AGP Executive Report

SVTP Irrigation Push: Shire Valley Transformation Programme Phase II earmarked 13 commercial farms for irrigation across 10,656.44 hectares, with 15 cooperatives registered and linked to 21 off-takers, finance providers, inputs and machinery suppliers. Regional Trade Facilitation: Malawi joined Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe in a customs-to-customs data exchange roadmap to cut border delays and lower logistics costs. Critical Minerals Talks: India resumed talks with Zambia on copper and critical minerals, with India also exploring a project in Malawi. Power Sector Milestone: Malawi completed its side of the 400kV Mozambique-Malawi (MOMA) interconnector and is finalising tariff arrangements to enable commercial power trading. Digital Growth Blocked by Forex: A GSMA report says Malawi’s foreign exchange scarcity is stalling telecom investment, threatening MW2063 digital rollout and jobs. Cotton Setback: Cotton Council of Malawi blames delayed inputs under the zero-deposit loan scheme for a sharp output drop. EV Charging Plan: MERA says EV fast-charging will be phased in at selected filling stations, not across all outlets. Governance & Accountability: Fiscal Police arrested former MERA boss Collins Magalasi in the Amaryllis Hotel probe. Climate & Food Systems: Oxfam’s climate-resilient agriculture project is connecting Dowa farmers to markets, while CCAP’s synod urges early-maturing crops and irrigation ahead of possible El Niño.

Energy & Power Trade: Mozambique-Malawi’s 400KV MOMA interconnector is now fully built and energised, with tariff talks still pending among Malawi’s Ministry of Energy, ESCOM, PML and Mozambique’s EDM. Governance & Accountability: Malawi Fiscal Police have arrested former MERA boss Collins Magalasi again in the Amaryllis Hotel cash-trail probe, with investigators pointing to large hard-cash withdrawals allegedly linked to State House. Climate & Food Security: CCAP Nkhoma Synod warns Malawians to pair prayer with practical steps as El Niño risk grows, urging irrigation and early-maturing crops while avoiding unnecessary sale of food stocks. Agribusiness & Resilience: Farmers are being urged to plan for uneven 2026/27 rains, and SFFRFM is pushing “one-stop” input access to help households plant early. Transport & Industry Costs: Malawi tops Africa’s August diesel price list, raising pressure on freight, construction and food costs. Water & Logistics: Malawi Lake Services says it can move bulky goods by water, after transporting 610 tonnes of coal from Tanzania to Malawi. Forestry & Construction: Malawi reports heavy annual forest loss tied to charcoal and brick burning, while government promotes cement blocks to reduce fire-burnt bricks. Tobacco Economy: Tobacco earnings are projected to fall sharply this season, as output and prices continue to tumble. NGO Compliance: NGORA lists 330 NGOs as non-compliant on mandatory reporting, including HRDC, HRCC and CAMA.

Fuel Cost Pressure: Malawi tops Africa’s August 2026 diesel price list at about $3.38 per litre, a hit that can quickly raise transport, construction and food costs. Rare Earths Deal: Lindian Resources secured an exclusive option over 13,389 tonnes of Kazakhstan heavy rare earth stockpile material that could feed its SARECO processing push. Tobacco Shock: Tobacco earnings are projected to fall 43% to around $300m as output and prices slide, with sales down sharply versus last year. Food Security & Water: With El Niño risk and erratic rains looming, CCAP’s Nkhoma Synod urges early, practical farm preparations; meanwhile, 28 women in Mwandambe are building a canal to tap river water after hunger bites. Governance in Mining: CEPa set up a Phalombe district multi-stakeholder group to improve transparency and monitor mining compliance locally. PPP & Public Services: A policy piece warns PPPs only work with clear duties and contract management, while another report says Malawi’s public markets are crumbling amid sanitation and funding concerns. SME Value Addition: SMEs at the National Agriculture Fair are leaning into processing and branding to earn more from crops and livestock. Fuel Payment Fraud: Nocma says it will not pay a second K700m after hackers diverted a Mozambican payment, blaming the supplier’s compromised emails. Transport Shift: Malawi Lake Services moved 610 tonnes of coal from Tanzania to Balaka by water, pushing waterways as a cheaper logistics option.

