AGP Executive Report

Post-Harvest Push: AGRA and partners are scaling post-harvest technologies in Malawi to cut food losses, promoting hermetic storage bags, shellers, threshers and tarpaulins after studies found smallholders can lose up to 30% of produce. Energy Security: ESCOM, with police and chiefs, stepped up anti-vandalism drives in Lumbadzi, warning that transformer theft and damage disrupt power and drain money meant for network expansion. Weather Readiness: Malawi is moving toward real-time forecasting with a new weather radar at Kasamba Hills, Blantyre, expected to cover a 250km radius and improve early warnings for floods and cyclones. Fuel Haulage Row: CDEDI and NOCMA are trading accusations over who hauls Malawi’s fuel and how forex is used, with CDEDI alleging foreign firms dominate key corridors. Fertiliser Factory Funding Woes: Luanar’s K57.27bn fertiliser manufacturing plant faces uncertainty as private investment delays and funding gaps cloud scale-up plans. Macokasa Kabaza Reform: Motorcycle taxi operators plan to shift toward district cooperatives to improve compliance, safety and coordination. ESCOM Procurement Probe: A leaked “no objection” letter linked to ESCOM transformer and pole procurement has sparked public debate over accountability and process. Macroeconomic Pressure: AfDB flags Malawi’s low growth, high inflation, forex shortages and debt stress as key hurdles to recovery. Independence Day Cut: Government cancelled state-funded Independence Day celebrations for 6 July, redirecting resources to austerity and a national prayer programme. Lake Malawi Plastic Threat: Fishermen around Lake Malawi say plastic waste is increasingly entangling gear and showing up in catches, echoing national estimates of large annual plastic waste volumes.

Energy & Infrastructure Security: ESCOM has intensified anti-vandalism campaigns with police and chiefs in Lumbadzi, Dowa, warning that transformer theft and damage disrupts power and drains money meant for network expansion. Accountability in Procurement: A leaked “No Objection” letter tied to ESCOM transformer and pole procurement has sparked debate, with commentators urging facts over haste. Local Industry & Waste-to-Value Claims: ESCOM says it uncovered an illegal aluminium pot factory in Lunzu, Blantyre, allegedly using vandalised ESCOM conductors—seizing pots and lids and making arrests. Weather & Disaster Readiness: Malawi is moving ahead with a new weather radar at Kasamba Hills, Mdeka, Blantyre, expected to improve real-time forecasting within a 250km radius. Agriculture & Inputs: Luanar’s K57.27bn fertiliser plant faces funding uncertainty as it seeks private partners to commercialise chemical and organic fertilisers. Macroeconomy & FX: AfDB flags Malawi’s low growth, high inflation, FX shortages and debt stress; meanwhile MCCCI pushes for exchange rate unification, arguing multiple rates worsen shortages. Transport & Trade: CDEDI and NOCMA clash over fuel haulage and forex use, with claims of sidelining local transporters. Digital & Skills: Airtel Africa Foundation’s inaugural annual report highlights $6.2m in FEED pillars, including Malawi tech fellowships and school connectivity. Public Health & Safety: Police in Mzuzu, with the Pesticides Control Board, arrested a man for allegedly selling illegal, expired pesticides and forged labels. Industry & Jobs: Gwamba’s August 1 concert at Bingu National Stadium is projected to create 1,500+ jobs across event and support services.

