AGP Executive Report

Transport & Environment: Upgrades along Mozambique’s Nacala Corridor have helped regional travel, but deforestation is accelerating since 2022, with observers saying mitigation is weak. Human Rights & Health: Human Rights Watch has urged Malawi’s VP to fully fund the National Action Plan on Albinism, citing ongoing attacks plus barriers to education, jobs and social protection. Mining & Science: Chilwa Minerals says drilling at its Nakombe niobium project confirms niobium mineralisation across a 270-metre strike length, though lab work and further assessment are still needed. Digital Finance: National Bank of Malawi says digital banking is now its growth backbone, while warning that transaction levies could push people back to cash. ICT & Connectivity: Amazon has selected Kenya for its first African satellite internet ground station under Project Kuiper, boosting the region’s connectivity race. Climate Risk: A new analysis warns “cooling poverty” is putting billions at heat risk, and Malawi faces major GDP damage if El Niño hits. Public Health Supply: Mangochi District Hospital reportedly ran out of condoms for two weeks, with some residents turning to unsafe plastic alternatives. Regional Trade: Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique are modernising border posts and harmonising corridor rules to cut delays and costs. Education & Skills: NBM’s Mo Excellence Programme awarded scholarships to 57 needy students, supporting tuition, laptops and mentorship. Construction Quality: Malawi’s Construction Regulatory Authority says the new Construction Industry Act expands its enforcement role to improve standards and sustainability.

Digital Finance Push: National Bank of Malawi (NBM) says digital banking is now the backbone of its growth strategy, highlighting its Mo626 Digital+ platform and calling for a review of transaction levies that could slow uptake of electronic payments. Regional Trade Tech: Zimbabwe is modernising border posts to decongest crossings and streamline trade with Malawi and Mozambique, as the three countries harmonise transport corridors. Women in Agrifood: Malawi co-ops marked the International Year of the Woman Farmer, spotlighting how women do most farm work but still face land, credit and training barriers. Scholarships for Skills: NBM’s Mo Excellence Programme awarded 57 needy university students scholarships worth K1.7 million each, aiming to build Malawi’s future workforce. Rare Earths Drilling: AuKing Mining has started maiden drilling at Malawi’s Tundulu Rare Earths Project, targeting rare earth mineralisation after new airborne surveys. Construction Quality: Malawi’s Construction Regulatory Authority says the new Construction Industry Act expands its enforcement role to improve standards and penalise non-compliance. Youth Jobs Pressure: A report warns Malawi’s youth unemployment is worsening as graduate numbers rise faster than job creation. Digital Skills: Malawi launched a Huawei youth ICT talent programme to close the digital skills gap. Counterfeit Crackdown: Football Association of Malawi (FAM) says it has identified a counterfeit jersey supply centre in Tanzania and is working with Interpol to arrest suspects.

Satellite Connectivity: Amazon selects Kenya for its first African satellite Internet ground station under Project Kuiper, aiming to boost rural broadband and digital inclusion. Labour Migration: Kuwait bans recruitment of domestic workers from Kenya and 27 other countries, tightening labour flows across the region. Regional Trade Tech: Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique launch a push to cut bottlenecks on transport corridors by tackling border delays, fragmented rules and infrastructure gaps. Digital Fraud Shift: Rwanda’s suspected digital fraud rate fell in 2025, but criminals are moving toward identity attacks during account creation. Counterfeit Crackdown: Malawi’s football body (FAM) targets fake national team jerseys, tracing production and supply links with Malawi and Tanzania Interpol support. Malawi Power Reliability: Nkula B Hydro’s 20MW unit remains offline for weeks as spare-part delivery delays slow repairs, extending load shedding. Digital Skills in Malawi: Malawi launches a Huawei youth ICT talent programme to close the digital skills gap. Rare Earths Drilling: AuKing begins maiden drilling at Malawi’s Tundulu Rare Earths Project to test rare earth mineralisation scale and continuity. Public Oversight: Transparency International urges stronger CSO and supreme audit institution partnerships so audit findings lead to real action.

