AGP Executive Report

Fuel & forex squeeze: Malawi’s fuel shortage is pushing transport fares up sharply, with commuters reporting steep hikes and resorting to hitch-hiking as black-market petrol prices soar. Tax justice: Malawi’s Revenue Appeals Tribunal is finally moving into training and operations, aiming to cut delays and restore taxpayer confidence as disputes worth over K12 billion pile up. Courts & jobs: Blantyre Water Board chief Yeremiah Chihana’s Supreme Court bid failed and he was sacked the same day, with the dispute now headed to the labour court. Traditional authority row: Government is facing controversy over the silent removal of Tumbuka Paramount Chief Bongololo Gondwe and replacement with Mtima Gondwe, despite earlier court rulings. IMF setback: Malawi has reportedly missed key IMF benchmarks, threatening immediate relief as fuel and foreign exchange shortages bite. Public services pressure: The health ministry calls medicine shortages a crisis, citing forex problems and supplier debt, and says it is engaging local manufacturers to fill gaps. Governance & participation: A study finds MPs’ absenteeism is driven by personal business interests, weak discipline, and constituency duties, raising concerns over representation. Environment & food security: UN-linked reporting warns rotting food waste drives major greenhouse gas emissions, while Malawi also tightens fishing controls with gear bans and seasonal closures. Regional developments: Zambia police detained 19 Malawians and 5 Zambians over alleged fuel smuggling into Malawi.

Fuel Crisis & Cost of Living: Bus fares in Malawi have doubled in parts of the country as fuel queues return and commuters are forced to hitch rides or skip meals; Area 25 to Lilongwe Old Town now costs K6,000 (up from K4,000) and Mponela in Dowa is K11,000 (up from K6,000), while black market pumps are reportedly charging up to K20,000 a litre. Forex Reform Debate: UDF president Atupele Muluzi says Malawi’s shortages are rooted in the forex system and calls for exchange-rate liberalisation backed by foreign currency injection. Constitutional Reform Push: A Lilongwe resident has submitted a draft bill to Parliament to end automatic vice-presidential succession, making the VP fully appointive and removable by the President. Disaster Preparedness: DoDMA unveiled a K488 billion El Niño Preparedness Plan, but says only K163.7 billion has been secured, leaving a K324.8 billion gap. Sports & Sponsorship: Standard Bank signed a K250m sponsorship deal with Blue Eagles FC, while the FDH Bank Premiership 2nd round kicks off with a tight top-four race. Pensions Regulation: RBM licensed Pro Veritas as Malawi’s first Pension Advisor, expanding independent advisory services for pension funds and members.

Wicknell Chivayo Mansion Fallout: New details after Zimbabwean tycoon Wicknell Chivayo’s helicopter death show the Harare “Gletwyn” mansion title stayed in former police commissioner Augustine Chihuri’s name, with Chivayo paying only US$1.4m of a US$2.5m deal and the rest linked to alleged “political services,” raising fresh questions over ownership and unpaid balances. Malawi Fuel & Forex Pressure: President Arthur Peter Mutharika marked his first year saying progress is real but recovery will be “painful,” with foreign exchange still the hardest problem; critics argue the fuel crisis is worsening due to forex gaps and depleted reserves, not just global shocks. First-Year Politics Under Fire: Opposition Malawi Congress Party’s Jessie Kabwila rejects the President’s “50 percent” scorecard as a “disaster,” accusing government of “lies” and pointing to suffering in hospitals. Governance & CDF Scrutiny: Questions continue over Constituency Development Fund spending, including a case where an MP’s election was nullified and new CDF projects face cost and process concerns. Education & Malawi 2063: Education Minister Bright Msaka marks World Teachers’ Day, saying teachers are central to the Malawi 2063 agenda and highlighting steps like the Teachers Council of Malawi and teacher training reforms. RBM Pension Move: The Reserve Bank of Malawi licenses Pro Veritas as the first pension adviser, aiming to plug gaps in independent advisory services for pension funds and members. Power Supply Update: EGENCO reports repairs are underway to restore Nkula B Unit 6 after a five-week outage, a key issue for load shedding. Regional Security Talks: Malawi is among countries attending Uganda’s inaugural conference on Military Operations Other Than War in Kampala, focusing on cyber threats, AI, terrorism and border security.

