AGP Executive Report

El Niño & food security: Malawi’s inflation eased to 21.1% in June as food prices fell, but non-food inflation stayed sticky, while Admarc says it is holding about 22,500MT of maize to cushion possible El Niño shortages. Maize export policy: Government says maize export restrictions remain necessary for food security, despite pressure from farmers to lift limits. Roads funding: The Roads Fund Administration reports K73.3bn from the road maintenance levy and K1.77bn from toll-gates collected between April and June, with toll revenue up despite lower traffic. Energy resilience: ESCOM has switched on a 20MW utility-scale battery storage system near Lilongwe to stabilise power as El Niño threatens hydropower flows; Malawi also plans more battery sites. Lake transport upgrade: Government signed an MoU with a Chinese firm to build four vessels and develop port infrastructure at Chipoka, aiming to cut logistics costs and reduce pressure on the M1 highway. Mining governance: Parliament hears corporate social responsibility for mining firms is now legally binding under the Mines and Minerals Act, with MMRA able to suspend licences for non-compliance. Tax & revenue drive: MRA says improved systems and enforcement helped it exceed first-quarter targets, citing strong mining royalty collections. Fuel logistics risk: Fuel tanker drivers threaten to strike over alleged failure to commit 85% of transport volumes to Malawian operators. Telecom consumer protection: TNM assures customers its MACRA-ordered refunds for unprocedural data price hikes are underway and on track.

Mining Governance: Malawi’s mining minister says corporate social responsibility for extractive firms is now legally binding under the Mines and Minerals Act, after MP Gotani-Hara raised 17-year gaps in community benefits like Community Development Agreements, roads and compensation. Lake Transport: Government signed a MoU with Chinese contractor Xiao Xiang Investment to build four Lake Malawi vessels and upgrade Chipoka port in Salima, aiming to cut logistics costs and ease pressure on the M1 highway. Power & Industry: ESCOM switched on Malawi’s first utility-scale 20MW solar battery storage system to stabilise supply amid climate shocks, with plans for more battery sites to reduce blackouts and protect industrial and hospital equipment. Energy Imports: Malawi reaffirmed plans to use Tanzania’s Mtwara Port for fuel imports after upgrades improved oil-handling capacity and the fuel logistics chain. Banking: NBM plc approved a K92bn dividend after profit after tax jumped 95% to K197.97bn for 2025. Telecoms Consumer Relief: TNM says MACRA-ordered refunds for unprocedurally increased data bundle prices are underway and on track to complete by July 31. Cash Transfers: Canva co-founders pledged another $150m for unconditional cash transfers in Malawi via GiveDirectly. Tobacco Court Ruling: Court ruled SFFRFM is the lawful owner of over 10m kg of disputed tobacco and can sell it, ending a long-running dispute with Eastbridge Estate.

Land & governance row: Human rights activist Sylvester Namiwa alleges corruption has worsened under the DPP, pointing to alleged land grabs in Lumbadzi and questioning why Second VP Enoch Chihana chaired Cabinet while VP Jane Ansah was left out. Tax & compliance pressure: Malawi Revenue Authority says tax penalties jumped to K15.5bn in Q1 2026/27, driven by audit findings and a push to move VAT firms onto e-invoicing. Roads & transport finance: Toll collections rose to K1.77bn (Apr–Jun), with funds earmarked for road rehabilitation, while the M1 rehab faces delays as contractor payments lag and threaten the next phase. Energy & industry: Kayelekera uranium mine is set to restart in early August after acid plant remediation; Malawi also sees continued electrification frustration in rural areas. Trade & logistics regionally: Tanzania’s Mbamba Bay port rehabilitation aims to boost trade links that could benefit Malawi, while South Africa’s anti-immigrant enforcement is disrupting cross-border transport and labour supply. Labour & social protection: Malawi intensifies child labour enforcement with more workplace inspections and community action. Telecom competition: Government plans to invite bids for a third mobile network operator to expand coverage and services. Food stocks oversight: ADMARC faces renewed scrutiny after 70 metric tonnes of maize reportedly rotted at a Liwonde depot.