Water Transport & Trade: Malawi Lake Services (MLS) says it can move bulky cargo more cheaply by water, after its Viphya pontoon vessel returned from Tanzania carrying 610 tonnes of coal for Portland Cement in Balaka, with calls for businesses to shift more freight to Lake Malawi. Agribusiness & Inputs: With El Niño fears growing, SFFRFM is pushing early farm preparations and expanding access via “one-stop centres” through its 55 retail shops, while PressCane’s Chikwawa fertiliser plant edges toward full output (about 100 tonnes already during commissioning; 10,000 tonnes expected after completion). Agri-Transformation & Markets: LUANAR’s Prof Joseph Dzanja argues Malawi’s agriculture is also “broken” at the marketing-system level, urging investment in how farmers connect to buyers, prices, and coordination. Public Health & Pharma Supply: A PIJ–ZBS investigation warns cancer patients may be getting substandard, falsified, or expired oncology drugs because Malawi lacks independent testing capacity. Governance & Water Infrastructure: Blantyre Water Board CEO Yeremia Chihana was suspended pending inquiry over alleged misconduct tied to World Bank-funded modernisation. Construction & Labour Compliance: A crackdown at a Lilongwe construction site arrested 19 alleged undocumented foreign nationals over labour and registration violations. Energy & Clean Cooking: A community clean-cooking project targets smoke, health costs, and forest pressure by helping women access safer cooking solutions. Finance & Insurance: Old Mutual reports a sharp profit jump on repricing of medical insurance portfolios, while Britam posts a 52% profit-before-tax rise on stronger underwriting. Sports & Ticketing: FAM says it will sell tickets only on match day for the Airtel Top 8 final to curb fake tickets, with FIFA+ streaming set for fans.

Agribusiness & Youth Jobs: YEFFA is targeting 1.5 million African youth with support to build agribusinesses, access jobs, and link to markets, with success measured by sustainable enterprises—not just numbers reached. Climate Risk & Inputs: With El Niño fears of below-normal rainfall, farmers are urged to start early preparations; SFFRFM is pushing fertiliser and other inputs through its One Stop Centre network ahead of the first rains. Irrigation Progress: Shire Valley Transformation Programme Phase II says water for Kambadwe and Mwanaalilenji cooperative farm blocks should start flowing in October, moving farmers closer to irrigating and boosting productivity. Agri-Value & Trade: At the 22nd National Agriculture Fair, SMEs and cooperatives were praised for value-added products with regional and international potential, while the Ministry urged more private-sector investment in mechanisation, processing, storage, logistics and marketing. Energy & Clean Cooking: Malawi’s forest loss is linked to brick burning and illegal logging, while a clean cooking project in Blantyre is tackling smoke, health costs, and the burden of firewood and charcoal. Public Health: A joint investigation warns cancer patients may be getting substandard, falsified or expired drugs because Malawi lacks independent testing capacity for oncology medicines. Water Governance: Blantyre Water Board CEO Yeremia Chihana was suspended pending inquiry over alleged misconduct tied to a World Bank-funded modernisation programme. Construction & Labour Compliance: A crackdown at a construction site in South Africa arrested 19 alleged undocumented foreign nationals over labour compliance failures. Finance & Insurance: Old Mutual’s half-year profit rose on repricing of underpriced medical accounts, while Britam reported a 52% profit-before-tax jump as core underwriting strengthened. Sports & Media: FAM says it will sell tickets only on match day for the Airtel Top 8 final to curb fake tickets, with the game streamed live on FIFA+ via DAZN.

