AGP Executive Report

Fuel & Transport: Malawi’s fuel shortage has entered its second week, with motorists waiting days at stations as authorities crack down on illegal sales. The crisis is disrupting travel and business, while the trade union says black-market prices could reach K20,000 a litre. Rare Earths: Lindian says Kangankunde has built its ore stockpile ahead of schedule; connecting the site to power is the next key step as it targets first monazite concentrate by year-end. Roads: The Roads Fund Administration plans tollgates on all new Roads Authority roads to help pay for maintenance. Local Manufacturing: A cooking-oil factory in Machinga has resumed sunflower processing after 15 years, offering farmers a market and potential jobs. Energy: ESCOM has signed agreements to connect the planned 50MW Mzimba solar plant to the grid.

Telecoms: CAMA has asked MACRA to investigate Airtel and TNM over dropped calls, unreliable internet and delays in mobile-money transactions. Fuel Crisis: Lilongwe motorists are queuing for up to three days, disrupting travel, business and deliveries; CAMA warns that shortages are also enabling fuel price exploitation. Manufacturing: A cooking-oil factory in Machinga has resumed production after 15 years, processing sunflower and offering farmers a market for their crops. Mining: Rare-earth extraction is under way at Kangankunde, while construction advances toward first concentrate. Malawi’s gold-trading centres are also preparing to buy from local miners, aiming to curb smuggling and retain more export earnings. Energy: ESCOM has signed an agreement to connect a 50MW Mzimba solar plant to the grid. Agriculture: Fertiliser stocks stand at about 148,000 tonnes against estimated needs of 450,000–475,000 tonnes, raising concern for the coming planting season.

Fuel Disruption: Lilongwe motorists are waiting days for petrol as shortages enter a second week, disrupting businesses, school runs and goods deliveries. Farming & Inputs: Malawi has committed US$1 million to a seed investment plan, but fertiliser stocks are more than 300,000 tonnes below estimated annual needs, threatening the coming planting season. Public Procurement: The Anti-Corruption Bureau has blocked ADMARC’s proposed K2.97 billion contract for 100 tarpaulins while it investigates suspected corruption; the move does not establish wrongdoing. Mining: Mamico is preparing formal gold-buying centres to draw miners away from smugglers, but still needs financing and an offtake agreement. Separately, extraction has begun at the Kangankunde rare-earth mine, with local processing a stated goal. Power & Industry: ESCOM and Quantel have signed a connection agreement for a 50MW solar plant in Mzimba, a step towards adding power for industry and agriculture.

Fuel Supply: Malawi’s shortage is entering its second week, disrupting transport and pushing some motorists toward black-market fuel. NOCMA is seeking bids for 440,000 tonnes of fuel, but authorities have yet to say when supplies will stabilise. Farm Inputs: Fertiliser stocks stand at about 148,000 tonnes, against annual needs of up to 475,000 tonnes, while prices are rising. Malawi has committed US$1 million to a national seed investment plan, but AGRA warns that plans need funding and stronger delivery on farms. Mining: State-owned Mamico says its gold-buying centres are ready to open, pending an agreement with the Reserve Bank. The company also plans to mine and process gold next year to bring more trade into formal channels. Rare-earth extraction has begun at Kangankunde in Balaka, with the project expected to support investment and local processing. Power: ESCOM has signed connection agreements for a 50MW solar project in Mzimba and a 75MW multifuel plant in Salima, paving the way for projects intended to ease power shortages and support industry. Business Climate: Industry leaders say forex and energy constraints are eroding gains from lower inflation and weighing on businesses.

Minerals: Malawi has begun extracting rare earths at Kangankunde in Balaka. Operator Lindian Resources plans to extract about 500,000 tonnes, while the government wants more processing and manufacturing to take place locally. Gold Trade: State-backed MAMICO is preparing three gold-buying centres and has identified more than 100 mining sites in 26 districts. It says it needs K85 billion to launch and K300 billion annually, with purchases awaiting an agreement with the Reserve Bank. The centres aim to curb smuggling and retain more foreign exchange. Power: ESCOM signed grid-connection agreements for a 50MW solar plant in Mzimba and a 75MW multifuel plant in Salima, paving the way for projects intended to ease power shortages and support industry. Business Pressure: Industry leaders say forex and energy constraints weakened business conditions in the third quarter. Fuel shortages have entered a second week, disrupting transport and pushing some buyers towards costly black-market supplies. Public Procurement: The Anti-Corruption Bureau has blocked ADMARC’s proposed K3 billion contract for 100 tarpaulins while it investigates suspected corruption.