Labour & Trade Shock in Southern Africa: South Africa’s anti-immigrant crackdown has triggered a mass foreign-worker exodus, leaving farms, factories and households short-staffed and threatening output in sectors like fruit, vineyards and sugar. Legal Pressure on Regulators: Malawi’s Fiscal Police stormed Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) offices in Lilongwe to question staff over an “incomplete and inconclusive” Auditor General audit report, raising fresh governance concerns. Mining & Industry Continuity: Kayelekera Uranium Mine is set to restart in early August after acid plant remediation and reinstatement of acid supply. Tax & Compliance Push: Malawi Revenue Authority reports K15.5bn in tax penalties in Q1 2026/27, far above target, alongside rapid migration of VAT-registered firms to e-invoicing. Transport Infrastructure Funding: Payment delays on the M1 Road rehabilitation could stall release of €58.4m for the second phase, with contractors warning of work stoppages. Telecom Competition Plan: Malawi will invite bids for a third mobile network operator to boost competition after earlier licence attempts failed to build networks. Child Labour Crackdown: Malawi intensifies child-labour enforcement with stronger workplace inspections and community sensitisation in farms, factories and mines. Housing Research Investment: Habitat for Humanity Malawi commits about K70m to Luanar for research linking decent housing with water, sanitation, energy and climate-smart agriculture. Food Security Oversight: Calls for investigation grow after reports of 70 metric tonnes of ADMARC maize rotting at a Liwonde depot. Road Maintenance via Toll Revenue: Roads Authority says toll collections rose to K1.77bn (Apr–Jun), channelled into road rehabilitation, including key M1 stretches.

Labour & Trade Shock in Southern Africa: South Africa’s anti-migrant crackdown has triggered an exodus of over 160,000 foreign workers, leaving farms, factories and households scrambling for labour—farmers warn production and supply are already deteriorating, with major impacts on export crops. Roads & Transport Finance: Malawi’s Roads Fund Administration says toll collections rose to K1.77bn between April and June (up 56% year-on-year), feeding M1 rehabilitation and other maintenance priorities. M1 Rehabilitation Funding Risk: Payment delays are threatening the release of €58.4m for the M1’s second phase, as contractors question unpaid interim certificates. Tax Compliance Push: Malawi Revenue Authority collected K15.5bn in tax penalties in Q1 2026/27, far above target, as it accelerates audits and e-invoicing migration. Energy & Industry: Kayelekera Uranium Mine at Karonga is set to restart in early August after acid plant remediation and reinstatement of acid supply. Local Business Expansion: House of Meats opened a new Go Fresh outlet in Lilongwe’s Area 10, citing jobs and wider access to affordable meat. Governance & Oversight: Fiscal Police stormed Malawi Electoral Commission offices over an “incomplete and inconclusive” Auditor General audit report, escalating tensions around alleged financial mismanagement. Telecom Competition Plan: Government says it will invite bids for a third mobile network operator to boost competition and coverage. Food Stocks Accountability: ADMARC’s reported loss of 70 metric tonnes of maize at Liwonde has drawn calls for an independent probe into storage and oversight. Housing Research Investment: Habitat for Humanity Malawi committed about K70m to fund housing and community development research with LUANAR. Market Dispute: Nathenje market vendors in Lilongwe refuse to move into new sheds, citing unfair competition and lack of consultation.

WAFCON Watch: ESPN named 20 lesser-known “wonder kids” ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with Malawi’s Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga still the headline but new names set to matter as qualification stakes rise. Port & Trade Links: Tanzania is rehabilitating Mbamba Bay Port in Nyasa District, aiming to boost regional trade and Malawi’s access to services, including planned coal transport to Malawi. Cross-Border Pressure: South Africa’s crackdown on illegal immigration is escalating friction for cross-border transporters, with calls for a moratorium as enforcement hits lucrative routes. Governance & Compliance: Malawi Electoral Commission offices were stormed by Fiscal Police over an “incomplete and inconclusive” Auditor General audit report, while MRA reported a surge in tax penalties and faster e-invoicing uptake. Roads & Payments: The M1 rehabilitation faces funding delays as contractor payment arrears threaten the release of €58.4m for the next phase. Energy & Industry: Kayelekera uranium mine production is set to resume in early August after acid plant remediation, and Malawi’s rural electrification debate continues as communities still lack power. Telecom Competition: Government plans to invite bids for a third mobile network operator to improve competition and reduce costs. Food Systems: ADMARC maize rot at Liwonde depot sparks calls for an independent probe into losses of 70 metric tonnes. Housing Research: Habitat for Humanity Malawi pledged about K70m for research on sustainable housing with LUANAR, linking homes to water, sanitation, energy and climate-smart farming.