State of the Nation: President Peter Mutharika marks one year back in office with a televised address tonight, arguing he has restored freedom and made progress on food security, fuel stability and rebuilding roads, while acknowledging uneven gains and urging unity as Malawians face blackouts, water shortages and fuel scarcity. Power & Infrastructure: EGENCO says critical spare parts for Nkula B Hydropower Station Unit 6 have been sent to South Africa for repairs and the unit is expected back by end of October, after five weeks offline and renewed load shedding. Fuel & Forex Reality Check: An economic analysis says the fuel crisis is driven by foreign-exchange scarcity interacting with domestic vulnerabilities, not just a purely “global” energy shock. Medicines Shortages: Parliament’s health committee chair warns drug theft is deepening hospital shortages, while CMST points to supplier debt of over $18m as deliveries slow. Accountability & Politics: A rights coalition presses Mutharika to explain who is running the country, while HRDC and other voices demand stronger independence for prosecutors and anti-corruption bodies. Legal Pressure: Calls are growing to drop the prosecution of Archbishop Alick Banda, and regional Catholic bishops back a fair, transparent legal process. Food Insecurity: Experts warn El Niño could worsen food insecurity as households struggle with income, not just availability. Sports & Youth: Malawi’s Region 5 Youth Games torch arrives in Lilongwe as Minister Alfred Gangata links it to unity; meanwhile Temwa Chawinga helps KC Current surge in the NWSL. Business & Agriculture: SMEDCO buys surplus tomatoes to curb losses as farmers demand sustainable markets and financing.

Fuel & forex crunch: A neutral read of Malawi’s fuel queues says the “global vs domestic” blame game misses the point—Malawi’s foreign-exchange scarcity is the key vulnerability, with international shocks landing harder because of local pricing, credit and import-financing constraints. Health system under strain: Parliament’s health chair says stolen medicines are reaching markets abroad, while the Ministry warns drug diversion keeps hospital supplies at crisis levels, even as CMST faces supplier debt. Governance at one year: Independent audits rate President Peter Mutharika’s first year “Satisfactory” (62.2%), praising health and steadier state machinery but flagging weaker economy delivery and ongoing anti-corruption gaps. Presidential silence pressure: As Mutharika prepares to address the nation, rights groups and analysts urge him to break silence over blackouts, dry taps and fuel scarcity. Accountability & military case: Former MDF commander Paul Valentino Phiri’s arrest over alleged arms trafficking and procurement abuse keeps Malawi’s security accountability debate in focus. Church legal process: Regional Catholic bishops back Archbishop Alick Banda, demanding a fair, transparent court process in Zambia. Food insecurity warning: El Niño risks worsening hunger as households lack income to buy food, not just because food is unavailable. Sports & society: SMEDCO moves to buy surplus tomatoes to curb losses; meanwhile, Malawi’s Flames head to Angola for AFCON qualifier stakes.

Forex & Fuel Pressure: Malawi’s fuel and forex squeeze is again biting hard, with NOCMA seeking alternative payment terms and currencies for fuel imports while analysts warn the deeper forex constraint remains. Public Accountability: UTM president Dalitso Kabambe demands an independent audit of forex allocations, saying cartels and opaque distribution are worsening shortages for hospitals and businesses. Health & Medicines: Government has directed CMST to prioritise locally manufactured medicines to cut import reliance, as drug shortages persist in public facilities. Early Childhood Development: ECD centres are struggling for basic learning materials, pushing government to seek partners as funding gaps widen and caregiver allowances remain inadequate. Governance & Oversight: CfSC urges performance-based conditions on State-owned enterprises’ support, arguing taxpayers need measurable service and financial improvements. Legal & Security: Former MDF commander Paul Valentino Phiri secures bail in an ACB case over alleged illegal arms trafficking linked to Sudan routes. Sports & Institutions: SULOM explores e-ticketing for FDH Bank Premiership matches to improve gate accountability, while sports council tightens compliance rules for non-compliant associations. Regional & Church Solidarity: Catholic bishops across Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe rally behind Archbishop Alick Banda after his arrest and detention in Zambia. Infrastructure Disruption: Blantyre Water Board restores a vandalised 600mm pipeline after days of dry taps, warning supply will return gradually.

