AGP Executive Report

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.

Electricity crisis scrutiny: Malawi’s power failures are worsening, with calls for a full investigation into the whole generation and management chain, not just faults, as EGENCO reports multiple units operating below capacity. Health systems under strain: Malawi’s referral hospitals are described as gradually collapsing, with broken equipment and long waits delaying diagnosis and treatment. Cancer drug safety alarm: A joint investigation warns that substandard, falsified and expired cancer medicines are reaching hospitals and pharmacies, despite Malawi lacking independent testing capacity. AI governance for public services: Malawi’s AI policy debate is urged to include a clear verification standard so citizens can trust outputs used in consequential services. Nursing research boost: Malawi’s nurses and midwives get their first research journal to publish locally generated practice knowledge. Gender-responsive planning: NDPC and AFIDEP train budget and planning officers on gender-responsive planning and budgeting. Agriculture value addition: SMEs at the National Agriculture Fair highlight processing, packaging and branding to earn more from crops and livestock. Climate outlook: Southern Africa faces higher chances of below-normal rainfall in the Oct–Dec 2026 season, with El Niño strengthening. Rare earths push: Mkango completes acquisition of a German rare earth magnet recycling business, while Malawi-linked rare earth players expand supply and processing options. Financial inclusion: RBM urges faster financial inclusion as Old Mutual launches a new microfinance institution. Banking anti-fraud rules: Malawi gazettes tighter customer identification and due diligence requirements to curb money laundering. Clean cooking and forests: A community clean-cooking project targets smoke, fuel costs and deforestation pressures on women. Indigenous food trees: A Malawi workshop supports landscape restoration using native, food-bearing trees to fight malnutrition and biodiversity loss. Cybercrime fallout: Nocma rejects a second payment after email compromise diverted funds, and a separate case in Zimbabwe links malware to a major bank heist.

Cybercrime & Courts: Zimbabwe’s computer science student Sabelo Malunga appeared in court accused of a US$1.1m bank cyber heist using malware to siphon funds via international transfers and mobile money. Digital Governance & Integrity: Malawi’s eCitizen architect James Ayugi faces a World Bank debarment after claims “fake” experts were listed in a tender, reigniting questions around tech procurement and accountability. Health Research for Nurses: Malawi’s nurses and midwives get their first local research journal, aiming to reduce reliance on overseas studies and boost locally generated clinical knowledge. Fuel Fraud Fallout: Nocma says it will not pay a second K700m to a Mozambican firm after hackers diverted payment by infiltrating email instructions, pushing the blame back to the supplier. AI in Public Services: COMESA’s AI consultation in Lilongwe is timely, but Malawi is urged to add a verification standard before AI outputs shape public decisions. Agriculture & Jobs: At the 22nd National Agriculture Fair, SMEs and cooperatives showcased value-added products, while SFFRFM plans one-stop input centres to improve farmers’ access to seeds, fertiliser and agrochemicals. Rare Earths Push: Lindian Resources secures an option on heavy rare earth stock in Kazakhstan to feed its SARECO processing plans, linking Malawi’s minerals ambitions to global magnet supply chains. Public Health Warning: A joint investigation flags untested, falsified and expired cancer drugs reaching Malawi’s hospitals and pharmacies, raising fears of preventable deaths. Environment & Clean Cooking: Malawi reports high forest loss and promotes alternative building materials, while community clean-cooking efforts target smoke, health costs and deforestation pressures on women.

Financial Inclusion Push: RBM governor George Partridge urged Malawi’s lenders to speed up financial inclusion as Old Mutual launches Old Mutual Finance Limited, stressing that digital access must be backed by transparency, customer protection and strong governance. Rare Earths Deal: Lindian Resources secured an option over 13,389 tonnes of Kazakh heavy rare earths to support expansion at its SARECO facility, keeping critical minerals in focus for regional industry. Cancer Drug Safety Alarm: A PIJ–ZBS investigation warns Malawi’s cancer patients may be getting substandard, falsified or expired oncology medicines, citing weak local testing capacity and lax oversight reaching both referral hospitals and private pharmacies. AI Governance for Public Services: A Malawi AI policy debate is calling for a verification standard before AI outputs are used in public services, arguing trust must be built through clear authority sources and challengeable decisions. Clean Cooking & Air Quality: Women in Malawi are pushing for cleaner cooking through an Eco-Feminist Energy Justice project, targeting smoke, firewood burdens and forest pressure. Health Infrastructure Strain: Malawi’s referral hospitals are described as in gradual collapse, with broken equipment and long waits delaying diagnosis and treatment. STEM Scholarships: Airtel Malawi handed over Nzeru Tech scholarships to 25 MUST students, covering tuition and support for STEM learners. Agriculture Transformation at the Fair: At the 22nd National Agriculture Fair, officials and partners highlighted value addition, better input access via one-stop centres, and stronger marketing systems to commercialise farming. Hydropower Grid Connection: Nyika Hydropower Group signed a transmission connection agreement for the 51MW North Rumphi hydropower cascade, aiming to add significant generation capacity.