Telecom Competition Push: Malawi will invite bids for a third mobile network operator, aiming to bring a credible investor after past licence holders failed to build networks and left the market stuck with two players. Governance Under Scrutiny: Police/Fiscal Police stormed Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) offices in Lilongwe to question staff over an “incomplete and inconclusive” Auditor General audit report, with MEC disputing the process. Food Security Accountability: ADMARC confirmed 70 metric tonnes of maize rotted at its Liwonde depot; an activist is calling for an independent probe as Malawi faces recurring hunger pressure. Mining Revenue Watch: Malawi Revenue Authority says mineral royalties are lifting Q1 performance, with e-invoicing progress and higher penalties from non-compliance. Roads Funding: Roads Authority reports K1.77bn toll collections (Apr–Jun 2026) up 56%, channelled into M1 road rehabilitation. Standards & Consumer Trust: Malawi Bureau of Standards warns poverty is pushing buyers toward inferior goods, urging stronger enforcement and public reporting. Arts & Rights: COSOMA royalties row deepens as entertainment stakeholders accuse the copyright body of weak transparency and fairness. Regional Trade Risk: South Africa’s anti-immigrant enforcement is disrupting cross-border transport, raising concerns for logistics and investment stability.

Telecom Competition: Malawi’s government is preparing to invite bids for a third mobile operator, aiming to cut high data and call costs after earlier licence attempts failed to build networks. Mining & Revenue: The Malawi Revenue Authority says mineral royalties are boosting collections, with K28.4bn raised in Q1 2026/27 and higher penalties tied to non-compliance. Digital Tax Push: MRA reports it is nearing its Electronic Invoicing System target, with 8,428 businesses already registered toward 9,000. Food Security Risk: A WFP funding gap of $68m (K118bn) threatens hunger relief and school feeding, with coverage set to drop from September without new funds. Agritech & Farming Tech: Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has launched an AI-powered fertigation system to automate irrigation and fertiliser use for climate-smart crop production. Tobacco Traceability: The Tobacco Commission rolls out a “know your grower” tracking system for the 2026/27 season to improve traceability and unlock international market confidence. Quality Standards: Malawi Bureau of Standards says poverty is pushing consumers toward inferior goods, while some producers lower quality to match prices. Clean Cooking Industry: PressCane is expanding ethanol cooking stoves, backed as a way to reduce charcoal pressure and create jobs.

Mobile Money & Finance: Airtel Africa has picked the London Stock Exchange for its planned 2026 IPO of Airtel Money, targeting the second half of the year as it seeks a wider investor base. Consumer Finance Promotions: Airtel Money’s Tola promotion is nearing the finish line, with two weeks left before the MK50m grand prize after disbursing MK300m to 3,030 winners, including three MK5m weekly draw recipients. Standards & Trade: Malawi Bureau of Standards says poverty is pushing buyers toward cheaper, substandard goods—while some producers deliberately lower quality to match prices—urging stronger public reporting and clearer enforcement. Tax Administration: The Malawi Revenue Authority says it is close to its Electronic Invoicing System target, with 8,428 businesses registered toward 9,000, as compliance improves. Agri-Tech & Climate Resilience: Malawi University of Science and Technology has launched an AI-powered fertigation system to automate irrigation and fertiliser use for higher yields and climate-smart farming. Clean Cooking & Industry: PressCane is expanding ethanol clean-cooking solutions, with Minister Patricia Wiskes praising the shift away from charcoal and the jobs and export potential it brings. Digital Economy Policy: Government is moving to tackle digital piracy through a multi-stakeholder forum, calling for technology-driven enforcement to protect creators and tax revenue. Regional Energy: SADC is urging more investment in energy infrastructure, citing only about 50% electrification across the region and highlighting key cross-border transmission projects including the Malawi–Mozambique link.

AI & Agribusiness: Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has launched an AI-powered fertigation system that automates irrigation and fertiliser application using real-time data, with a greenhouse set up at Thyolo for tomatoes, bell peppers and cucumbers. Irrigation & Food Security: Shire Valley farmers are pushing for an irrigation boom as climate shocks keep cutting staple output, with Chikwawa and Nsanje highlighted as flood-and-dry-spell hotspots. Energy Infrastructure: SADC is urging more investment in regional energy links, naming projects including the Malawi–Mozambique interconnector to boost cross-border power trade as electrification lags. Digital Economy & Rights: Government is moving to tackle digital piracy through a multi-stakeholder forum, warning that illegal streaming is draining revenue and weakening Malawi’s creative industry. Mining & Value Addition: Mkango Rare Earths says it will process rare earth minerals in Malawi before export, while Nico Group calls for a review of mining regulations to attract long-term capital and increase local participation. Education & Skills: Airtel Africa Foundation and MUST have selected 25 students for the Airtel Nzeru Tech Scholarship, covering tuition, hostel support, stipends, data bundles and laptops for STEM study. Clean Cooking & Environment: PressCane’s clean cooking stove and ethanol-based gel fuel are being praised for reducing charcoal use and smoke while easing pressure on forests. Governance & Accountability: Parliament says it still needs an extra K400 million for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Lilongwe, as preparations continue. Social Shock: Leaked explicit videos have sparked outrage across Malawi, reigniting concerns over revenge porn, privacy and non-consensual sharing.

