AGP Executive Report

Electoral Commission Shake-up: Malawi Electoral Commission has appointed Andrew Kamkwalala as acting Chief Elections Officer after Andrew Mpesi’s resignation, tasking him with leading the secretariat while the post is filled permanently. Democracy Debate: MEC chair Justice Annabel Mtalimanja told a political science conference in Salima that free elections alone don’t define democratic maturity—institutions, rule of law, freedoms, accountability and party governance matter. Digital Identity Watch: Malawi’s Nzika Digital ID Wallet rollout is drawing scrutiny as a World Bank-financed contract will supply biometric registration kits via a Hong Kong-registered firm, raising questions about data access and protections. Power Crisis Pushback: Civil society groups say Malawi’s blackouts stem from a real electricity supply deficit (about 100MW) rather than only failures at EGENCO, after briefings and a plant visit. Economy & Cost of Living: The World Bank warns new tax measures are raising business costs and squeezing liquidity amid forex shortages and unreliable power. HIV Funding Gap: Domestic HIV funding jumped to K4.5bn, but experts say it still covers only a tiny share of the K600bn–K800bn annual need. Transport Safety Innovation: Entrepreneur Jones Yamikani Chadza announced Pita-GO, a digital transport platform aimed at improving commuter safety and accountability, including tracking and partnerships with police and regulators. Sports: Malawi Queens won bronze at the Africa Netball Cup qualifier and secured a spot at the 2027 World Cup in Sydney.

Electoral Commission Leadership: Malawi Electoral Commission has appointed Andrew Kamkwalala as Acting Chief Elections Officer after Andrew Mpesi’s resignation, with MEC urging political and civic stakeholders to back the transition ahead of by-elections and the 2030 general election. Digital Identity & Procurement: The Nzika Digital ID Wallet rollout is raising new questions as a World Bank-financed US$5.085m contract will supply and maintain biometric registration kits for the National Registration Bureau, with a Hong Kong-registered firm named as supplier. Parliament’s Independence Push: Parliament is demanding greater financial autonomy from the Executive, warning that delayed funding limits oversight work and undermines the Legislature’s constitutional independence. Energy Crisis & Accountability: Civil society warns Malawi faces a 100MW electricity deficit amid persistent blackouts, pointing to generation losses and maintenance delays, while the World Bank flags systemic risks tied to Power Market Ltd as single buyer and distributor. Corruption Debate: A fresh call to end impunity targets past misuse of public funds, including Covid-19 response spending and the Amaryllis Hotel/Pension Fund controversy. Extractives Transparency: CSOs urge enactment of the Mweiti Bill to make extractive governance legally binding, not voluntary, as Malawi heads into another EITI validation. International Recognition: Former President Joyce Banda received two international awards at UNGA81 for women’s leadership and peace-related work. Sports—AFCON Qualifiers: Malawi’s Flames opened AFCON 2027 qualifying with a 2-1 win over South Sudan, with Babatunde Adepoju and Lloyd Njaliwa scoring.

World Bank & Energy Governance: The World Bank’s Malawi Economic Monitor backs Parliament Speaker Sameer Suleman’s push to scrutinise Power Market Ltd as single buyer after ESCOM unbundling, warning the firm’s financial distress is creating “systemic risks” through payment arrears and below-cost tariffs. Macroeconomic Pressure: The same report says global shocks and Malawi’s structural bottlenecks—unreliable power, FX distortions, weak supply chains and a tough business climate—are still weighing on growth and living standards. Education Funding: Malawi’s foreign affairs minister Dr George Chaponda says he was not in the UN hall during Netanyahu’s speech, insisting he was in talks with the Global Partnership for Education that secured a reported US$150m for foundational learning and teacher development. Electoral Commission Tensions: MEC commissioner Limbikani Sarah Kamlongera alleges union intimidation after union reps delivered a demand letter at her home, as MEC faces internal pressure over relocation and unresolved disputes. Agriculture & Food Security: Government has rolled out the 2026/27 FISP, promising timely input access but refusing to name fertiliser suppliers; meanwhile Kasungu is nearing measles-rubella targets in a nationwide campaign. Local Accountability: Whistleblowers’ claims over irregularities at Nkhata Bay’s Mzenga irrigation scheme have triggered government action after MP Paul Chiumia intervened. Public Safety: The US Embassy commended Malawi Police for the safe rescue of British national Nusrat Osman.