Unconditional Cash for Malawi’s Farmers and Entrepreneurs: GiveDirectly’s $198m trial is paying about 230,000 adults in two districts roughly K1.2m (R11,000) each, with beneficiaries free to spend as they choose—sparking local businesses like a small cinema in Chiradzulu. Health System Strain: Malawi’s public referral hospitals are in gradual collapse, with broken equipment, power failures and long waits for surgery and specialist care. Cancer Drug Safety Alarm: A PIJ–ZBS investigation warns Malawi may be receiving substandard, falsified or expired cancer medicines because the country lacks independent oncology drug testing capacity. AI Policy for Public Services: COMESA’s AI consultation in Lilongwe is pushing regional AI rules, but Malawi is urged to add a clear verification standard before AI outputs guide citizens. Money Laundering Crackdown: Government has gazetted tighter bank customer ID rules, including biometric/approved database verification and clearer due-diligence thresholds. Agri-Tech and Market Push: At the 22nd National Agriculture Fair, officials backed commercialisation—plus TAGDEV 2.0 support for universities/TVET and plans for SFFRFM one-stop input centres. Clean Cooking and Forest Protection: A community clean-cooking push in Blantyre targets smoke-linked health risks while reducing pressure on forests. STEM Scholarships: Airtel Malawi handed over Nzeru Tech scholarships to 25 MUST students, covering tuition and support for STEM study. Energy Infrastructure: Nyika Hydropower signed a grid connection agreement for the 51MW North Rumphi cascade project.

Agri-Tech & Skills: TAGDEV 2.0 (2023–2033) is rolling out in Malawi through MUST, LUANAR and Livingstonia University, aiming to strengthen universities/TVET and set up an Agri-food Systems and Entrepreneurship Center, with scholarships targeting youth (70% women), people with disabilities and refugees/IDPs. Climate Risk: SARCOF-33 warns southern Malawi is among areas with increased chances of drier-than-normal rains from Oct 2026–Mar 2027, alongside above-normal temperatures—urging communities to follow detailed guidance. Cancer Safety Alarm: A PIJ–ZBS investigation says Malawi is distributing substandard, falsified and expired cancer drugs across public hospitals and private pharmacies, citing weak local testing capacity and urging tighter oversight. AI Governance: COMESA’s Lilongwe consultation on a regional AI and digital inclusion strategy says Malawi needs a verification standard before AI outputs scale in public services. Health Systems: Mulanje District Hospital received a refurbished newborn nursery ward under Nest360 Malawi, with targets to cut neonatal deaths from 13/1,000 toward single digits. Agriculture Commercialisation: At the 22nd National Agriculture Fair, officials pushed value addition, better marketing systems and one-stop input access via SFFRFM retail shops. Power & Infrastructure: Nyika Hydropower signed a grid connection agreement for the 51MW North Rumphi cascade, expected to add about 9.2% to Malawi’s installed capacity. STEM Scholarships: Airtel Malawi handed over Nzeru Tech scholarships to 25 MUST students, covering tuition and support for STEM study. Finance Integrity: Government gazetted tighter bank customer ID and due diligence rules, including verification through approved databases and biometric systems.