Digital Economy & IP: Malawi is moving to curb digital piracy with a national multi-stakeholder forum in Blantyre, pushing for technology-driven enforcement to protect creators and recover lost revenue. Energy Infrastructure: SADC is calling for bigger investment in power and water links, highlighting that the region still sits around 50% electrification and pointing to projects like the Malawi–Mozambique interconnector. Mining & Value Addition: Mkango Rare Earths says it will process rare earth minerals in Malawi before export, while Nico Group urges a review of mining regulations to attract long-term capital and more local participation. Agribusiness & Clean Cooking: PressCane is expanding beyond ethanol with construction hollow blocks made from fly ash and cleaner cooking stoves, with officials praising the health and forest-pressure benefits. Education & STEM Skills: Airtel Africa Foundation, via Airtel Malawi and MUST, has selected 25 students for full STEM scholarships with tuition, hostel support, data bundles and laptops. Governance & Funding: Parliament says it still needs an extra K400 million to fully fund the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Lilongwe. Parliamentary Accountability: MPs complain police housing projects are stalled, with lawmakers pressing government to complete promised builds.

Rare Earths & Mining Policy: Mkango Rare Earths says it will process rare earth minerals in Malawi before export, with Mining Minister Thoko Tembo touring Songwe Hill and backing licensing progress, while a separate commentary urges “forensic scrutiny” of Songwe’s value-add claims. Regulation & Investment Climate: Nico Group calls for a review of Malawi’s mining regulatory framework to unlock more domestic capital, warning that power supply remains a major constraint for investors. Energy & Infrastructure: MPs raise concerns over stalled police housing projects, while Malawi’s power interconnector with Mozambique is nearing completion with an initial 50MW phase expected. Digital Revenue & Compliance: Malawi Revenue Authority reports that digital tax stamps (Kalondola) are boosting excise collections and tightening enforcement, with MRA pointing to improved visibility of production and duty payments. Skills & STEM Pipeline: Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Malawi and MUST, announces the first cohort of 25 Nzeru Tech Scholarship beneficiaries with full support including stipends, data and laptops. Clean Cooking & Jobs: Natural Resources Minister Patricia Wiskes praises PressCane’s bioethanol cooking scheme in Chikwawa as a charcoal alternative that can cut deforestation, improve health and create jobs. Food Security: Government allocates K100 billion to NFRA to strengthen strategic maize reserves amid public concern over ADMARC funding and hunger risks. Creative & Media: Malawi film “16 Barz: King of Bawo” is selected for screening at an inaugural African film festival in the USA, while Maso Awards rejects AI music nominations, sparking mixed reactions from artists and fans.

Banking & Trade Links: Standard Bank Malawi connected three Malawian entrepreneurs (engineering, hospitality and transport) to new growth opportunities at Cape Town’s Africa Unlocked 2026 conference, aiming to expand intra-Africa markets and partnerships. Food Security & Procurement: Government released K100 billion to NFRA to boost strategic maize reserves, while an exposed report questions an Indian firm’s US$20.2m maize supply contract awarded amid Malawi’s forex strain. Clean Energy & Jobs: Natural Resources Minister Patricia Wiskes backed PressCane’s bioethanol cooking push in Chikwawa as a charcoal alternative that can cut deforestation and create youth jobs. Industry & Investment: Mining Minister Thoko Tembo toured Portland Cement Malawi’s K200bn Balaka expansion, citing tax, royalties and export earnings; meanwhile Lindian Resources says Kangankunde rare earth blasting keeps it on track for first production in Q4. Infrastructure Finance: FDH Bank and National Bank of Malawi set aside K100bn each to finance the Golomoti–Monkey Bay Road, supporting faster delivery of a key transport corridor. Policy & Oversight: MCP’s new shadow cabinet signals a shift toward parliamentary scrutiny and accountability. Energy Reliability: ESCOM will commission a K33bn battery storage system to stabilise the grid and improve renewable integration. Agriculture Costs: Fertiliser prices have jumped ahead of the 2026/27 season, raising fresh fears for yields and food security.

