AGP Executive Report

Public Finance & Governance: Malawi’s Human Rights Commission (MHRC) gets a fresh funding pledge after President Arthur Peter Mutharika met outgoing commissioners, promising the watchdog will be “well resourced” to protect rights as financial constraints have limited its work. Anti-Money Laundering: Government gazettes tighter bank customer identification and due diligence rules, including approved documents and stricter verification, to curb financial crimes. Public Utilities Accountability: Blantyre Water Board CEO Yeremia Chihana is suspended again pending inquiry over alleged misrepresentation, unauthorised appointments and a K500m overdraft without board approval—renewing questions on donor-funded project governance. Health & Consumer Safety: A PIJ–ZBS investigation warns Malawi’s cancer patients may be exposed to substandard, falsified and expired oncology drugs because local testing capacity is missing. Agribusiness & Infrastructure: PressCane’s Chikwawa fertiliser plant is nearing production, with about 100 tonnes already made and first market supply expected in October; meanwhile SVTP Phase II water is set to start flowing to Kambadwe and Mwanaalilenji farm blocks in October. Sports & Media Business: DAZN secures rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons, starting this weekend. Business Climate: Cotton output disappoints—season closure records about 4,500MT, only 20% of the projected 22,800MT, deepening concerns over sector revival.

NOCMA Cyber-Fraud: Malawi’s National Oil Company of Malawi is in the spotlight after a suspected cyber heist reportedly cost $403,605 (about K700m), with investigators questioning how the payment was processed and police arresting senior officials tied to the same matter. Banking Crackdown: Government has gazetted tighter anti–money laundering rules, requiring banks to verify customer identities using approved databases and biometric checks, with clearer due-diligence thresholds. Living Standards Slide: A development economist says Malawi’s real per capita income has fallen, warning that weak policy and shocks are eroding living standards and keeping up to 75% below the poverty line. Cotton Output Drops: The cotton marketing season closed with only about 4,500MT produced—just 20% of the target—raising fresh doubts about sector revival efforts. Human Rights Funding Push: President Arthur Mutharika pledged better resourcing for the Malawi Human Rights Commission as its term ends, saying financial constraints have limited impact. Football Discipline: SULOM fined FCB Nyasa Big Bullets K3.35m for match-day misconduct and warned of point deductions for repeat offences. Energy Theft: Escom says transformer vandalism in Kasungu has left communities in darkness and is draining resources meant for grid expansion. Agribusiness & Markets: LUANAR’s new professor calls for investment in agricultural marketing systems, while the agriculture fair highlights value addition and improved input access via one-stop centres. Sports Media Deal: DAZN secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa through 2028/29, expanding premium football access.

Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Malawi’s NOCMA CEO Emmanuel Matapa was summoned by the ACB over a disputed US$403,605 (about K700m) fuel payment allegedly made using “fraudulent correspondence,” as police also arrested senior officials Miklas Reuben and Thokozani Jacob Sesani and the case widens. Governance & Oversight: In a separate legal matter, the High Court in Lilongwe postponed decisions on Chinese wildlife trafficker Lin Yunhua’s discharge and bail while the ACB reviews the prosecution’s future. Water & Utilities: Blantyre Water Board CEO Yeremia Chihana was suspended pending an inquiry into alleged misconduct, including claims of misleading funding representations and an undisclosed K500m overdraft. Insurance Results: Britam reported half-year net profit up 53.3% to Sh2.66bn, driven by improved underwriting performance and lower expenses. Energy Security: ESCOM says four transformers were stolen in Kasungu in four weeks, disrupting businesses and essential services, while North Rumphi hydropower secured a grid connection agreement for its 51MW cascade. Agribusiness Push: The 22nd National Agriculture Fair in Blantyre highlighted agro transformation, value addition and better input access, including SFFRFM’s plan for one-stop input centres and Press Cane’s new organic fertiliser production. STEM & Youth Skills: Airtel Malawi handed over Nzeru Tech scholarships to 25 MUST students, backing STEM talent for Malawi’s digital transformation. Sports & Discipline: SULOM fined Nyasa Big Bullets K3.35m for match-day misconduct and warned of point deductions for repeat offences.

