint PIJ–ZBS investigation warns Malawi’s cancer patients may be getting substandard, falsified or expired drugs because the country lacks independent testing capacity for oncology medicines. Water & Climate Resilience: Stories from southern Malawi show how weak water, sanitation and hygiene at rural health facilities forces women to walk for water after delivery—pushing calls for stronger WASH in maternity care. Agriculture & Food Security: Farmers in Chikwawa are reviving drought-tough indigenous crops like sorghum and cowpeas, using seed fairs and research support to cut climate risk and boost nutrition. Energy & Environment: Malawi’s forest loss is linked to charcoal, brick burning and illegal logging, while government pushes alternative building materials to reduce fire-burnt bricks. AI Governance: COMESA’s AI consultation in Lilongwe highlights the need for a verification standard before AI is used in public services. Healthcare Systems: Malawi’s referral hospitals are described as in gradual collapse, with broken equipment and long waits undermining care.