Malawi–SADC Transport Push: Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique met in Harare to tackle border delays, fragmented rules and infrastructure bottlenecks on regional transport corridors, aiming to cut transit times and lower business costs. Counterfeit Football Gear Crackdown: Football Association of Malawi (FAM) says it has traced the main production and supply centre of fake Malawi national team jerseys to Mbeya, Tanzania, working with Malawi and Tanzania Interpol and warning of arrests and prosecutions. Digital Skills Boost: Malawi launched the Huawei youth ICT Talent Development Programme to train young people in practical tech skills and narrow the digital gap. Cancer Care Training: Merck Foundation highlighted its Africa-wide cancer capacity push, including training scholarships and cancer awareness efforts that include Malawi. Electricity Woes: Nkula B Hydro’s 20MW unit remains offline seven weeks after a breakdown, with restoration delayed by spare-part delivery issues—keeping load shedding pressure on. Public Oversight for Accountability: Transparency International called for stronger partnerships between civil society groups and supreme audit institutions so audit findings lead to real action. Health Innovation (Regional): Africa CDC welcomed approval of a newborn-focused malaria treatment, trialled across multiple African countries including Malawi. Youth Employment Pressure: Malawi’s youth unemployment crisis deepened as graduates face too few jobs, pushing many into informal work. NBM Scholarships & Digital Banking: NBM plc expanded Mo Excellence scholarships for needy students and continues scaling digital banking tools to widen financial inclusion.

Cancer Care Training: Merck Foundation says it’s expanding cancer capacity in Africa, including Malawi, by funding hundreds of scholarships for clinical training and postgraduate cancer oncology and pain management, alongside a new “Ray of Hope” cancer awareness storybook and animation. Digital Skills for Youth: Malawi has launched the Huawei youth ICT Talent Development Programme to close the digital skills gap with practical training in key tech fields. Scholarships & Human Capital: National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc awarded Mo Excellence scholarships to 57 students, including Mzuni beneficiaries, with support covering tuition, accommodation, laptops, health support and mentorship. Resilient Agriculture Research: IMIC-Africa (coordinated by CIMMYT) is strengthening maize breeding partnerships across Africa to deliver faster, multi-location testing for climate-resilient seed systems. Inclusive Tech Innovation: Access Ability Africa Limited (AAAL) won Best Inclusive Africa Innovation for its Blind Classroom, an AI-powered voice learning platform for visually impaired learners. Health Tech Breakthrough: A Ugandan student developed Pee-Gal, a disposable female urination device aimed at improving hygiene and reducing contact with unsanitary toilet surfaces. Power Reliability Watch: Nkula B Hydro’s 20MW unit remains offline as spare-part delays threaten continued electricity rationing. Youth Jobs Pressure: Malawi’s graduate unemployment problem is deepening as job creation lags behind new graduates.

Malawi ICT Skills Push: Malawi has launched the Huawei youth skills programme to train young people in practical digital technology areas, aiming to close the digital skills gap and support Malawi 2063. Digital Economy & Exports: At ICTAM 2026 in Lilongwe, Sparc Systems showcased a roadmap to scale Malawi’s ICT services exports across Africa, saying exports rose from about US$70m (2020) to US$154m (2023) and could help ease foreign exchange pressure. Inclusive Tech Award: Access Ability Africa Limited (AAAL) won Best Inclusive Innovation for its Blind Classroom, an AI-powered voice learning platform for visually impaired learners built in Malawi. Power Reliability Worry: Malawi faces continued electricity rationing as Nkula B Hydro’s 20MW unit remains offline for seven weeks, with repairs delayed by spare-part delivery. Environment Alarm: A new National State of the Environment and Outlook Report warns Malawi is on a “Pendapenda” path—shrinking forests, degraded soils and climate shocks are outpacing natural capital recovery. Health Innovation: Africa CDC welcomed approval of Coartem Baby, the first malaria treatment designed for newborns and infants, with Malawi among the trial countries. Regional Migration Pressure: South Africa’s Ramaphosa announced a crackdown on undocumented migrants and tougher penalties for employers, amid rising xenophobia and protests.

South Africa Immigration Crackdown: President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled tougher rules aimed at undocumented migrants, including tougher penalties for repeat offenders and higher workplace inspections, while warning against xenophobia and vigilantism. Labour Enforcement: South Africa’s Employment and Labour plans fines of up to R100,000 per undocumented worker and plans to recruit 10,000 labour inspectors to strengthen compliance. Malawi Power Woes: Nkula B Hydro’s key 20MW unit remains offline seven weeks after breakdown, keeping load shedding in place as Egenco waits for delayed spare parts. Elephant Marsh Under Pressure: Malawi’s Elephant Marsh—supporting thousands of fishers and traders—faces shrinking from settlements, farming expansion and deforestation, with community conservation groups stepping in. Malaria Treatment for Babies: Africa CDC welcomed approval of Coartem Baby, a newborn-and-infant malaria medicine trialed across Malawi and other countries, with rollout expected soon. Malawi Digital Push: Sparc Systems says Malawi’s ICT exports are rising and has launched a blueprint to scale ICT services across Africa, while AAAL’s Blind Classroom won an inclusive innovation award. Health Policy Debate: Malawi’s government moves to impose import tariffs on selected medicines to boost local supply, but critics warn of higher costs. Environment Warning: A new Malawi environment report warns of disappearing forests, dying soils and intensifying climate shocks under a “Pendapenda” development path.