NOCMA Fraud Court Moves: Malawi’s anti-graft and police action is intensifying around the alleged US$403,605 (about K700m) fuel payment scam, with NOCMA Deputy CEO Miklas Reuben and Senior Operations Manager Thokozani Jacob Sesani arrested and expected to face court, while the ACB has also summoned NOCMA CEO Emmanuel Matapa to explain the circumstances. Local Government Finance: Iceland has pledged about MK520m to train 70 district council workers under the Iceland–Malawi Basic Services Programme, as Malawi pushes for better service delivery at local level. Farm Inputs Push: Press Cane Limited has started producing organic fertiliser in Chikwawa, targeting availability for the 2026 growing season, with output aimed at boosting options for maize and legumes. STEM Scholarships: Airtel Malawi awarded full Nzeru Tech scholarships to 25 MUST students, covering tuition, accommodation, stipends, internet and laptops to widen access to STEM education. Water Tariffs Under Watch: Water boards’ tariff hikes—up to nearly 70%—were approved only after conditions on monitoring and performance, including reducing non-revenue water. Business Links: The US Embassy launched AMCHAM Malawi to deepen US–Malawi trade and investment, with mining flagged as a key opportunity. Power Vandalism Crackdown: Kasungu traditional leaders are urging community patrols after transformer vandalism left areas without electricity.

NOCMA Fraud Probe: Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau has summoned NOCMA CEO Emmanuel Matapa to explain a US$403,605 (about K700m) payment to alleged scammers, as police already arrested the deputy CEO and a senior operations manager over the same transaction—sparking fresh calls for deeper accountability. US-Malawi Business Push: The US Embassy launched AMCHAM Malawi in Blantyre, pitching stronger trade and investment links, especially around mining and critical minerals, and urging better governance to boost investor confidence. Agriculture Partnerships: Agriculture Minister Roza Mbilizi urged farmers and agribusiness players to embrace partnerships and value-addition, pointing to a Japanese investor delegation and announcing an Agriculture Trade Forum. Cement Supply Shift: Cement imports reportedly fell about 8% after Portland Cement’s Balaka plant boosted local output, stabilising prices but hitting customs revenue at Mchinji. Fuel Transport Pressure: Fuel hauliers protested a 20% cut in haulage rates and withdrew at least 100 trucks, saying the new rates make the business unprofitable. Local Development Support: Creck Hardware donated two fire engines worth K300m to Lilongwe City Council and Mangochi Municipality, as officials warned many councils still lack basic firefighting capacity. Agribusiness Research: LUANAR reaffirmed its role as a hub for agribusiness transformation, stressing research, youth and partnerships to improve agricultural markets. Sports & Economy: Silver Strikers Ladies bowed out of the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifier after a 1-2 loss to ZESCO Ndola, while Ekhaya FC president says he has pumped about K2bn into the club over three years.

NOCMA Fuel Fraud: Malawi Police arrested NOCMA Deputy CEO Micklas Reuben and Senior Operations Manager Thokozani Sesani over an alleged US$403,615 (about K700m) fuel payment scam linked to Mozambique ports, raising fresh questions after the state oil firm’s shifting explanations. Transport Costs: Fuel hauliers protested a 20% cut in haulage rates, withdrawing at least 100 trucks after Mera reduced key routes’ charges, warning the business is now unprofitable. Mining & Rare Earths: US investors move in through the American Chamber of Commerce in Malawi, while AuKing Mining signed to acquire 100% of Malawi’s Machinga heavy rare earths and niobium project. Road Budget Blowout: The delayed Chitipa–Ilomba Road is set to cost taxpayers an extra K131bn beyond K34.5bn already spent, as RA awards a new completion contract. Tax & Revenue Push: Finance officials launched MRA’s 2026–2031 corporate plan, aiming to widen the tax base and reduce the burden through better administration and digitisation. Education & Jobs: UNIMA graduates 1,205 in Zomba, with leaders urging them to be problem-solvers as the big question remains whether the job market can absorb them. Agribusiness & Finance: MEDF auctioned farm inputs in Mzuzu after over-procurement left surplus stock, while tobacco sales data shows Malawi’s lowest volume in four years could pressure revenue. Local Economy & Inclusion: Airtel Money’s Tola Promotion paid MK50m to a Standard 8 learner, and a cash-transfer trial story highlights how small injections can spur local enterprise.