SADC Leather Push: Malawi is among six SADC members aligning national leather plans with a regional value-chain framework, ahead of the SADC Regional Leather Forum in Durban on July 23–24. Investment Diplomacy: President Peter Mutharika met former UK PM Tony Blair at Kamuzu Palace, pitching Malawi’s “Four Fs” and urging mining and energy investors via the Tony Blair Institute. Food Security Procurement: Malawi’s NFRA awarded a US$20.2m maize supply contract to India’s Global Agri Services amid forex strain, at US$505 per tonne. Industrial Jobs & Exports: Mining minister Thoko Tembo toured Portland Cement Malawi’s Balaka plant, citing K200bn investment, K35bn annual tax and K1bn mining royalties, plus US$15m foreign exchange from exports. Rare Earth Momentum: Lindian Resources says Kangankunde rare earth project blasting is complete and first production is on track for Q4. Regulator Court Ruling: MACRA lost a case at the Industrial Relations Court after a former deputy finance director was ruled unfairly dismissed over procurement letters. Health Funding Shock: A study says US-backed paediatric HIV treatment fell by about 14% year-on-year after aid cuts. Fertiliser Pressure: Fertiliser prices are surging ahead of the 2026/27 season, while stakeholders warn budget cuts could derail FISP. Youth & Women Loans: MEDF received K1.2bn from Government for CDF-linked youth and women enterprise loans. Power Grid Upgrade: ESCOM will commission a K33bn battery energy storage system to boost grid stability. Building Safety Alarm: MPs renewed calls for building safety reforms after a Blantyre wall collapse killed three people, with court delays blamed. Road Finance Deal: FDH Bank and National Bank set aside K100bn each to finance Golomoti–Monkey Bay Road works.

Industrial Investment: Mining minister Thoko Tembo toured Portland Cement Malawi’s K200bn Balaka plant, calling it a major boost for local manufacturing, jobs and reduced cement imports. Infrastructure Finance: FDH Bank and National Bank of Malawi set aside K100bn to fund the Golomoti–Monkey Bay Road, a 58.4km corridor expected to run in two lots over 24 months. Power & Energy Storage: ESCOM is set to commission a K33bn 20MW/40MWh battery system to stabilise the grid and improve renewable integration. Construction Safety: A Blantyre building wall collapse that killed three has pushed MPs to demand stronger building safety enforcement, faster court action and better urban planning. Agribusiness & Food Security: Malawi is considering tax and duty waivers for fish cage farming to cut input costs and grow aquaculture as wild stocks decline. Trade & Exports: The EU extended Malawi’s GSP preferences for 2026–2036, supporting exports including clothing, fish and chemicals. Debt & Fiscal Rules: Parliament’s Budget and Finance Committee wants a Debt Management Bill to curb borrowing, as public debt is put at about K24tn (around 90% of GDP). Cost Pressures: Diesel and petrol imports surged, worsening forex strain and feeding the wider cost-of-living squeeze.

Mining & Manufacturing: Malawi’s mining minister Thoko Tembo toured Portland Cement Malawi’s Balaka plant, praising its K200bn investment for boosting local cement supply, jobs and industrial growth. Roads & Transport Finance: Launch of Lot 2 of the K200bn Golomoti–Mangochi–Monkey Bay Road (K100bn Golomoti–Chantulo) is underway, with National Bank financing and Mota-Engil construction, including a flyover at the Golomoti railway crossing. Energy & Trade Costs: Malawi’s fuel import bill jumped sharply in June 2026, with diesel and petrol together taking 31.7% of total imports, raising forex pressure. Agribusiness & Food Security: Government is moving to establish local fertiliser production by 2027/28, while Morocco’s 500 metric tonnes donation supports vulnerable farmers. Critical Minerals: Songwe Hill rare earths in Phalombe edged closer as Tembo said the legal framework for mining licences is being finalised, with projections of major economic benefits. Aquaculture Policy: Malawi is considering tax and duty waivers for fish cage farming to help replace declining wild catches. Regional Labour Shock: South Africa’s anti-illegal immigration push is blamed for job losses and skilled labour shortages affecting sectors that matter to the region, including transport and agriculture. Fuel & Climate Risk: Farmers and analysts warn Super El Niño response funding is thin and may arrive too late, even as El Niño conditions loom.