IMF Talks & Kwacha: Finance minister Joseph Mwanamvekha says Malawi will not devalue the Kwacha again, as the World Bank credits improved fiscal discipline while urging deeper reforms ahead of a new IMF programme. Public Finance: The World Bank’s Malawi Economic Monitor reports budget execution within approved limits for the first time in over five years, with deficits narrowing, but growth still too weak to lift incomes. Electoral Commission Tensions: Malawi Electoral Commission staff face mounting pressure over a contested move back to Blantyre, with union complaints about leases, unresolved logistics and strained relations as by-elections and the 2030 vote loom. Chilima Crash Inquiry: Telecom testimony before Parliament shows how Airtel and TNM traced passenger phone activity during the June 10, 2024 search—first pointing to Lilongwe—while MACRA boss Daud Suleman denies social media links to the crash. Crime & Courts: In the Agnes Katengeza murder trial, police told court how stolen devices were tracked via phone identifiers to her family, including claims implicating a sister as sole pension beneficiary. Energy & Jobs: Germany urges Malawi to sustain gains from the PEW project by investing in productive energy use beyond the programme’s end. Business Pressure: Malawi’s private sector warns taxes, forex shortages and energy problems are choking investment, calling for reforms to unlock exports. Health & Rights: CSOs warn reformed CDF disbursement delays could collapse projects, while Parliament intervenes in a K766bn Global Fund management standoff. Sports: Malawi Queens qualify for the 2027 Netball World Cup after format confusion in Nairobi.

Parliament & Health Funding: A K766 billion Global Fund row over who manages HIV, TB and malaria money has reached Parliament, with lawmakers moving to summon stakeholders to end delays. Forex & RBM Controls: The Reserve Bank has tightened foreign exchange rules, capping how much currency people can carry out and how much Malawi kwacha can be moved across borders, as reserves remain weak. Political Parties Under Scrutiny: The Registrar of Political Parties has fined eight parties for missing legal requirements, including lack of proper offices, warning of further penalties and possible deregistration. Chilima Crash Inquiry: Parliament rebuked a former police official over his conduct during the Chilima plane crash probe, while Dodma’s search-and-rescue accounts are again under fire. Mining Policy & Power: Government says mining firms must process minerals before export, while the World Bank warns Malawi’s mining push is constrained by chronic electricity shortages. Economy Watch: The World Bank reports Malawi has finally executed its budget within approved limits, citing improved fiscal discipline. Sports: Malawi Queens qualify for the 2027 Netball World Cup after format confusion in the Africa qualifier; meanwhile, Flames coach Pasuwa urges fans to pack Bingu Stadium for the South Sudan AfCON qualifier.

Rare Earths Push: Lindian Resources says it has stockpiled about 125,000 tonnes of ore at its Kangankunde project and is accelerating commissioning, targeting first monazite concentrate by end-2026. Mining Policy: Mining Minister Thoko Tembo told operators they cannot export raw minerals and must process locally, as Malawi seeks more value from extractives. Energy Pressure: REIAMA urged stakeholders to move from talk to action ahead of the National Energy Conference, warning electricity supply cuts across every sector. Anti-Corruption Fallout: Watchdogs condemned prosecutors for discontinuing a bribery case against convicted Chinese wildlife trafficker Lin Yunhua, saying it could weaken Malawi’s corruption fight. Chilima Search Mystery: Dodma officials gave Parliament conflicting accounts over whether a mapping aircraft flew during the Chilima crash search, deepening scrutiny of the inquiry. Forex Crackdown: The RBM introduced tighter limits on carrying and exporting foreign currency, with steep caps for travellers amid a worsening forex shortage. Court Ends Football Fixing Case: A Blantyre court discontinued a long-running match-fixing case after the State failed to prosecute within a reasonable time. Inflation Glimmer: Malawi’s headline inflation eased to 20.0% in August, offering cautious hope to businesses while cost pressures remain. Disability Rights: Advocates urged faster domestication of the African Disability Protocol to strengthen protection for women with disabilities.