Financial Crime Crackdown: Malawi has gazetted tighter banking rules to verify customer identity and strengthen due diligence, including biometric and database checks, as authorities target money laundering. Governance & Accountability: The Anti-Corruption Bureau has summoned NOCMA CEO Emmanuel Matapa over a reported $403,605 (about K700m) payment tied to “fraudulent correspondence,” with arrests also reported in the case. Agriculture Transformation: LUANAR’s Prof Joseph Dzanja says Malawi’s agriculture is stuck without better marketing systems, while the 22nd National Agriculture Fair in Blantyre spotlights value addition, input access, and agro-processing partnerships. Climate & Food Security: Climate scientists warn Southern Africa may see drier-than-normal rains in parts of the region, linked to a strengthening El Niño, with above-normal temperatures expected. Energy & Infrastructure: Nyika Hydropower’s North Rumphi 51MW project has secured a grid connection agreement with ESCOM, aiming to add generation capacity. Public Health: Mulanje District Hospital is pushing to cut neonatal deaths after refurbishment of its nursery ward, with targets moving toward single digits. STEM Education: Airtel Malawi has handed over Nzeru Tech scholarships to 25 MUST students to support STEM learning and digital transformation. Science in Society: A debate on placenta encapsulation highlights the gap between cultural practice and strong scientific proof. Electricity Strain: Load-shedding and transformer overloads are disrupting small businesses in Dedza, affecting production and refrigeration. Research & Training: Mzuzu University received K105m to renovate its diagnostic laboratory for parasitology and disease vector control.

Agribusiness Fix: LUANAR’s newly crowned Prof Joseph Dzanja says Malawi’s agriculture is “broken” not because of production alone, but because markets fail farmers—information, coordination, space, time and power are fragmented, calling for investment in marketing systems. Anti-Money Laundering: Government has gazetted tighter banking rules under the Financial Crimes Act, requiring banks to verify customer identity using approved databases and biometric checks, with clearer due-diligence thresholds. Health Systems: Mulanje District Hospital is pushing to cut neonatal deaths from 13 per 1,000 births to single digits after refurbishment of its nursery ward by Nest360 Malawi and Africap. STEM Scholarships: Airtel Malawi has handed full Nzeru Tech scholarships to 25 MUST students, covering tuition plus accommodation, stipends, internet and laptops to boost digital-era STEM talent. Agriculture Fair Push: At the 22nd National Agriculture Fair in Blantyre, Minister Roza Mbilizi urged private-sector investment in mechanisation, irrigation, processing, storage, logistics and marketing, while SMEs and cooperatives showcased value-added products for regional trade. Power & Infrastructure: Nyika Hydropower signed a grid connection agreement for the 51MW North Rumphi cascade project, while the Chitipa–Ilomba Road faces a K131bn cost jump due to delayed completion. Public Health Leadership: First Lady Getrude Mutharika urged environmental health professionals to prevent outbreaks by turning research and data into practical local solutions.

STEM Scholarships: Airtel Malawi has officially handed over Nzeru Tech scholarships to 25 MUST students, covering tuition, accommodation, stipends, internet and laptops to boost science, technology, engineering and maths talent for Malawi’s digital transformation. Agri Value Chains: At the 22nd National Agriculture Fair in Blantyre, the Ministry of Trade praised quality value-added products from SMEs and cooperatives for cross-border markets, while Agriculture Minister Roza Mbilizi pushed agro transformation with more investment in irrigation, mechanisation, processing and digital agriculture. Inputs Access: SFFRFM says it will roll out one-stop centres to stock key farm inputs nationwide, building on its 55 retail shops to improve availability of fertilisers, seeds and agrochemicals. Power & Water: Nyika Hydropower Group signed a grid connection agreement with ESCOM for the 51MW North Rumphi cascade, aiming to add major generation capacity. Anti-Corruption: The ACB summoned Nocma CEO Emmanuel Matapa after a reported $403,605 payment linked to “fraudulent correspondence,” with police arresting two Nocma officials. Health & Research: Mzuzu University received K105m to renovate its diagnostic laboratory for parasitology and disease vector control, strengthening training and research. Climate & Public Health: The First Lady urged environmental health professionals to prevent outbreaks by turning research and data into practical local solutions, as Malawi and the region face escalating climate risks. Rare Earths & Minerals: US investors, via AmCham Malawi, signalled growing interest in Malawi’s critical minerals, while a separate rare-earths focus highlights how high-grade deposits could reshape supply chains.