Cancer Drugs Safety: A PIJ–ZBS investigation warns Malawi is receiving substandard, falsified and expired cancer medicines, with limited local testing capacity putting patients at risk. Fertiliser Push: PressCane’s Chikwawa fertiliser plant is still commissioning, having produced about 100 tonnes so far, with hopes to reach full-scale output next year and supply the local market in October. Irrigation Timing: Shire Valley Transformation Programme Phase II Component 1 is nearing completion, and water is expected to start flowing to Kambadwe and Mwanaalilenji cooperative farm blocks in October. Water Governance: Blantyre Water Board CEO Yeremia Chihana is suspended pending an inquiry into alleged misconduct tied to a World Bank-funded programme. Agri Transformation at the Fair: At the 22nd National Agriculture Fair, Minister Roza Mbilizi and industry players urged a shift from production to commercial value chains, while SMEs and cooperatives showcased export-ready products. Inputs Access: SFFRFM says it will roll out one-stop centres to stock fertiliser, seeds and agrochemicals year-round across its retail network. Energy Project: Nyika Hydropower Group signs a transmission connection agreement with ESCOM for the 51MW North Rumphi hydropower cascade. Sports & Business: FAM defends match-day ticketing for the Airtel Top 8 final to curb fake tickets, while Airtel Malawi continues STEM scholarships for MUST students.

SVTP Irrigation Rollout: Shire Valley Transformation Programme Phase II says temporary intake and conveyance works are 85% complete and water is expected to start flowing to Kambadwe and Mwanaalilenji cooperative farm blocks in October, with water treatment and supply works at 95%. Sports & Entertainment: FAM says it will sell tickets for the Airtel Top 8 final only on match day to curb fake tickets, while HiFi Events is upgrading the Clash at the Castle II experience with professional production staging. Insurance & Finance: Old Mutual Holdings reports half-year net profit up to Sh882 million, boosted by disposing of underpriced medical customer accounts, while Britam’s profit before tax rises 52% on stronger core underwriting. Agriculture Output Worry: Malawi’s cotton season closed with only about 4,500MT produced (20% of target), dampening hopes for the sector’s industrialisation role. Water Governance: Blantyre Water Board CEO Yeremia Chihana is suspended pending inquiry over alleged misconduct tied to a World Bank-funded programme, including claims of unauthorised finance actions. Public Markets & Services: Public markets across Malawi are deteriorating, with traders citing poor sanitation and alleged misuse of market funds as key causes. Agri-Value & Inputs: At the National Agriculture Fair, officials praised value-added SME products for cross-border potential, while SFFRFM plans one-stop input centres to stock fertiliser, seeds and agrochemicals nationwide. Energy & Power: Nyika Hydropower Group signs a transmission connection agreement with ESCOM for the 51MW North Rumphi cascade project. Mining Health Claims: Tshiamiso Trust reports a 64% jump in silicosis and work-related TB claims activity as it nears the end of its settlement lifespan.

Agribusiness & Markets: LUANAR’s Prof Joseph Dzanja says Malawi’s agriculture is “broken” not just in production but in fragmented market systems—information, coordination, space, time and power—calling for investment in how farmers reach buyers and processors. Agri Transformation Push: At the 22nd National Agriculture Fair in Blantyre, Minister Roza Mbilizi urged the private sector to back mechanisation, irrigation, processing, storage, logistics and marketing, while SMEs and cooperatives were praised for value-added products with regional export potential. Inputs Access: SFFRFM says it will roll out one-stop centres to stock fertiliser, seeds and agrochemicals year-round through its 55 retail shops nationwide. Energy & Infrastructure: Nyika Hydropower Group signed a Transmission Connection Agreement with ESCOM for the 51MW North Rumphi cascade, targeting major grid capacity gains. Water Sector: Blantyre Water Board CEO Yeremia Chihana was suspended pending an inquiry into alleged misconduct tied to MAREP-related funding and board approvals. Governance & Finance: ACB summoned NOCMA CEO Emmanuel Matapa over a reported $403,605 payment linked to “fraudulent correspondence,” as police arrested two senior executives. STEM & Skills: Airtel Malawi handed over Nzeru Tech scholarships to 25 MUST students, backing STEM talent for Malawi’s digital transformation. Transport & Mobility: CFAO Mobility Malawi unveiled nine 2026 Toyota Hilux ranges, pitching reliable pickups for agriculture and tough terrain.