Child Health Crisis: Malawi’s National Cancer Centre records about 250 new paediatric cancer cases yearly, but advocates say that’s only the “tip of the iceberg” as hundreds of children in rural areas remain undiagnosed—while treatment is further hampered by blood shortages. Forex Crackdown: The Reserve Bank of Malawi has gazetted tighter Foreign Exchange Act rules, limiting how much foreign currency travellers and cross-border traders can physically carry and requiring RBM permission for amounts above set thresholds. Medicines Shortage: Public hospitals are running out of essential medicines after CMST failed to secure foreign exchange—availability has fallen sharply, prompting Parliament’s Health Committee to consider urgent interventions. Mining & Youth Inclusion: Malawi launched an Energy Transition Minerals roadmap aimed at unlocking mining value by 2040, while ActionAid Malawi unveiled a project to amplify voices of mining-affected communities, targeting women and youth in Balaka and Nkhotakota. Governance & Courts: Malawi’s Supreme Court endorsed an agreed order ending forfeiture proceedings involving Deputy Minister Norman Chisale and others, while legal scholars continue to scrutinise how separation of powers and checks and balances are working in practice. Local Leadership: Government says six traditional leaders have died since April, warning that delays in succession can disrupt development and urging royal families to agree quickly. Sports & Power: Sports authorities say electricity challenges won’t derail Friday’s AFCON qualifier at Bingu National Stadium, with backup arrangements in place.

Supreme Court showdown: Deputy Minister Norman Chisale’s long-running K5bn asset case was discontinued after the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled the High Court wrongly blocked the State’s move to end proceedings, a major win for the MP and a blow to the prosecution’s case. Parliament fights for control: Malawi MPs renewed calls for financial independence from the Executive, pushing to raise Parliament’s budget share from 0.53% to 1.6% so lawmakers can operate without cash strangulation. Health crisis pressure: CDEDI warned Parliament of a looming drug storage and funding crisis at Central Medical Stores Trust, as medicine shortages risk turning into a full-blown public health emergency. Drug theft allegations: A separate parliamentary inquiry into medicine shortages described the situation as “dire,” with concerns ranging from inadequate funding to alleged pilferage before drugs reach patients. Political parties crackdown: The Registrar of Political Parties fined eight “briefcase” parties K3m–K5m for operating without proper offices and failing to keep records updated, with more inspections promised. Chikangawa crash inquiry: Ex-MDF commander Paul Valentino Phiri demanded the immediate summoning of Police boss Richard Luhanga over the police search-and-rescue timeline, as the parliamentary probe intensifies. Women’s football funding: FAM released MK100m in the first tranche of participation subventions for the 2026/27 NBM Women’s Premiership, boosting club operations ahead of the new season. Immigration service strain: Passport printing reportedly halted for weeks after booklet shortages, with issuance prioritised for urgent travel needs—sparking fresh public frustration. One Health push: Malawi featured in discussions at the 9th World One Health Congress on scaling country implementation through science and investment.

Immigration Crisis: Malawi’s passport printing has been halted for weeks after the Department ran out of booklets, with officials prioritising only urgent travel needs—leaving applicants stranded for medical and business trips. Parliament & Accountability: MPs are pressing on deteriorating sports facilities and infrastructure, while an Ad-hoc committee probing the 2024 Chilima plane crash recalls former MDF boss Paul Valentino Phiri to explain emergency response and command decisions. Political Parties Crackdown: Eight non-parliamentary parties face fines for breaching the Political Parties Act, including operating without proper offices and failing to keep records updated. Human Rights & Inclusion: The Malawi Human Rights Commission urges government to remove barriers facing Deaf and hard-of-hearing people, citing gaps in healthcare, education, justice access, jobs and public information. Social Protection: Lilongwe social cash transfer beneficiaries report improved livelihoods, including livestock investment and stronger resilience. Health & Food Security: Malawi launches a nationwide measles-rubella campaign; displaced families in Kasasire fear rains while waiting for a permanent settlement decision. Economy & Governance: IMF talks resume as Malawi seeks a new programme, while UTM’s Dalitso Kabambe challenges the DPP to speed up public sector reforms. Regional & Trade: Afreximbank and ATDC sign a $500m facility to boost African commodity trade, logistics and distribution.