Climate & Disaster Watch: Flash floods in Nepal’s Trishuli River basin, linked to possible glacier collapse and landslides, are a stark reminder that warming is intensifying extreme weather and raising the need for stronger early-warning and resilient infrastructure. Agriculture & Food Security: Malawi’s legume push is gaining momentum as new technologies and field trials in the Shire Valley and Chikwawa promote drought-tolerant crops like pigeon peas, cowpeas, groundnuts and soybeans to reduce dependence on rain-fed maize. Health & Research: A Malawi-linked hospital study under the ALERT project reports fewer stillbirths and newborn deaths after improved maternity care across Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda, using training plus quality improvement support. Digital Inclusion: Malawi’s disability advocates warn that the country’s digital drive could leave persons with disabilities behind unless barriers in access, information and jobs are addressed. Prisons & Tech: Malawi Prison Service says advanced scanning at Zomba Central Prison helped seize 500+ phones, 1,000+ SIM cards and cannabis, targeting fraud and scams run from inside prisons. Transport & Energy: Lilongwe City Council plans an electric bus system via a new company, while businesses in Dedza report worsening load-shedding due to transformer overloads. Mining & Investment: US business groups are moving to connect American investors to Malawi’s critical minerals, as Japanese firms also scout opportunities in agriculture and manufacturing.

Japan–Malawi Investment Push: Japanese firms are scouting Malawi for deals in agriculture, manufacturing and processing as Lilongwe and Tokyo deepen trade ties. Legume Boost for Shire Valley: New drought-tolerant legume technologies and better farming inputs are being tested in Chikwawa, aiming to cut reliance on rain-fed maize and lift yields and export potential. Heat Stress Warning: A regional science review flags rising extreme heat across Southern Africa as a growing physiological threat, with Malawi among countries in the wider assessment. Urology Access via Camp: A four-day specialist urology camp in Tanzania will bring minimally invasive prostate treatments closer to patients, including Rezūm and HoLEP. LUANAR Agribusiness Hub: LUANAR reaffirms its role in agribusiness transformation through research, young talent and partnerships. Electric Buses for Lilongwe: Lilongwe City Council plans an electric bus system via a new transit company after studying urban transport models abroad. Load-shedding Hits Small Business: In Dedza, power cuts and transformer overloads are shutting down welding, milling and refrigeration-dependent livelihoods. Digital Inclusion for Disability: Macoda warns Malawi’s digital push could exclude persons with disabilities unless barriers to tech, information and jobs are addressed. Cash Transfer Trial Sparks Local Trade: A GiveDirectly cash programme is showing how households use funds to start businesses and expand services. Prison Tech Crackdown: Malawi’s prison service reports seizing 500+ phones and 1,000+ SIM cards after deploying advanced scanning at Zomba Central Prison. Road Cost Overrun: Delays on the Chitipa–Ilomba Road could add K131bn to the bill, raising questions on project delivery. US Eyes Malawi Minerals: AmCham Malawi is launched to connect American firms to critical minerals, with calls for stronger regulation and investor confidence. RPL for Skills Recognition: Malawi rolls out Recognition of Prior Learning to certify work-based skills through TEVETA, helping workers convert experience into qualifications. Teacher Licensing Warning: Education authorities warn unlicensed teachers face restrictions on transfers, leave, promotions and retirement benefits. Maternal Care Gains: A multi-country study including Malawi links improved maternity ward training and quality support to fewer stillbirths and newborn deaths.

Political Stability & Justice: A new study in the Malawi Journal of Politics and Public Affairs says Malawi’s political parties stay vulnerable to internal conflict because dispute resolution mechanisms are weak, but courts can step in when party systems fail. Rare Earths & Investment: Power Minerals’ CEO Alistair Stephens is pushing the company’s rare earths strategy, betting on its Morro do Ferro project as investor interest grows. Urban Transport Tech: Lilongwe City Council plans a formal electric bus system, setting up Lilongwe Electric Transit Ltd after learning from transport reforms in Moscow. Health Systems: An ALERT project study across Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda links hospital training, quality improvement and mentoring to fewer stillbirths and newborn deaths in the first 24 hours. Prison Security & Digital Fraud: Malawi Prison Service says scanners at Zomba Central Prison helped seize 500+ phones, 1,000+ SIM cards and cannabis, targeting crimes allegedly run from inside prisons. Education & Teacher Compliance: The Education ministry warns teachers without professional licences could face limits on transfers, leave, promotions and exam duties. Digital Government: Malawi is reaching out to Ghana to learn how to strengthen digital public infrastructure for digital government. Climate Risk: El Niño is flagged as the strongest on record, with calls for a “war room” to prepare for extreme weather impacts.