ESCOM Anti-Vandal Push: ESCOM has stepped up campaigns with police and chiefs in Dowa’s Lumbadzi to curb transformer and other infrastructure vandalism that disrupts power and hits local livelihoods. Weather & Disaster Readiness: Malawi is moving toward real-time forecasting after work on a new weather radar at Kasamba Hills in Blantyre, with officials saying it will improve early warnings and guide community action. Fertiliser Project Funding Woes: Luanar’s proposed K57.27bn fertiliser plant is facing uncertainty as private investment and scaling funds remain tight, even as trials progress. Forex Debate: MCCCI is calling for phased exchange-rate unification, arguing multiple rates are worsening forex shortages and distorting trade, while critics warn it could trigger devaluation shocks. Maize Market Relief, Hunger Risk: Maize prices are easing as the main harvest advances, but FEWS NET warns overall supply still falls short of national needs. Cotton Farmers in Limbo: Admarc delays in starting the 2026 cotton marketing season are leaving farmers without expected purchasing and price support. Pesticide Crackdown: Police and the Pesticides Control Board arrested a Mzuzu man over illegal, expired pesticides and forged labels, warning of serious health and farm risks. Airtel Africa Foundation: Airtel Africa Foundation’s inaugural report highlights $6.2m support across education, digital inclusion, financial inclusion and sustainability, including scholarships and school connectivity in Malawi.

Weather & Disaster Preparedness: Malawi is set to get a new weather radar at Kasamba Hills in Mdeka, Blantyre, with the Minister of Natural Resources Patricia Wiskes saying it will deliver real-time alerts for floods and cyclones within a 250km radius, and officials expect handover in about three months. Power Sector Security: ESCOM has intensified anti-vandalism drives with police and chiefs in Lumbadzi, Dowa, warning that transformer and infrastructure theft disrupts supply, endangers the public and drains funds meant for network expansion. Digital & Education Support: Airtel Africa Foundation released its inaugural annual report, committing $6.2m across Financial Inclusion, Education, Environmental Sustainability and Digital Inclusion, including connecting 1,028 schools to the internet via UNICEF and awarding 257 university scholarships in Malawi and other countries. Agribusiness & Consumer Impact: Maize prices in Malawi are easing as the main harvest progresses, but FEWS NET warns overall supply still falls short of national needs after weather-related yield setbacks. Forex & Business Climate: MCCCI is pushing for phased exchange rate unification, arguing multiple rates are worsening forex shortages and distorting trade, while economists warn it could trigger short-term shocks. Fuel Governance Debate: CDEDI continues to challenge NOCMA’s fuel role, alleging cartel-driven distortions in fuel, forex and procurement that keep pump prices high. Public Safety: Police in Mzuzu, with the Pesticides Control Board, arrested a trader accused of selling illegal, expired pesticides and repackaging products with forged labels.

Electricity Security: ESCOM and police chiefs in Lumbadzi, Dowa stepped up anti-vandalism awareness after a spike in transformer attacks, warning that sabotage threatens safety, disrupts power and drains money meant for network expansion. Illegal Manufacturing Link: ESCOM also uncovered an illegal aluminium pot factory in Lunzu, Blantyre, where pots and lids were reportedly made from vandalised ESCOM conductors, with dozens of pots and conductors seized. Fuel Price Pressure: CDEDI renewed calls for fuel price cuts, accusing NOCMA of drifting from managing strategic reserves into oil marketing and pointing to cartels in fuel, forex and procurement. Pesticide Crackdown: In Mzuzu, police with the Pesticides Control Board arrested a trader over alleged sale of expired and forged-labelled pesticides, including repackaged Dithane into unlabelled containers. Agriculture Markets: Maize prices are easing as harvest progresses, but FEWS NET still warns of a national deficit; cotton farmers meanwhile remain stuck as Admarc delays purchases. Mining & Industry: Chilwa Minerals expanded niobium mineralisation at the Nakombe Project in Zomba, though commercial extraction still needs a licence. Finance & Digital: NBM says innovation and digital banking will drive growth, while Airtel Money’s Tola promotion paid out K30m to 303 winners. Jobs & Trade: A partnership deal aims to boost SME and agri-business finance in Malawi, and Gwamba’s August concert plans to create over 1,500 jobs.