Malawi Politics & Governance: Parliament has summoned ex-MACRA boss Daud Suleman to explain what authorities knew and when during the Chilima plane crash search, demanding detailed records from MACRA to mobile network operators as the inquiry nears its next phase. Rule of Law & Accountability: Police say eight officers involved in the Nusrat Osman rescue have been promoted and rewarded after the Blantyre operation that freed the British national, while six suspects remain at large. Public Debate & Media: Capital FM has launched a new current affairs show, The State of Affairs, as the station pushes a relaunch aimed at sharper political scrutiny. Anti-Corruption & Procurement: Agriculture Minister Roza Mbilizi’s office denies wrongdoing in the fertiliser procurement row, but critics say key allegations— including a claimed family link to a disputed deal—still need direct answers. Economy & Foreign Exchange: Opposition UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe argues Malawi’s forex “stability” masks real scarcity, pointing to limits on how much banks can release per customer. Regional & International: Joyce Banda urged UN and African leaders to move from commitments to implementation on women’s meaningful participation in peace talks for eastern DRC and the Great Lakes.

IMF Talks Return: An IMF mission has arrived in Malawi for fresh Extended Credit Facility (ECF) discussions, engaging Treasury and the Reserve Bank of Malawi on policy progress and next steps. Vice-Presidential Power Strain: Vice President Jane Ansah renews claims she is being sidelined, raising a constitutional question about how much practical authority the VP office has in Cabinet information flow and decision-making. Mega Farms Loan Pressure: Government is chasing about K55.8bn in unpaid Mega Farms loans after farmers repaid only K15bn (21.2%) of advances, with Parliament hearing details of production shifts and rising interest. Police Rescue Rewards: Eight junior officers involved in the rescue of abducted British national Nusrat Osman in Blantyre have been promoted and rewarded with K1m each. Health System Under Strain: The Health Ministry warns that continued theft of medicines from public facilities is driving shortages and forcing patients to buy drugs privately. Education Support: MPs ask Medf to create a special loan facility for lawmakers, while Medf says it already treats applicants as Malawians under existing loan requirements. Catholic Church vs Politics: Bishop Martin Mtumbuka uses the Catholic Church’s 125th anniversary Mass to warn Malawi’s political class against corruption and plunder of public resources. Tobacco Traceability Push: The Tobacco Commission begins “Know Your Grower” field registration from Sept 21 to Oct 3 to link farmer licensing with traceability ahead of the 2026/27 season. Sports—Queens Near World Cup: Malawi Queens beat Kenya 55-47 in Africa qualifiers and can qualify for the 2027 Netball World Cup by beating Nigeria.

Power Crisis & Farmers: Former President Lazarus Chakwera broke his silence on Malawi’s blackouts and collapsing crop prices, telling traders at Chimbiya Market that farmers feel “robbed” as electricity failures and stolen returns crush livelihoods. Security & Accountability: The Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) demanded answers after recent abductions, including the rescue of British national Nusrat Osman, urging police to identify perpetrators and networks and explain gaps in the earlier Sameer Sacranie case. Immigration Crackdown Claims: Reports allege a parallel immigration “marketplace” in Malawi where fake visas, work permits and residence documents are sold through corrupt officials, including at the airport. Constituency Development Fund Boost: NDP leader Frank Tumpale Mwenifumbo welcomed President Mutharika’s CDF jump to about K5 billion per constituency, as government also released over K85.5bn to councils for projects. Vice-Presidency Politics: A new debate flared around Vice President Jane Ansah’s constitutional role versus party interests, with commentators arguing the office is not a political asset. Identity Reform: Government launched the Nzika Digital ID Wallet and removed expiry dates from national ID cards, aiming to change how citizens manage and present identity. Catholic Church 125 Years: Malawi marked 125 years of Catholic evangelisation in Dedza/Nzama, with bishops using the platform to warn leaders about passports, visas, electricity and governance failures. Sports & National Pride: Malawi Queens opened World Cup qualifiers with a strong win over Kenya, while Malawi’s U-20 coaching licence confusion sparked embarrassment for the Football Association of Malawi.

Catholic Church & governance: Bishop Martin Mtumbuka marked the Church’s 125 years in Malawi by praising Catholic schools’ results, while also delivering a blunt warning to political leaders over collapsing public services—slow passports, broken systems, blackouts and water shortages—urging real change. Economy & banking: The Bankers Association of Malawi says inflation has fallen and interest rates eased since President Arthur Peter Mutharika returned to power, pointing to improving macro conditions, though recovery is still fragile. Digital identity reform: Malawi launched the Nzika Digital ID Wallet and removed expiry dates on national ID cards, aiming to make identity credentials easier to manage and present. Parliament & policing history: A look back at why Mary Nangwale was rejected as Police Chief in 2005, alongside renewed focus on police roles in protecting children from exploitation. Global Fund funding risk: Malawi Council of Churches warns a dispute over selecting a community Principal Recipient could delay $437.9m for HIV, TB and malaria programmes. International travel rules: The UK published lists of African countries whose citizens need airport transit visas, including Malawi. Sports & youth: Malawi Queens opened World Cup qualifiers with a 72-38 win over Zambia; MNCS also pushed sports bodies to improve governance and generate their own revenue.