Agribusiness & Trade: Malawi’s 22nd National Agriculture Fair in Blantyre drew praise for quality value-added products from SMEs and cooperatives, with the Ministry of Trade saying Malawi is now better placed for cross-border sales. Agro Transformation: Agriculture Minister Roza Mbilizi urged private sector investment in mechanisation, irrigation, processing, storage, logistics and marketing, stressing women and youth must lead the shift from raw production to commercial farming. Inputs Access: SFFRFM says it will roll out one-stop centres through its 55 retail shops to stock fertiliser, seeds and agrochemicals year-round. Fertiliser Supply: Press Cane has started producing organic fertiliser in Chikwawa, targeting availability for the 2026 growing season. Energy & Infrastructure: Nyika Hydropower signed a grid connection agreement with ESCOM for the 51MW North Rumphi cascade project. Governance & Corruption: ACB interrogates NOCMA CEO over a reported $403,605 payment linked to “fraudulent correspondence,” as police arrest senior officials. Business Climate: MCCCI calls for a more enabling environment for private investment in agriculture, value addition and market-linked value chains. Education & STEM: Airtel Malawi handed over Nzeru Tech scholarships to 25 MUST students, backing STEM talent for MW2063. Water Services: Water boards’ tariff hikes face strict conditions, including monitoring to cut non-revenue water and improve safe supply.

Agribusiness & Food Security: Malawi’s 22nd Agriculture Fair opened in Blantyre as Minister Roza Mbilizi urged farmers and agribusinesses to embrace partnerships, innovation and value-addition, with an Agriculture Trade Forum lined up. Fertiliser Production: Press Cane has started organic fertiliser production at its Chikwawa plant, targeting availability for the 2026 growing season and producing about 100 tonnes per day. Climate Outlook: SADC warns of a dry, hot rainy season, with below-normal rainfall likely in many areas and risks to agriculture and water supplies. Power & Infrastructure: Kasungu chiefs condemned transformer vandalism and called for community patrols, while reports also show cement imports falling as local output rises after Portland’s Balaka expansion. Mining & Investment: US investors are moving in via the launch of AMCHAM Malawi, with critical minerals highlighted, and AuKing Mining signed to acquire Malawi rare earth licences in Machinga. Transport & Logistics: Fuel hauliers protested a 20% cut in haulage rates and withdrew trucks, while Lilongwe City Council announced plans for an electric bus system through a new transit company. Business Support: NBM plc donated MK10 million to the Institute of Marketing ahead of its conference, backing skills and professional networks.

Mining & Critical Minerals: Malawi’s mining ministry is urging patience as investors circle the sector, while US investors move in through a new AmCham push to connect American firms to Malawi’s critical minerals—alongside calls for stronger regulation and investor confidence. Agribusiness & Food Systems: The legume sector is set for a boost as new technologies and practices are tested through the 2026 Legume Tour, and LUANAR reaffirmed its role as a hub for agribusiness transformation, research and partnerships. Energy & Industry Costs: Load-shedding is hitting small businesses hard, and fuel transporters have protested a 20% cut in haulage rates, withdrawing trucks as routes become unprofitable. Construction & Infrastructure: The delayed Chitipa–Ilomba Road is set to cost taxpayers an extra K131bn, while cement imports have fallen as local output rises after Portland’s Balaka plant commissioning. Governance & Finance: MRA’s 2026-31 corporate plan targets a major jump in domestic revenue, but critics point to heavy statutory spending and growing tax-exemption costs; meanwhile RBM’s unlawful 2020 executive salary cuts are now triggering costly compensation claims. Transport & Urban Planning: Lilongwe City Council plans an electric bus system via a new company, aiming for a formal public transport network. Security & Local Development: Illovo Sugar Malawi has launched a K2bn Nchalo police station project to close security gaps in the Lower Shire. Digital & Cash Transfers: A major Malawi cash-transfer trial is showing how people use direct cash to start small businesses and boost local demand.