Jobs & Creative Economy: Musician Gwamba says the “Landlord Pakwao Concert” at Bingu National Stadium on Aug 1, 2026 is set to create over 1,500 jobs across security, vending, transport and event support. Food Security: FEWS NET reports maize prices are easing as harvests progress, but overall supply still falls short of national needs, keeping hunger risk on the table. Cotton Market: Cotton farmers remain stuck after Admarc’s delayed entry into the 2026 marketing season, threatening competition and price stability. Fuel & Governance: CDEDI and NOCMA are in a fresh standoff over fuel procurement and whether NOCMA has drifted from managing strategic reserves, with calls for pump price cuts. Public Health & Safety: PCB and police arrest a Mzuzu agro-dealer over alleged sale of illegal pesticides, including a forged label and decanting into unlabelled containers. Inclusion & Rights: Human Rights Watch urges Malawi to fully fund the National Action Plan on Albinism as discrimination and exclusion persist. Finance & Digital: NBM doubles down on digital banking as a growth strategy, highlighting Mo626 Digital+ and regional expansion plans. Regional Trade: Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique move to cut border delays and transport costs by tackling corridor bottlenecks. Mining: Chilwa Minerals expands niobium mineralisation at Nakombe, while EDF targets K400bn for gold purchases to boost forex and curb illegal trade.

Fuel & Forex Pressure: CDEDI is demanding fuel price cuts, accusing cartels in the fuel supply chain, forex handling and procurement of driving pump prices and weakening the Kwacha, while questioning NOCMA’s shift away from managing strategic reserves. Public Health & Safety: The Pesticides Control Board and police arrested a Mzuzu agro-dealer over alleged sale of illegal pesticides, including a forged label and decanting into unlabelled containers. Humanitarian & Mobility: Thousands of Malawians displaced by xenophobic attacks in South Africa have gathered at a Durban park, with officials warning of serious health risks due to poor water and sanitation. Banking & Digital Push: National Bank of Malawi says digital banking is central to its growth strategy, highlighting Mo626 Digital+ and new support for productive sectors. Agriculture Outlook: FEWS NET expects Malawi’s maize harvest to rebound to an average level, but still below national needs. Mining & Commodities: Chilwa Minerals reports expanded niobium mineralisation at the Nakombe project, while the Export Development Fund earmarks K400bn for gold purchases to boost forex and curb illegal trade. Trade & Industry: Malawi’s industrialisation gains remain modest, with manufacturing employment still failing to absorb jobs; meanwhile, Smedco plans a microfinance institution under the new MSMEs Act. Connectivity & Payments: Stakeholders warn digital transaction levies could push Malawians back to cash, undermining financial inclusion. Sports & Consumer Marketing: Coca-Cola Malawi launches a FIFA World Cup 2026 Sangalala campaign to drive fan engagement nationwide.

Digital Finance Push: National Bank of Malawi says digital banking is now the backbone of its growth strategy, citing strong performance of Mo626 Digital+ and renewed ICTAM recognition. Policy Watch: NBM and industry warn that proposed digital transaction levies could push Malawians back to cash, hurting inclusion. Forex & Gold Drive: The Export Development Fund earmarked K400bn for gold purchases, buying 352kg in three months to boost foreign exchange and curb illegal trade. Industrial Jobs Gap: An AfDB index shows Malawi’s industrialisation gains are modest, while manufacturing employment keeps falling—highlighting infrastructure, finance and skills constraints. Trade Fair Deals: Local firms say the Malawi International Trade Fair helped turn product showcases into market links and negotiations. MSME Support: Smedco plans a microfinance institution under the new MSMEs Act to expand financing and technical support for small businesses. Regional Transport Efficiency: Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique are modernising border posts and harmonising corridor rules to cut delays and reduce trade costs. Labour & Compliance: A court set aside an ACB restriction notice affecting tobacco access between companies, while a separate case highlights whistleblower risks in manufacturing. Agriculture & Inclusion: Women farmers remain under-recognised and under-supported, with low land title ownership and limited credit—an issue tied to the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Climate Risk: El Niño warnings say Malawi’s GDP could drop by 6% in 2026-27, raising pressure on food and livelihoods. Human Rights: HRW urges Malawi to fully fund the albinism action plan, warning of ongoing inequality beyond attacks.