Digital Economy & ICT Exports: At ICTAM 2026 in Lilongwe, Sparc Systems won ICT Firm of the Year and pushed a “blueprint” to scale Malawi’s ICT services exports across Africa, citing growth from about US$70m (2020) to US$154m (2023) and arguing the sector can ease the country’s foreign exchange squeeze. Inclusive AI Learning: Access Ability Africa Limited (AAAL) won Best Inclusive Africa Innovation for its Blind Classroom, an AI-powered voice learning platform built in Malawi for visually impaired learners. Research & Innovation Push: Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) is gearing up for its September Innovation Conference on research and innovation, with UGI donating K15m to support the event. Health & Local Medicines: Government plans import tariffs up to 25% on selected medicines, aiming to boost local pharmaceutical capacity—while critics warn of higher costs for patients. Environment Warning: A landmark National State of the Environment and Outlook Report warns Malawi is on a “Pendapenda” path—consuming natural capital faster than it can recover, with shrinking forests, degraded soils and worsening climate shocks. Governance Pressure: CCJP says Malawi is becoming desensitised to repeated crises, citing issues from counterfeit medicines and long court delays to foreign exchange shortages and insecurity. IMF Support Talks: The IMF says it is stepping up support for several African countries and is in accelerated talks with Malawi on a new financial assistance program amid war-driven fertilizer and energy disruptions.

Health Research Spotlight: Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) marks five years since its 2021 formation, positioning itself as a research and innovation powerhouse for Malawi’s healthcare priorities. Digital Economy Push: Malawi’s cloud, cybersecurity and AI shift is under scrutiny as ICTAM 2026 highlights firms like Sparc Systems and Datacom, while stakeholders call for tax incentives, export support and better policy to scale local tech. Inclusive Tech Award: Access Ability Africa Limited (AAAL) wins Best Inclusive Africa Innovation for its Blind Classroom, an AI-powered voice learning platform built in Malawi. Research-to-Industry Link: MUBAS gears up for its September Innovation Conference, stressing partnerships that turn academic research into practical solutions, with UGI donating K15m to support the event. ICT Exports & Forex: Sparc Systems says Malawi’s ICT services exports have grown from about US$70m (2020) to US$154m (2023), arguing the sector can ease foreign exchange pressure if scaling accelerates. Medicines Self-Reliance Debate: Government moves to impose import tariffs up to 25% on selected medicines, aiming to boost local manufacturing—while critics warn of higher costs. Environment Warning: A new National State of the Environment and Outlook Report warns Malawi is on a “Pendapenda” path, with forests shrinking, soils degrading and climate shocks intensifying. Food Security & Climate Risk: The IMF says it is in accelerated talks with Malawi for a new support program as war-linked fertilizer and energy disruptions threaten food security.

Digital Economy & ICT Exports: At ICTAM 2026 in Lilongwe, Sparc Systems pitched a “blueprint” to scale Malawi’s ICT services exports across Africa, citing growth from about US$70m (2020) to US$154m (2023), while Datacom Malawi backed the expo with MK10m to push innovation, trusted payments and fraud resilience. Inclusive Tech: Access Ability Africa Limited (AAAL) won Best Inclusive Innovation for its Blind Classroom, an AI-powered voice learning platform built in Malawi for visually impaired learners. Research & Innovation Push: Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) is gearing up for its September Innovation Conference, with UGI donating K15m to support research-to-industry solutions. Environment & Food Security Warning: A new 2026 National State of the Environment and Outlook Report warns Malawi is on a “Pendapenda” path—shrinking forests, degraded soils and climate shocks threatening maize and development. Health Policy & Medicines: Government plans import tariffs up to 25% on selected medicines to boost local pharmaceutical capacity, but experts warn costs could rise. Governance & Public Trust: CCJP says Malawi is becoming desensitised to repeated crises, citing counterfeit medicines, unresolved abductions, FX shortages and long-running court cases.