Gold Mining: Malawi plans to open three formal gold-buying centres, with equipment and bank financing in place but purchases awaiting Reserve Bank approval. MAMICO has identified more than 100 mining sites across 26 districts, as officials say smuggling is costing the country heavily. Power Projects: ESCOM has signed connection agreements for a 50MW solar plant in Mzimba and a 75MW thermal project in Salima, paving the way to add capacity and ease outages that hurt industry. Business Climate: Industry leaders say forex shortages, unreliable energy and fuel pressures are eroding recent gains on inflation and raising costs for businesses. A customer-service survey also found public-agency visits average 4.2 hours, adding to the burden on firms and consumers. Fuel Crisis: Shortages are into a second week, disrupting transport and small businesses as black-market prices reportedly reach K20,000 a litre. NOCMA is seeking bids for 440,000 tonnes of fuel, but motorists still lack a clear timeline for relief.

Power Investment: ESCOM has signed grid-connection agreements for Quantel’s $50 million, 50MW solar plant in Mzimba and a 75MW multifuel plant planned for Salima. The latter is expected to boost baseload capacity and cut unserved energy, while developers warn paperwork delays can slow investment. Fuel Supply: Malawi’s shortage is entering its second week, disrupting transport and businesses. CAMA says black-market fuel is selling for K15,000–K20,000 a litre as NOCMA seeks bids for 440,000 tonnes of fuel. Public Procurement: The Anti-Corruption Bureau has stopped ADMARC from awarding a K3 billion contract for 100 tarpaulins while it investigates suspected corruption. The move does not establish wrongdoing. Mining: Kayelekera produced 332,000 pounds of uranium in its first year, below its planned ramp-up amid plant and sulphuric-acid supply problems. AuKing Mining also reported further high-grade rare-earth results at its Tundulu project, though exploration results do not guarantee a viable mine.

Mobile Money: Airtel Money shares slipped below their £1.96 IPO price in a muted London debut, despite strong demand. The service operates in Malawi and 12 other African countries. Economic Outlook: Government says Kwacha devaluation is not on the agenda in IMF talks; the Fund reports progress toward a possible new programme, but no deal is final. Fuel and Transport: Fuel shortages are raising travel costs and creating operational risks for businesses and events, despite assurances that regional stocks are adequate. Roads: Road levy arrears have fallen to K173 billion, but delayed payments have hampered maintenance. RFA says renewed collections helped it repay a K34.5 billion road loan early and fund rehabilitation. Mining: Kayelekera produced 332,000 pounds of uranium in its first year, below its ramp-up target, as plant reliability and sulphuric acid supply disrupted operations. Agriculture and Energy: Blantyre has received 25,067 farm-input subsidy coupons for distribution, while Mpatamanga’s resettlement programme has completed 28 of 48 homes ahead of planned December relocations.

Mining: AuKing Mining reported high-grade rare-earth hits across three areas of its Nathace Hill project in southern Malawi, including deeper mineralisation that could guide further drilling. Currency and Investment: Government says Kwacha devaluation is not part of IMF negotiations. The Fund reported progress toward a possible new programme, but no agreement has been reached. Fuel and Power: Fuel shortages are disrupting businesses, while the Malawi Congress of Trade Unions is urging urgent action. Power cuts are also constraining small firms: 90% of 362 surveyed businesses reported outages. Transport: Roads Authority plans K587.1 billion in contracts to rehabilitate the Chiweta–Karonga M1 stretch, a key route for fuel and goods. Energy Projects: Mpatamanga’s resettlement programme has completed 28 of 48 houses ahead of the planned 350MW hydropower project. Road Funding: Road levy arrears remain at about K173 billion, limiting funds for maintenance and contractor payments.