Fuel, forex and public services under strain: Malawi’s forex squeeze is again hitting fuel availability, with NOCMA seeking alternative payment terms and currencies to keep imports flowing as diesel and petrol shortages stall activity. Local governance and infrastructure: Blantyre City taps ran dry for three days after vandalism burst a key transmission pipeline; repairs are complete but supply restoration is gradual. Corruption and accountability: Ex-MDF commander Paul Valentino Phiri was granted bail in an ACB case over alleged abuse of office and dealing in terrorist property linked to a suspected arms route. Early childhood development push: Government says ECD centres lack basic materials and is turning to partners; caregivers’ allowances remain a major funding concern. Sports governance and match-day revenue: Non-compliant sports associations face new compliance measures, while SULOM explores e-ticketing to improve accountability after gate revenue and club shares shifted in the first round. Health policy: Parliament’s Health Committee is set to consider safe abortion law reforms after unsafe abortions are linked to 18% of maternal deaths. Business and tourism regulation: Malawi Tourism Authority operationalisation is expected to tighten licensing and inspections to attract investment, while the Golden Sands Hotel at Cape Maclear still awaits a suitable investor due to heritage and environmental requirements. Politics and election finance: Campaign spending rules are weak, with research showing candidates spent far more in 2025 than in 2019 despite limited legal tracking of campaign-specific money.

Health & FX Crisis Response: Malawi has directed CMST to prioritise locally manufactured medicines to ease persistent drug shortages in public facilities as foreign exchange remains constrained. Fuel Shortage Pressure: NOCMA told Parliament fuel scarcity is tied to weak foreign exchange, with demand put at about two million litres a day and estimated import needs of US$49 million. Parliament on Reproductive Rights: The Parliamentary Health Committee says it will push safe abortion law reforms after unsafe abortions are linked to 18% of maternal deaths. Justice System Trust: Malawi’s Chief Justice urged the public to keep faith in the judiciary as delays in justice delivery continue, with funding constraints cited. Court & Elections: The High Court suspended proceedings in the Lilongwe City Mtandire-Mtsiriza election dispute pending an appeal. Corruption & Security: A former Malawi Defence Force commander, General Paul Valentino Phiri, was arrested by the ACB over alleged illegal arms trafficking linked to Sudan. Public Order & Crime: ESCOM welcomed 10-year hard labour sentences for two people convicted of vandalising power infrastructure. Governance & Cities: MALGA convened a first national urban governance symposium to help councils tackle shared city and municipal challenges. Sports & Society: NBS Bank sponsored the Chiwanja Ch’a Yao festival, backing a theme focused on heritage and educating girls.

Safe Abortion Reform Push: Parliament’s Health Committee says it will take up safe abortion law reforms after warnings that unsafe abortions drive 18% of maternal deaths, with Paramount Chief Kawinga urging an end to colonial-era restrictions. Fuel Crisis Fallout: Economists and MPs are escalating pressure on Energy Minister Jean Mathanga to explain her “silence” as fuel shortages keep paralysing businesses and driving up transport costs. Chikangawa Crash Probe Under Fire: A CID officer told a parliamentary inquiry that the crash scene was tampered with, including bodies reportedly moved before investigators arrived, while questions continue over the handling of phones and the wreckage timeline. Judiciary Credibility Call: Malawi’s Chief Justice urged the public to trust the courts despite delays, as the judiciary cites funding constraints behind slow justice delivery. Legal Battles in Elections & Tax: The High Court suspended proceedings in the Gangata vs Zulu election dispute pending appeal, while it refused to halt MRA’s electronic invoicing rollout. Governance Appointments: President Mutharika appointed a new Malawi Human Rights Commission cohort, but youth groups criticised the lack of representation under age 35. Arms Trafficking Case: A former Malawi Defence Force commander, General Paul Valentino Phiri, was arrested by the ACB over alleged illegal arms trafficking linked to Sudan. Urban & Agrifood Investment Forums: Councils gathered for a national urban governance symposium, and government hosted an agrifood investment symposium to unlock private sector value chains.

Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested former Malawi Defence Force commander General Paul Valentino Phiri on five counts over alleged abuse of office and “terrorist property,” linked to alleged illegal arms trafficking in 2025; his court hearing was abruptly postponed and he’s expected to be held in police custody overnight. Opposition Under Fire: Leader of Opposition Simplex Chithyola Banda faces criticism over perceived silence on fuel shortages, forex problems, medicine shortages, rising prices and insecurity, with calls for stronger scrutiny of public spending and CDF-related issues. Military Cooperation Beyond War: Uganda will host an inaugural conference on Military Operations Other Than War, with Malawi among confirmed participants, focusing on transnational threats, cybersecurity and AI, peace support operations, climate and legal accountability. Human Rights Watchdog: President Peter Mutharika has appointed nine commissioners to the Malawi Human Rights Commission, with the cohort’s three-year term starting September 20. Local Development Pressure: Civil society groups warn Constituency Development Fund disbursements are too slow against a K1.3 trillion plan, urging a clear, time-bound roadmap; meanwhile, communities in Kasungu are pushing for faster CDF implementation and monitoring. Health Workforce Push: Vice President Jane Ansah urged African health professionals to drive local research and innovation, improve working conditions, and support clinicians’ mental health. Migration Management: Malawi repatriated 50 Ethiopian nationals with EU and IOM support to decongest correctional facilities. Kasasile Resettlement: Government’s plan to relocate Kasasile displaced families to Maji Estate faces resistance over compensation and consultation gaps.

Arrest & Security: Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested retired General Paul Valentino Phiri on five counts tied to alleged illegal arms trafficking and “terrorist property,” after months of controversy over claims that Malawi military personnel may have helped Sudanese rebels. Courtroom Drama: Phiri’s scheduled court hearing in Lilongwe was abruptly postponed, with the ex-MDF chief reportedly held in police custody overnight. Human Rights Appointments: President Peter Mutharika named nine new commissioners to the Malawi Human Rights Commission, with the cohort’s three-year term starting September 20. Energy & Economy: Energy Minister Jean Mathanga warned that foreign exchange shortages are worsening power outages by blocking imports of fuel and critical inputs. Fuel Crisis: Malawi’s fuel queues are back, with diesel supply reported at about 30% in cities and near zero in remote areas, pushing prices far above official rates. Local Development: Mzuzu City Council rolled out K8.087bn road rehabilitation projects, while contractors in Kasungu warned fuel shortages could delay RCDF-funded works. Health & Rights: UNFPA warned of a looming contraception funding shortfall that could cut access for young women, and Copua urged youth to use reproductive health services to prevent unsafe abortions.

Fuel Crisis: Fuel queues are back in Malawi, with diesel scarce in cities and remote areas hit hardest as roadside prices reportedly soar far above the official pump rate, pointing to a forex-driven squeeze. Chilima Crash Probe: MPs say police accounts over Chilima’s phones and the wreckage discovery time don’t match, raising new questions about evidence handling and the search timeline. MACRA Court Ruling: Malawi’s Industrial Relations Court says MACRA unlawfully dismissed former DG Daud Suleman for procedural failures, setting up possible compensation claims. Rare Earths Power-Up: Lindian Resources energised grid power at its Kangankunde rare earths project ahead of schedule, with production preparations moving forward. Contraception Funding: UNFPA warns of a 2027 shortfall of over $10m that could disrupt access to contraception for young women. MCP Election Fallout: The High Court has stayed the Gangata election petition pending a Supreme Court of Appeal decision, prolonging the dispute. Kasasile Resettlement: Government identifies 600 hectares for relocating displaced Kasasile families, with plots and transport scheduled for October. Payments Reform: RBM and banks move to phase out cheques, ending processing by March 11, 2027.

Food Security Pressure: A new Agra Food Security Monitor says 1.94 million Malawians face crisis-or-worse hunger, with maize, fertiliser and diesel price hikes squeezing purchasing power and southern Malawi/parts of Central at risk of worsening between October 2026 and January 2027. Fuel Pricing & Levies: Government says it has cleared K205.4bn fuel importer under-recoveries and K103.29bn statutory levies arrears after restoring the Automatic Pricing Mechanism, aiming to stabilise supply and reduce shortages. Forex Reset: The World Bank urges Malawi to tighten fiscal and monetary policy and stabilise the parallel market before unifying exchange rates, while RBM tightens forex movement rules. Local Governance & CDF: Local councils are warned they may miss October Constituency Development Fund procurement deadlines, with some already having missed earlier disbursements. HIV Funding Row: Malawi resolves a Global Fund GC8 selection dispute: World Vision stays as grant manager while ActionAid will implement programmes. Court Fight Over Medical Deal: SMI Health Care sues a Dubai-linked businessman over a K4.6bn gauze contract dispute, alleging sabotage of a CMST supply arrangement. Media & Access to Info: Media Council of Malawi honours Times Group and Nation Publications Limited, spotlighting integrity and access to information. Police Crackdown: Kawale police arrest 19 in an operation targeting unlicensed liquor shops and cannabis possession.