ICT Exports Boost: Sparc Systems unveiled a roadmap to scale Malawi’s ICT services exports across Africa, citing growth from about US$70m (2020) to US$154m (2023) and urging faster investment to turn demand into bigger forex inflows. Digital Inclusion Win: Access Ability Africa Limited (AAAL) won “Best Inclusive Innovations” at the 7th Inclusive Africa Conference 2026 for its AI-powered, voice-based Blind Classroom platform for visually impaired learners. Forex & Digital Economy: Industry leaders at ICTAM Expo 2026 said Malawi’s digital economy is already bringing in billions of kwacha from abroad, arguing it can ease the country’s foreign exchange crunch if scaled. Environment Warning: A landmark 2026 National State of the Environment and Outlook Report warns Malawi is on a “Pendapenda” path—shrinking forests, degraded soils and climate shocks threaten food security and the economy. Health Policy Shift: Government plans import tariffs up to 25% on selected medicines, aiming to support local pharma and reduce import dependence, but critics fear higher costs for patients. Innovation Funding: UGI donated K15m to MUBAS for its September research and innovation conference, highlighting AI use in insurance operations. Justice & Governance: A survey by Afrobarometer ranks Nigeria among Africa’s worst for access to justice, judicial independence and equal treatment—another reminder of how court trust shapes development. Education Infrastructure: Let’s Build Foundation constructed school blocks and double pit latrines in Dowa District, expanding access to better learning conditions. Higher Education Ranking: University of Malawi (Unima) remains in the CWUR Global 2000 but continues a downward slide, now at position 1,568.

Medicine Self-Sufficiency Push: Malawi’s government is set to impose import tariffs up to 25% on selected medicines, including paracetamol, ibuprofen, artemether-lumefantrine and amoxicillin, aiming to cut import dependence and boost local manufacturing—though critics warn prices could rise for patients. Public Trust Under Strain: The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace says Malawi is becoming “dangerously desensitised” to repeated crises, citing issues from foreign exchange shortages and substandard medicines to long-running justice delays and attacks linked to superstition and albinism. Critical Minerals Update: Chilwa Minerals reports expanded niobium mineralisation at its Nakombe target in southern Malawi after drilling, with lab assays pending—another signal that Malawi’s critical minerals push is gaining momentum. Digital Economy Support: Datacom Malawi donated MK10 million to back the ICT Association of Malawi’s ICT 2026 expo, urging stronger collaboration to grow digital inclusion, trusted payments and fraud resilience. Energy Access Results: Germany-funded EnDev’s demand-side subsidies programme says it has reached over 112,000 people with improved cookstoves and 58,000 with solar products across seven districts, highlighting affordability as the key barrier it targets. Higher Education Watch: University of Malawi (Unima) remains in the CWUR Global 2000 list but continues to slip in ranking, raising concerns about research and competitiveness. Infrastructure Safety Concern: Blantyre residents are alarmed by widening cracks on Kamba Bridge, a busy transport link, calling for urgent assessment and repairs.

Critical Minerals in Malawi: Chilwa Minerals says drilling at its Nakombe niobium target in southern Malawi returned a 22m intercept at 0.228% Nb₂O₅, with lab ICP-MS assays still pending—strengthening the case for a larger intrusive body. ASX Spotlight on Malawi: A separate report highlights Malawi’s growing pull for ASX critical-minerals players, pointing to rare earths, uranium, titanium and niobium projects. IMF Support Talks: The IMF says it is stepping up funding for Ethiopia, The Gambia and Burkina Faso over the Iran-related shock, while “accelerated” talks are ongoing with Malawi for a new assistance programme. Energy Access Push: Malawi’s German-funded EnDev demand-side subsidies programme reports reaching 112,000 people with improved cookstoves and 58,000 with solar products across seven districts. Digital Economy Boost: Datacom Malawi donates K10 million to ICTAM’s ICT 2026 expo, urging stronger ICT collaboration for exports, trusted payments and fraud resilience. Health Supply Pressure: Central Medical Stores Trust says government owes it K76 billion, disrupting medicine procurement and supply to district hospitals. Infrastructure Safety Concern: Blantyre residents report widening cracks on Kamba Bridge, raising fears of a potential disaster without urgent assessment. Education Ranking Watch: University of Malawi (Unima) remains in CWUR’s Global 2000 but continues sliding to 1,568th in 2026. Rare Earths Upgrade at Kasiya: Sovereign Metals reports high-value heavy rare earth minerals at its Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project, including dysprosium, terbium and yttrium.