Power Projects: Mpatamanga hydropower developers have completed 28 of 48 resettlement homes, with relocation expected to start in December. Roads, boreholes and a school are also planned at the new sites. Fuel and Transport: Malawi’s fuel shortages continue to drive up travel costs, prompting the trade union congress to demand urgent action. Zambia’s energy regulator says its own stocks are adequate but warns regional supply remains exposed to international shocks. Roads: The Roads Authority intends to award K587.1 billion in contracts to rehabilitate the 105-kilometre Chiweta–Karonga section of the M1, a key route for goods and fuel from Tanzania. Agrifood: Government is urging private investment in farming and food processing to build local value chains and reduce reliance on imported processed products. An expected strong El Niño adds urgency: climate shocks have cut regional legume harvests by as much as 78%, raising risks for farmers and food supplies.

Fuel and Transport: Malawi’s shortages are driving up travel costs, with some Mzuzu–Nkhata Bay minibus fares reaching K30,000 and black-market fuel reportedly selling for K22,000 a litre. Public Spending: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee questioned the use of US$13.9 million from Blantyre Water Board to help fund maize imports from Zambia, saying the money could have improved water services; it also urged more investment in domestic irrigation. Agrifood Investment: Government is courting private investors to expand processing, value addition and exports, as climate risks threaten bean harvests across the region. Finance: NBM has contributed K5 million to a financial dealers’ conference focused on liquidity and improving foreign-exchange availability. Industrialisation: The government says preparations are advancing for the delayed Magwero Industrial Park, a project projected to generate US$600 million in annual exports.

Industrial Investment: Government says the delayed Magwero Industrial Park is moving toward construction, with lead partner Arise IIP expected to finalize preparations and officials seeking more local investor participation. The planned hub targets textiles, pharmaceuticals and food processing, with projected annual exports of $600 million. Economic Reform: Economist Paul Gadama urged coordinated fiscal, monetary, trade and regulatory reforms, including directing borrowing toward productive investment and expanding exports and manufacturing. Food and Farming: Food security concerns are turning to the next harvest, as possible El Niño conditions threaten crops and fuel shortages disrupt grain transport. Maize bags are selling for K40,000 to K60,000 in several markets. Fuel and Logistics: The shortage is also raising costs for businesses and event organizers, while transporters warn poor roads delay deliveries and add towing expenses. Regional Finance: Malawi is hosting SADC financial regulators in Lilongwe to discuss stronger cooperation, financial inclusion and cross-border oversight of non-bank institutions.

Livestock & Hunger Rethink: A new push at the World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue argues livestock must be treated as part of the solution to hunger and livelihoods—not just an emissions trade-off. Food Waste & Climate: UN-linked reporting warns rotting food waste can drive up to 10% of global greenhouse gases, pushing calls for methane-cutting waste systems. Public Health Tech: Google Earth AI is being used to spot disease risks earlier by combining satellite, weather and search signals. Fuel Crisis Pressure: Zambian police intercepted 19 Malawians in a petrol-smuggling bust aimed at Lilongwe, highlighting how shortages are driving risky coping. RBM Financial Reform: Reserve Bank of Malawi Governor George Partridge urged stronger SADC cooperation to regulate cross-border non-bank finance and protect savers. Local Industry & Jobs: SMEDCO opened applications for a January 2027 manufacturing/value-addition training intake in Phalombe, with support for business financing. Health System Strain: Malawi’s health ministry says medicine shortages are a crisis worsened by forex gaps and supplier debt, turning to local manufacturers via CMST. Energy & Power Reliability: Blackouts are disrupting businesses in places like Mchinji, with residents climbing to telecom towers to recharge phones. Climate Preparedness: DoDMA unveiled a K488bn El Niño plan but says it has only secured about a quarter of needed funding. Education & Skills: KUHes enters THE World University Rankings for 2027, while youth coverage flags graduate unemployment as a jobs mismatch problem. Governance & Accountability: ADMARC faces fresh scrutiny over a K2.97bn tarpaulin deal as questions swirl around pricing and connections. Pensions Update: Pro Veritas becomes Malawi’s first licensed Pension Advisor, expanding independent advisory services for pension funds and members.