Digital Finance Push: NBM says digital banking is at the centre of its growth strategy, citing Mo626 Digital+ awards and plans to expand loans to productive sectors like mining and commodity production. Payment Costs Debate: Industry voices warn that transaction levies could slow Malawi’s shift to cash-lite by making electronic payments too expensive. Regional Trade & Transport: Zimbabwe is modernising border posts to decongest crossings and streamline trade with Malawi and Mozambique, aiming to cut delays and costs on shared corridors. Women Farmers & Co-ops: Malawi marks the International Year of the Woman Farmer, highlighting how women do most farm work but face land and credit gaps; co-ops are also spotlighting women’s roles in agrifood value chains. Scholarships for Skills: NBM’s Mo Excellence Programme awarded 57 needy university students K1.7m each, adding laptops, mentorship and support to build Malawi’s future workforce. Industrial Jobs Concern: An AfDB index shows modest industrial gains, but manufacturing employment is still shrinking—linked to infrastructure, finance, tech and skills gaps. MSME Finance Move: Smedco plans a microfinance institution under the new MSMEs Act to boost capacity building and standards compliance for small businesses. Forex Leakages Pressure: MPs challenge RBM to act on foreign exchange leakages, with plans to prosecute exporters over export proceeds reconciliation. Fuel Price Shock Context: A wider fuel-price crisis tied to the Iran war is worsening household pressures across Africa and Asia, with Malawi among the affected. Mining Update: AuKing begins maiden drilling at Malawi’s Tundulu rare earths project, testing the scale and continuity of mineralisation across new targets.

Energy & Power Reliability: EGENCO says the 20MW Nkula B unit is still offline as critical spare parts are delayed, pushing the country toward more blackouts. ICT & Skills: Malawi launched the Huawei ICT Talent Development Programme to train young people in practical digital skills, aiming to close the digital gap under Malawi 2063. Mining & Rare Earths: AuKing Mining has started its maiden ~10,000m drilling at the Tundulu Rare Earths Project in southern Malawi, targeting scale and continuity after airborne surveys flagged new drill-ready targets. Agriculture & Food Security: Rural Women’s Assembly members in Malawi’s south are growing organic produce, but lack land titles and capital remain major barriers to scaling up. Trade & Transport Corridors: Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique moved to harmonise regional transport corridors, citing border delays, fragmented rules and infrastructure gaps that raise transit costs. Competition & Consumer Protection: Malawi’s CFTC fined Standard Bank MK100m for loan disclosure failures and also penalised FDH Bank, Nitro Phos and others over unfair practices and defective fertiliser. Digital Economy & Fraud: Rwanda’s fraud risk is shifting toward identity checks at account creation, a warning for the region as digital services expand. Football & Industry Branding: FAM says it has tracked down counterfeit Malawi national team jersey production in Tanzania and warns more arrests will follow. Governance & Accountability: The arrest of former State Residences Chief of Staff Prince Kapondamgaga deepens investigations into Chakwera-era officials. Migration & Social Tensions: Anti-xenophobia groups in South Africa say tougher immigration controls won’t stop violence without immediate law enforcement and action on poverty and unemployment.

Ebola Watch: A fast-rising Ebola outbreak in the DRC is raising fears of the worst in history, with Uganda reporting 16 cases and Kenya scrambling after a court fight over quarantine plans. Humanitarian Safety Nets: In Malawi’s Dzaleka refugee camp, WFP cash support has shrunk sharply, leaving families facing near-zero food assistance by end-June. Regional Trade Corridors: Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique launched a push to cut border and regulatory bottlenecks that are inflating transit times and costs. Football & Consumer Protection: Malawi’s FA (FAM) says it has tracked counterfeit Malawi jersey supply in Tanzania, with arrests underway. Banking & Competition: Malawi’s CFTC fined Standard Bank MK100m and FDH Bank MK200m over loan and insurance practices, ordering refunds to consumers. Construction Quality: Malawi’s construction regulator says the new Construction Industry Act expands enforcement power to improve standards and penalise non-compliance. Power & Industry: EGENCO warns more blackouts as Nkula B’s 20MW unit remains offline pending delayed spare parts. Skills & ICT: Malawi launched a Huawei youth digital skills programme to close the tech talent gap. Agriculture & Seeds: IMIC-Africa is strengthening maize breeding partnerships for resilient seed systems. Forex & Prices: Ifpri says narrowing Malawi’s currency spread may not be as inflationary as feared, since many imports already price at parallel rates. Youth Jobs: Malawi’s graduate unemployment crisis is deepening as job creation lags behind new entrants.