Land & Food Security: UNCCD talks in Mongolia are pushing to close a $278bn annual land-restoration financing gap, warning Malawi’s degraded land (about 80%) threatens food security and livelihoods. Rare Earths & Mining Finance: Power Minerals’ CEO Alistair Stephens says rare-earth know-how will drive value from South America, while the US expands rare-earth funding beyond China-linked supply risks, including earlier DFC support that touched Malawi. El Niño Preparedness: Scientists warn the current El Niño is the strongest on record and calls for a “war room” as Malawi faces looming climate shocks. Urban Transport: Lilongwe City Council plans a formal electric bus system via Lilongwe Electric Transit Ltd, inspired by transport lessons from Moscow. Agribusiness & Jobs: Inosselia Commercial hails GBI Greenhouse’s Kamuzu-area greenhouse model for year-round vegetable output, jobs, and export earnings. Diplomacy & Culture: Gospel star Evance Meleka takes a First Secretary role at Malawi’s embassy in Tanzania. Governance & Courts: RBM’s 2020 executive salary cuts have been ruled unlawful, triggering compensation claims reportedly up to MK1.5bn. Fuel & Security Oversight: NOCMA’s alleged MK700m fraud case over a Mozhandling payment keeps escalating amid calls for accountability. Energy & Forex Risk: Analysts say Malawi’s fuel vulnerability is less about storage and more about financing imports amid forex strain. Tobacco Quality Controls: Experts urge strict tobacco production quotas and grower compliance to protect marketability and prices. Security Infrastructure: Illovo Sugar Malawi launches a K2bn Nchalo police station project to close security gaps in the Lower Shire. Skills Recognition: Government rolls out Recognition of Prior Learning to certify work-based skills through TEVETA, aiming to unlock “hidden” talent for Malawi 2063. Education Compliance: Education ministry warns teachers without professional licences could face restrictions on transfers, promotions and benefits. Investment Promotion: Nico Holdings says it has engaged 25 US investors touring Malawi’s mining, tourism, agriculture and manufacturing opportunities. Sports & Society: Malawi’s Scorchers’ women’s WAfCON run and the push for women’s sport growth drivers keep momentum, while the Mpinganjira “Top 8” derby adds business-to-football buzz.

RBM Salary Fallout: Malawi’s Industrial Relations Court says the 2020 Reserve Bank of Malawi executive pay cuts were unlawful, opening the door to compensation claims reportedly ranging from MK800m to MK1.5bn. Fuel & Forex Pressure: A fragile forex position is raising fuel shock risks, with one energy specialist stressing the real bottleneck is financing imports, not storage. NOCMA Fraud Row: NOCMA says it won’t “step aside” after a suspected $403,605 (about K700m) Mozhandling-related payment scam, while the company also issues a U-turn claim that its bank confirmed receipt—fueling fresh governance questions. Security Investment: Illovo Sugar Malawi launches a K2bn Nchalo police station project, aiming to close security gaps around its Lower Shire operations. Land Tensions: Government tells displaced communities they can’t get large land allocations back in protected areas, citing population pressure and limits of one hectare per family. Skills & Work: Malawi pushes Recognition of Prior Learning to certify “hidden” skills, while education warns teachers without licences face restrictions. Mining Sector: Mining minister urges more balanced reporting beyond controversies. US Investment Push: Nico Group courts 25 US investors across mining, tourism, agriculture and manufacturing. Entertainment & Youth: Minister Gangata floats a Malawi concert choice between Chris Brown and Burna Boy, pitching it as a youth wealth-building plan.