Diplomacy & Courts: Malawi’s recalled ambassador to Kuwait, Younos Abdul Karim, has secured an interim court order stopping government from treating him as having ceased to be ambassador while his recall dispute is heard, after authorities ordered him to return by 30 September and hand over Head of Mission duties. Elections Integrity: The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) warned the public against a fake fresh parliamentary elections calendar circulating online for Nsanje South and Mangochi East, saying it has not issued any revised polling date. Public Finance & Accountability: Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) boss John Kapito accuses government of ignoring repeated requests for updates on the implementation and savings from austerity measures. Governance & Access to Information: ICT Minister Shadric Namalomba told institutions to fully comply with the Access to Information Act by improving record systems, proactively disclosing information, and responding promptly to requests. Health & Development: Malawi is moving toward advanced cancer care with plans to launch nuclear medicine facilities in Lilongwe, while Japan committed MK233 million for a childcare centre and health post in Chiradzulu. Economy & Services: Reserve Bank of Malawi confirms cheques will be scrapped for good on 11 March 2027, urging customers to switch to digital payment channels. Sports (National Teams): Temwa Chawinga has been called up for Malawi’s women’s national team for the October FIFA window against Zimbabwe, as the Queens push toward the 2027 Netball World Cup preparations.

Cheque Crackdown: The Reserve Bank of Malawi confirms cheques will be scrapped for good on 11 March 2027, with banks allowed to clear eligible cheques issued on or before 29 September 2026—pushing businesses and citizens toward mobile money, cards, EFTs and internet banking. Access to Information Push: ICT Minister Shadric Namalomba tells government institutions to fully comply with the ATI Act by improving record systems, updating information manuals, proactively disclosing information and responding faster to requests. Tourism Pressure: Tourism stakeholders warn investors are waiting for “right signs” as electricity shortages, forex constraints, fuel and water issues, and weak infrastructure continue to hold back the sector. Chikangawa Crash Probe: Police IG Richard Luhanga tells Parliament the search-and-rescue was paused due to equipment gaps, poor roads, bad weather, coordination problems and misinformation—while separate reporting highlights troubling questions about what happened to victims’ phones. Governance & Oversight: Malawi Electoral Commission wins an Outstanding Institution Award from the Political Science Association of Malawi for its role in electoral governance and democratisation. Sports—Queens Focus: Malawi Queens captain Takondwa Lwazi urges immediate preparations for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney after qualifying on bronze at the Africa Netball Cup. Finance Update: Continental Holdings posts a strong first-half 2026 performance, with profit after tax more than doubling as CDH Investment Bank drives growth.

Debt and taxes under strain: The African Sovereign Debt Justice Network warns Malawi’s worsening debt distress won’t be solved by an IMF deal alone, urging fiscal consolidation, better public finance management, stronger governance, and more forex and export generation as public debt nears 90% of GDP. Revenue policy debate: Tax expert Misheck Msiska says Malawi’s VAT exemptions are not targeted strategically, arguing incentives should be tied to growth and exports, with bottlenecks cleared and standards enforced. UN diplomacy push: Foreign Minister George Chaponda tells the UN General Assembly to move from “speeches to an engine of delivery,” calling for debt relief, Loss and Damage Fund capitalisation, UN Security Council reform with African veto representation, and stronger health and climate action. Chikangawa crash probe: Police IG Richard Luhanga admits search teams “really did get lost” in dense Chikangawa forest, citing cold, poor preparedness, inadequate equipment and misinformation that disrupted the operation. Payment reform: Malawi begins phasing out cheques: banks will stop issuing new cheque books, while cheques presented by Sept 29 will clear until March 11, 2027, as RBM and bankers urge digital payments. Corruption case update: The High Court keeps funds frozen at Amaryllis Hotel owners Yusuf Investments as investigations continue, citing unexplained money movements. Governance and access to information: Malawi’s ATI law is still weakly implemented, with only 29 of 58 institutions meeting key requirements, leaving gaps that can fuel misinformation. Sports with political visibility: Malawi’s Queens return home after winning Africa Netball Cup bronze and qualifying for the 2027 World Cup, with government pledging support.