Rare Earth Mining: AuKing Mining says it has kicked off a maiden ~10,000m combined arms drill campaign at its Tundulu rare earths project in Malawi’s emerging REE district. Power & Industry: EGENCO warns of more blackouts as Nkula B’s 20MW unit stays offline, with spare parts delayed to the second week of June. Competition & Consumer Protection: Malawi’s CFTC fines Standard Bank MK100 million and FDH Bank MK200 million, while Nitro Phos Ltd is hit with MK50 million over alleged defective fertilizer supply and liability exclusions. Digital Skills for Youth: Malawi launches the Huawei ICT Talent Development Programme to train young people in practical tech skills under the Malawi 2063 push. Agriculture & Resilient Seeds: IMIC-Africa strengthens maize breeding partnerships aimed at resilient seed systems across Africa, with Malawi-linked efforts to improve farmer access to better varieties. Manufacturing Push: Government reiterates support for manufacturing to drive the Malawi 2063 agenda, highlighting incentives, infrastructure and skills programmes. Environment & Energy Transition: Malawi is urged to accelerate the shift away from biomass energy as environmental losses are reported to cost the economy heavily. Energy Costs Risk: UNCTAD warns Malawi’s fuel import bill could jump if oil prices rise after Middle East disruptions. Local Business Under Court Order: High Court bars Burundian traders from returning to Mgona Market in Lilongwe pending a substantive case. Scholarships: NBM plc awards K1.7m scholarships to 57 needy students, including four at Mzuzu University, under its Mo Excellence Programme.

Fertilizer Accountability: Malawi’s Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) fined Nitro Phos Ltd K50 million over defective fertilizers and unfair liability exclusions after farmers reported crop damage, while it also penalised other firms including CTS Courier, Modern Dry Cleaners and Urban Realtors, plus major bank penalties for misleading conduct. Power Crunch: Nkula B Hydro’s 20MW Unit 6 remains offline seven weeks after a breakdown, with Egenco citing delayed delivery of critical spare parts—meaning continued load shedding for homes, businesses and industry. Digital Skills Push: Malawi launched a Huawei youth ICT talent programme to train young people in practical tech skills, aiming to close the digital gap and support Malawi 2063. Energy Transition & Environment: Malawi was urged to speed up the shift away from biomass and tackle land degradation, as a new state of environment report warns environmental losses are costing about 7% of GDP yearly. Trade, Markets & Compliance: Malawi’s High Court barred Burundian traders from returning to Mgona Market in Lilongwe pending a substantive case over alleged unfair competition and documentation issues. Regional Migration Shock: Malawi prepares to receive citizens returning from South Africa amid xenophobic violence and a crackdown on illegal immigration, with logistics and reintegration plans underway. Agribusiness Spotlight: Namuleri Farms Limited won Best Agribusiness Farm at the 2026 National Product Magazine mid-year awards, highlighting local production in tobacco, maize, cassava and fruit.

Immigration Crackdown in the Region: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on rising anti-immigrant tensions, promising “decisive” action while warning against xenophobia and vigilantism; new reforms tighten border controls and increase workplace inspections, with repeat offenders facing tougher penalties. Malawi Energy Access Under Pressure: The Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (Marep) is leaving rural schools and villages in the dark, with Matundu Primary’s learners with visual impairment still stumbling without promised electricity. Environment and Energy Transition: Malawi is urged to accelerate a shift away from biomass energy and restore degraded landscapes as environmental losses are said to drain about 7% of GDP annually. Fuel Import Risk: UNCTAD warns Malawi’s fuel import bill could jump by about 2.2% of GDP if Middle East disruptions push oil prices up. Industry and Regulation Spotlight: MEPA faces fresh allegations of delays and possible corruption in approving ESIA reports, including for a fertilizer plant in Dowa, while MBS destroyed 300 bales of expired soya chunks and fined a wholesaler. ICT and Export Push: Sparc Systems unveiled a blueprint to scale Malawi’s ICT exports across Africa, citing growth in digital services earnings. Agribusiness Updates: Salima Sugar Company appointed Clement Kumbemba as new CEO, and Namuleri Farms won Best Agribusiness Farm at the National Product Magazine mid-year awards.