Cybersecurity & Fuel Imports: NOCMA says hackers stole about US$403,605 (around K700m) by impersonating Mozhandling Limited and sending forged “new bank details,” with the payment only discovered after a real Mozhandling contact. Agribusiness & Tobacco Markets: A policy expert urges Malawi to enforce tobacco production quotas, strengthen grower monitoring and compliance controls to protect quality and global marketability. Energy & Power Access: Malawi may miss the World Bank’s Mission 300 2030 electricity target, as inquiries found no Mission 300-ready project yet, even as Ascent Malawi connections are underway. Corporate & Industrial Investment: Nico Group is on a two-week push to attract US investors, pitching opportunities in mining, tourism, agriculture and manufacturing. Supply Chains: Winners were announced for the 2026 Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards, with projects spanning logistics visibility and humanitarian supply support. Security & Community Relations: Illovo Sugar Malawi is investing MK2bn in a state-of-the-art Nchalo police station amid theft and vandalism concerns. Media & Mining: The mining minister calls for more balanced, facts-led reporting beyond controversies.

Nocma Fraud Probe: Malawi’s National Oil Company (Nocma) has launched an investigation after about $403,605 (around MK700m) meant for Mozhandling Limited at Nacala Port was allegedly diverted via fraudulent email banking instructions, with payment made on 29 April 2026 and the scam discovered two weeks later. Energy Security Push: Mozambique-Zimbabwe pipeline operator CPMZ says it will expand the Beira–Feruka fuel pipeline capacity from 3m to 5m cubic metres annually by end-2027, adding two pumping stations and strengthening supply for landlocked markets including Malawi. Mining Governance & Finance: Malawi’s Ombudsman has opened a systemic probe into the mining sector over transparency, accountability and environmental justice, while the banking sector is being urged to finance industrialisation and mining through stronger investor confidence and syndication. Power Crunch Update: Egenco says generation shortfalls from faults, debris and delayed spares are driving a 42MW deficit (rising to 83MW at peak), with several units operating below installed capacity. Forex & Industrialisation Debate: Ecama warns Malawi’s forex gains are volatile and urges export-focused production spending, incentives for export investment, and continued forex rationing for essential imports. Artisanal Gold Bottleneck: Mining Minister Thoko Tembo says lack of machinery is a key constraint for small-scale gold miners and says government is engaging banks to fund cooperatives and pushing sales through authorised markets. Digital & Jobs Angle: A GSMA-linked push highlights that Malawi’s internet usage gap remains wide despite network coverage, with digital reforms framed as a potential jobs and growth driver.

Mining & Power: Malawi’s mining push faces governance and capacity tests as the Ombudsman launches a systemic probe into the sector’s transparency and environmental justice, while Egenco blames generation shortfalls on faults, damaged equipment and delayed spares—leaving a 42MW deficit that can hit 83MW at peak. Gold supply chain: Minister Thoko Tembo says lack of machinery is hampering artisanal gold cooperatives and urges banks to lend for equipment, with gold to be sold through authorised markets. Industrial finance: RBM Governor George Partridge challenges banks to back industrialisation with more productive-sector lending, as mining stakeholders call for syndication and international capital pools for large projects. Energy corridors: Mozambique’s Beira–Harare fuel corridor expansion will raise pipeline capacity to boost diesel, petrol and jet fuel supply across Southern Africa, including Malawi. Agribusiness & climate: A poor winter crop due to failed rains shows how El Niño-linked dry spells are hitting farmers hard, while Agriculture Fair eyes agribusiness linkages and value addition. Policy & institutions: Malawi’s Economics Society Bill moves to regulate economists, and councils are told to submit cash-flow needs to unlock delayed CDF funding. Trade & digital: Malawi–UK Chamber of Commerce appoints the British High Commissioner as patron to deepen business ties, as GSMA reports most Malawians remain offline despite network coverage. Governance & corruption: ACB leadership vacancy continues to raise concerns, and Malawi’s Global Fund body faces an internal dispute over HIV/TB/malaria funding decisions.