Governance & Courts: Malawi’s Reserve Bank executive salary cuts from 2020 have turned into a major legal bill after an Industrial Relations Court ruling declared the reductions unlawful, with compensation claims reported between MK800m and MK1.5bn. Electoral Commission Fallout: Police have arrested former MEC chief elections officer Andrew Mpesi and three senior officials over alleged abuse of office and money laundering, as the MEC leadership crisis deepens. Public Finance & Tax: Finance minister Joseph Mwanamvekha says Malawi can reduce the tax burden by widening the domestic revenue base and improving tax administration under the MRA’s 2026–2031 strategy. Energy & FX: Analysts warn Malawi’s fuel risk is less about storage and more about foreign exchange to import fuel, even as forex buffers look strained. Trade & Agriculture: Tobacco sales are at their lowest volume in four years, while market data shows farmers earning less than last season. Local Economy & Transport: Lilongwe City Council plans a formal electric bus system via a new company, aiming for cleaner, reliable public transport. Business & Investment: Nico Holdings says it has engaged 25 US investors on a two-week tour to explore opportunities in mining, tourism, agriculture and manufacturing. Security & Crime: A K2bn police station project in Nchalo (Chikwawa) is launched to close security gaps around Lower Shire.

NOCMA Fraud Fallout: Malawi’s state fuel importer NOCMA is in the spotlight after a suspected K700m (US$403,605) cyber-enabled payment scam, with civil society and HRDC calling for suspensions, an independent probe and recovery of funds—while NOCMA now says the money was received by the supposed Mozhandling supplier, shifting blame to the supplier’s side. Governance Under Pressure: The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) faces fresh trust issues after reports of a police airport stop and the arrest of former MEC boss Andrew Mpesi over alleged school-fee payments for his children, raising questions on oversight and approvals. Corporate Accountability: SMEDI CEO Kondwani Kachamba is accused of bypassing procurement rules and HR processes, including alleged irregular recruitment linked to past fraud allegations. Digital & Finance Watch: UNIMA students are stuck in loan limbo as HESLGB delays the provisional list ahead of an August 29 appeal deadline; meanwhile, mobile money users’ interest restrictions are questioned in parliament. Business & Investment Signals: The US launches an American Chamber of Commerce in Malawi, pointing to mining investment opportunities. Sports & Community Support: Flames Legends Association gets K8m from sponsors as it ramps up for its AGM, while Silver Strikers Ladies push toward CAF semis.

NOCMA Cyber Fraud: Malawi’s National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) says hackers impersonated Mozhandling and diverted US$403,605 (about K700 million) to a fraudulent Bank of America account, triggering police action and fresh calls for tighter payment checks. Civil Society Pressure: The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) wants NOCMA officials who verified and processed the payment suspended, with an independent probe and publication of findings. MEC Scandal Deepens: Former MEC chief elections officer Andrew Mpesi has been arrested by Fiscal Police over alleged MEC payments for his sons’ school fees after his resignation, raising questions on authorisation and compliance. Digital Government Push: Malawi seeks Ghana’s experience to strengthen digital government implementation, including support from Ghana-based tech firms. Tax Drive: MRA launched its 2026–2031 Corporate Strategic Plan, targeting a rise in tax-to-GDP from 16.83% to 20% amid reduced donor support. Energy & Power: Malawi may miss the Mission 300 electricity target due to slow project preparation, even as other power efforts continue. Security & Industry: Illovo Sugar Malawi is investing MK2 billion in a new Nchalo police station to curb theft and vandalism of sugarcane and irrigation assets.