Critical Minerals: Malawi is drawing fresh attention as an emerging critical minerals destination, with ASX-linked firms advancing rare earths and other projects including rare earths, uranium, titanium and niobium. Macroeconomic Support: The IMF says it is accelerating support for several African countries and is in accelerated talks with Malawi on a new financial assistance programme amid war-driven energy and fertilizer shocks. Digital Economy & ICT Skills: Datacom Malawi donated K10 million to support the ICTAM ICT 2026 expo, with stakeholders urging stronger collaboration to grow Malawi’s digital economy, trusted payments and fraud resilience. Clean Energy Access: Malawi’s Energising Development (EnDev) demand-side subsidy results show progress, reaching over 112,000 people with improved cookstoves and more than 58,000 with solar products across multiple districts. Health Supply Risks: Central Medical Stores Trust says government owes it K76 billion, disrupting medicine procurement and supply, while MPs raised concerns over expired oncology and diabetes items. Education & Research: University of Malawi (Unima) remains in the CWUR Global 2000 but continues a downward slide in ranking, prompting calls for stronger research, infrastructure and tech integration. Infrastructure Safety: Blantyre residents fear Kamba Bridge is deteriorating after large cracks appeared and appear to be widening, raising urgent safety concerns. Human Rights: A report highlights ongoing stigma and discrimination against people with albinism in Malawi, linking fear and violence to barriers in education, health and work.

Humanitarian Logistics Training: DHL launched the DHL Academy of Humanitarian Logistics (DAHL) in Johannesburg, aiming to turn DHL know-how into practical, pro bono training for aid groups across Sub-Saharan Africa, covering customs, dangerous goods and safety to cut delays before emergencies hit. Clean Energy Access: Malawi’s Energising Development (EnDev) demand-side subsidies, backed by Germany, say they’ve reached 112,000 people with improved cookstoves and 58,000 with solar products across seven districts. ICT Support for Digital Economy: Datacom Malawi donated K10 million to back ICTAM’s ICT 2026 expo, themed around ICT exports, trusted payments and fraud resilience. Health Supply Funding Gap: Central Medical Stores Trust says government owes it K76 billion, disrupting medicine procurement and credit payments via district hospitals. Education Exams Watch: Education Minister Bright Msaka says JCE exams started smoothly and expects pass rates to beat last year’s 77%. Energy Infrastructure Under Attack: ESCOM reports ongoing vandalism of power equipment, with 138 cases between Oct 2025 and Mar 2026, leaving 40 transformers down. Environment Policy Push: Malawi launched NBSAP III, its biodiversity reporting and a National Ecosystem Assessment, pairing modern science with indigenous knowledge to tackle accelerating ecological loss. Digital Payments Upgrade: PayPal introduced PayPal USD (PYUSD) in Malawi and 26 African countries to speed up and lower the cost of cross-border transfers. Road Works and Safety: Roads Authority plans major M1 upgrades and maintenance in the Lilongwe–Blantyre corridor, including new interchange plans at Kameza. Rare Earths Update: Mkango’s HyProMag USA says it has taken occupation of its Texas facility to build a rare earth magnet recycling and manufacturing hub. Human Rights: A report highlights how people with albinism in Malawi still face fear, stigma and discrimination that affects schooling, work and safety.

Infrastructure Safety: Cracks are widening on Blantyre’s Kamba Bridge, raising fears of a serious failure on a busy link used daily by pedestrians, motorists and cyclists. Digital Economy & Payments: PayPal has launched PayPal USD (PYUSD) in Malawi and 26 other African countries, letting users buy, hold, send and receive the digital dollar for faster cross-border transfers. ICT & Skills: Datacom Malawi donated K10 million to support ICTAM’s ICT 2026 expo in Lilongwe, focused on trusted payments, fraud resilience and Malawi’s digital economy. Science, Environment & Policy: Malawi has launched major environmental frameworks—NBSAP III, the Seventh National Report and a National Ecosystem Assessment—pairing modern science with indigenous knowledge to tackle biodiversity loss and climate impacts. Transport & Roads: The Roads Authority has allocated K96 billion for M1 maintenance and rehabilitation and plans major contracts for the Lilongwe–Blantyre corridor, including a Kameza interchange. Health & Regulation: Parliament’s PAC warns that embalming chemicals allegedly being diverted to preserve fish could threaten public health, calling for stronger oversight of medical supply chains. Education & Inclusion: AGE Africa celebrated the first graduates of its End-to-End Scholarship Program, including LUANAR students, with tuition, support and a paid internship. Mining & Critical Minerals: Sovereign Metals says Kasiya’s tests confirm heavy rare earth minerals (dysprosium, terbium and yttrium) alongside rutile and graphite, boosting the project’s value.