Catholic-State Relations: Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha represented President Mutharika at the 125th anniversary of Catholic evangelisation in Malawi, as the Church marked 19 September at St Mary’s Nzama in Ntcheu. Constitutional Politics: A fresh legal-constitutional debate flared over Vice-President Jane Ansah’s claims of being sidelined from Cabinet business, with commentary arguing the vice-presidency is a constitutional office, not a party asset. Opposition Pushback: UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe attacked the government’s economic recovery narrative, arguing inflation and forex pressures still bite households and businesses. Budget & Economy: Parliament approved the K10.98tn 2026/27 budget, prioritising agriculture, economic recovery and food security, while targeting deficit reduction. Public Safety & Justice: Malawi Police won international praise after the Nusrat Osman kidnapping rescue, as VP Ansah visited the wounded deputy IG Noel Kayira. Gender Violence Access to Justice: Clooney Foundation for Justice announced support for Malawi’s gender violence and child crimes units, including early-career women lawyers and new case-management tools. Health & Child Survival: Malawi targets fewer under-five deaths, citing malnutrition, delayed care and caregiver behaviour as key risks. Sports Governance & Netball: Sports administrators were urged to stop waiting on government and generate revenue; Malawi Queens opened World Cup qualifiers with a 72-38 win over Zambia. Local Governance: Blantyre Mayor Jomo Osman met the Asian community on security, street lighting, CCTV and by-law enforcement.

Kidnapping Rescue and Police Accountability: Malawi Police won international praise after rescuing British national Nusrat Osman in Blantyre, with Vice-President Jane Ansah visiting wounded Deputy IG Noel Kayira in hospital; police also named two suspects killed in the shootout and admitted earlier reporting errors. Political Tensions at State House: Ansah’s public claims of being “systematically” sidelined—excluded from Cabinet meetings and denied papers—spark fresh constitutional questions about the vice-presidency’s role and who is blocking it. Economy and Banking Deal: President Arthur Peter Mutharika met the Bankers Association of Malawi, with bankers pointing to falling inflation and eased interest rates as signs of recovery, while the government sought deeper private-sector partnership. Tax Pressure as Donors Retreat: Malawi’s tax authority is being pushed to raise most of the 2026/27 budget after donor funding stopped following Cashgate, with compliance deadlines looming. Health Focus: Malawi launches a measles-rubella campaign targeting 5.8m children amid routine immunisation gaps, while officials also push to cut under-five deaths. Local Governance: Blantyre mayor Jomo Osman met the city’s Asian community, pledging action on security, street lighting, CCTV and by-law enforcement. Education and Justice: Court upholds deregistration of Pentecostal Life University, and Clooney Foundation for Justice backs efforts to strengthen prosecution capacity for gender violence cases.

Anti-Corruption & Development: VP Kembo Mohadi says the fight against corruption in SADC must be tied to the region’s development agenda, arguing stolen resources should be redirected to schools, hospitals, roads, water, agriculture and jobs. Police & Justice: Malawi Police named two suspected kidnappers killed during the rescue of British national Nusrat Osman in Blantyre—while officials also faced scrutiny after earlier claims on the number of dead suspects were corrected; wounded DIG Noel Kayira remains in hospital and is praised by senior government figures and business leaders. Economy & Business Confidence: Bankers backed President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s reforms, pointing to easing inflation and lower interest rates, while separate analysis notes August inflation fell to about 20.01% but remains high and food-led. Infrastructure & Investment Pipeline: The PPPC unveiled major projects to attract private financing, including plans to raise electricity access to 50% by 2030 and large transport, mining and education schemes. Governance & Regulation: The High Court upheld the deregistration of Pentecostal Life University, and the Pesticides Control Board moved to review Aluminium Phosphide licences after reports of misuse. Digital Policy: MACRA said social media monetisation for creators depends on platform arrangements with government, while Malawi also pushes ahead with digital ID reforms. Education & Society: THE World University Rankings 2027 will include Malawi for the first time, and Prof Zimani Kadzamira’s death drew tributes across academia.