Migration & Security: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged rising tensions over illegal migration after anti-immigrant protests, while warning that only authorised officials can act against violations. Market Tensions: In Lilongwe’s Mgona Market, a court injunction over traders without proper documentation sparked disruption and fresh claims of threats between local and foreign traders. Land & Sugar Supply Chain: Chikwawa villagers under KAMA Cane Growers Cooperative’s project have issued a three-day ultimatum over alleged illegal occupation of ancestral farmland, raising fears for food security and livelihoods. Environment & Industry Approvals: MEPA is facing mounting accusations from local investors over delays in approving ESIA reports, with the Dzombe fertilizer plant dispute still deepening as both sides trade blame. Food Safety Enforcement: Malawi Bureau of Standards destroyed about 300 bales of expired soya chunks and fined a wholesaler K2 million after market surveillance found expired stock. Agribusiness Recognition: Namuleri Farms Limited won Best Agribusiness Farm at the 2026 National Product Magazine Mid-Year Awards, spotlighting tobacco, maize, cassava and fruit production. Digital Economy Push: Sparc Systems won ICT Firm of the Year at ICTAM 2026 and unveiled a blueprint to scale Malawi’s ICT services exports across Africa. Transport Costs: Transporters warn that poor infrastructure and rising operating costs are driving up prices, with transport costs cited as a major share of goods’ final cost. Finance & Rates: Commercial banks cut the June reference rate to 20.4% from 20.6%, continuing a downward trend as liquidity improves. Water Access: Rural Malawians continue to struggle for safe water, with many relying on unprotected sources due to distance and affordability. Legal Affordability: An Afrobarometer survey says 72% of Malawians cannot afford legal costs, keeping most disputes out of formal courts. Economic Planning Debate: Economists say Malawi’s National Economic Recovery Plan may fall short unless it tackles forex generation, export diversification, spending efficiency and implementation capacity. IMF Support: 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.

IMF Support: The IMF says it is stepping up financial support for at least four African countries and is in accelerated talks with Malawi on a new assistance programme, as war-linked shocks keep squeezing energy and fertilizer supply chains. Food Safety & Standards: Malawi Bureau of Standards destroyed about 300 bales of expired soya chunks and fined a Blantyre wholesaler K2 million after market surveillance found the expired stock. State-Owned Industry Leadership: Salima Sugar Company appointed Clement Kumbemba as its new CEO, aiming to improve productivity and operational efficiency. Environment & Industry Approvals: MEPA and fertilizer businessman Napoleon Dzombe traded blame over delays in licensing his Dowa fertilizer plant, with MEPA saying it reviewed the project and the firm took nine months to respond to requirements. Digital Economy Push: Sparc Systems unveiled a blueprint to scale Malawi’s ICT services exports across Africa, citing growth in exports and calling for faster scaling support. Economic Recovery Debate: Economists warn Malawi’s National Economic Recovery Plan may fall short on forex generation, export diversification, spending priorities and implementation capacity. Transport Costs: Transporters say poor infrastructure and rising operating costs are driving up the price of goods, with roads-related costs cited as a major factor. ICT/Innovation Funding: UGI donated K15 million to MUBAS for its Research and Innovation conference, backing tech and AI-driven service improvements. Health Policy: Government’s proposed up-to-25% import tariffs on selected medicines has sparked debate over whether it will raise drug prices or help local manufacturing. Climate Risk: A new Malawi environment report warns the country is degrading natural capital faster than it can replenish it, while officials also flag high chances of a strong El Niño ahead.