Higher Education & Skills: Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHes) enters the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027 for the first time, placing 39th in Africa and 9th in Southern Africa (1,201–1,400 globally), with strong scores in research quality and international outlook. Climate & Agriculture: Malawi’s Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (MET) warns recent rains are a “false onset” and not reliable for planting, while El Niño preparedness remains underfunded as DoDMA’s K488bn plan has a large funding gap. Energy & Business Impact: Blackouts are disrupting livelihoods and charging phones at telecom tower sites in Mchinji, while mining and other sectors push for reforms that support value addition and jobs. Health & Local Industry: The Ministry of Health calls medicine shortages a crisis driven by foreign exchange constraints and supplier debt, and is pushing local manufacturers via CMST to restore supplies. Mining & Manufacturing: Malawi’s Ministry of Mining says Minerals Act 2023 amendments aim to boost local content and value addition; SMEDCO opens applications for a Phalombe manufacturing/value-add academy intake (Jan 2027). Finance & Pensions: Pro Veritas becomes Malawi’s first licensed Pension Advisor, filling a gap for independent advisory services to pension funds and members. Food Systems & Waste: A UN Environment Programme warning links rotting food waste to up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions—about five times aviation—adding urgency to waste management solutions.

Rare Earths & Mining: Lynas’ $968m all-scrip bid for Meteoric signals a global rush toward simpler, low-cost rare earth processing, reshaping who can compete in the sector. Natural Resources & Academia: Malawi’s Natural Resources Ministry and LUANAR signed an MoU to deepen fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, climate services, research and capacity building. SME Manufacturing Pipeline: SMEDCO opened applications for its Phalombe Manufacturing & Value Addition Academy (Jan 2027 intake), promising hands-on training plus support to access business loans. Pensions Regulation: RBM licensed Pro Veritas as Malawi’s first Pension Advisor, expanding independent advisory services for pension and provident funds. Energy & Power Reliability: EGENCO moved to restore 20MW at Nkula B Unit 6 after repairs sent to South Africa, aiming to complete maintenance by end of October. Fuel Costs & Forex Pressure: Global oil and refined-product tightness is driving higher fuel prices, with Malawi flagged among Africa’s most expensive petrol markets—an issue tied to import dependence and forex constraints. Climate Risk Funding: DoDMA unveiled a K488bn El Niño Preparedness Plan but says only about a quarter is secured, leaving a large private-sector funding gap. Agribusiness & Markets: Tobacco’s KYG traceability push aims to meet buyer demands for transparent grower sourcing, while tomato farmers call for sustainable markets as losses mount. Business Environment: Government says SMEs still face financing gaps, forex shortages and power outages, urging more production for export and value addition. Industry & Culture: A University of Malawi study estimates arts and cultural industries contribute about K28bn annually, calling for stronger government support. Consumer & Retail Promotions: Castel Malawi launched price cuts and a “Tikwere Under the Crown” promotion with prizes including a Nissan Navara and motorbikes.

Energy & Power Reliability: EGENCO has started restoring Nkula B Hydropower Station Unit 6 after a five-week outage, following the arrival of a critical shaft for repairs; the 20MW unit is expected back on line by end of October, aiming to ease load-shedding pressures. Fuel & Forex Pressure: Malawi’s fuel queues are being linked to a global diesel squeeze and shipping disruptions, but analysts stress the real trigger is how the shock hits Malawi’s foreign-exchange constraints and import financing. Governance & Accountability: President Arthur Peter Mutharika marked his first year with a “4Fs” message on food, fuel, fertiliser and forex, while critics say citizens deserve tougher scrutiny beyond a “staged scorecard.” SMEs & Industry: The Ministry says SMEs still face financing gaps, foreign-exchange shortages and power outages, urging more production for export and value addition. Health Supply Chain: Persistent medicine shortages are being blamed on theft and “leakages,” alongside CMST’s outstanding supplier debt. Agribusiness & Markets: SMEDCO is buying surplus tomatoes to curb post-harvest losses and stabilise prices, as farmers call for sustainable markets and affordable financing. Housing & Urban Renewal: Malawi Housing Corporation says it is shifting from eviction notices to community engagement, partnerships and digital transparency in its urban renewal drive. Sports & Local Investment: Mzimba Queens won the Northern Region netball league, with a sponsor pledge to upgrade Rosedale Court facilities. Business Regulation: RBM has licensed Pro Veritas as Malawi’s first pension adviser, expanding independent advisory services for pension funds and members. Climate & Food Security: El Niño-linked risks are expected to worsen food insecurity, with households struggling more from low income than from outright lack of food.