NOCMA Cyber Fraud: Malawi’s National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma) says it lost US$403,605 (about K700 million) after hackers impersonated Mozhandling Limited and hijacked fuel-shipment emails, sending forged banking details to trigger a fraudulent transfer; police and Bank of America are investigating and Nocma admits internal control weaknesses tied to the Government-to-Government fuel procurement rollout. Education Finance: The Higher Education Students’ Loans and Grants Board provisionally approved 33,258 needy students for 2026/27, leaving 13,128 out—meaning they may have to pay K1.3 million per year—sparking fresh calls to protect access to public universities. Mining & Gold Cooperatives: The Minister of Mining says artisanal and small-scale gold miners are held back by lack of machinery, with government pushing for easier access to loans for cooperatives and urging sales through authorised markets. Tax Administration: Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamveka launched the Malawi Revenue Authority’s 2026–2031 Corporate Strategic Plan, framing it as a “social and economic contract” to boost domestic revenue and cut persistent deficits. Digital Payments & Trade: A new push for Africa’s payment rails highlights PAPSS as a real-time cross-border system already operating in Malawi and other countries, aiming to cut the cost and delays of intra-African transfers. Sports Business: National Bank of Malawi rewarded the Scorchers with K500 million after their historic WAfCON Morocco 2026 run, adding to earlier sponsorship bonuses.

MRA Revenue Push: Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamveka launched the Malawi Revenue Authority’s 2026–2031 Corporate Strategic Plan, calling it a “social and economic contract” to cut Malawi’s high fiscal deficit by boosting domestic revenue and improving tax administration. Fiscal Pressure: The plan highlights how the deficit widened from about 2.9% of GDP in 2019 to around 11.9% in 2025, with targets to reduce it to about 9% in the medium term and near 3% by 2030. Smuggling Crackdown: MRA recovered K3.4bn in smuggled goods in the three months to June, nearly double the previous year’s figure. IMF Talks: IMF Country Representative Yugo Koshima says discussions on a possible Extended Credit Facility (ECF) are ongoing, focused on macro stability and inclusive growth under Malawi’s National Economic Recovery Plan. Pension Outlook: NBM Pension Administration (PAL) reported fund growth to K400.7bn for 2025, but warned 2026 returns may be mixed as the stock market stays bearish. Energy Reliability: Egenco blamed Malawi’s power generation shortfalls on units running below capacity due to faults, damaged equipment, debris and delayed spare parts. Governance & Oversight: The Ombudsman has opened an investigation into Malawi’s mining sector over transparency, accountability and environmental justice concerns. Fraud Watch: Lilongwe police arrested a man for allegedly impersonating an ESCOM officer and demanding K1m for an illegal electricity connection without installing a meter. Sports Business: National Bank of Malawi rewarded the Scorchers with K500m after their historic WAFCON run, adding to earlier bonuses.

Mining Oversight: Malawi’s Ombudsman Grace Malera has launched a systemic probe into the mining sector, focusing on transparency, accountability, environmental justice and whether communities are being properly compensated as new projects and mineral discoveries expand. Power Crunch: Egenco says Malawi’s generation shortfall is driven by faults, damaged equipment and delayed spare parts, with several units running below capacity and some repairs stretching into 2027—keeping blackouts and peak-hour deficits on the table. CDF Cash Unlock: Government has directed councils to submit cash-flow requirements for Constituency Development Fund projects, a move aimed at releasing about K5 billion by tightening timelines around signed contracts and expected certificates. Public Finance Pressure: Malawi’s fiscal deficit is reported at K10.8 billion in the first quarter of 2026/27, adding to the strain on budgets already under scrutiny. Governance & Corruption: Malawi’s ACB Director-General search has hit another snag, raising fresh questions about institutional strength in the fight against corruption. Digital & Jobs: A GSMA-linked push argues closing Malawi’s mobile internet gap could unlock up to MWK 1 trillion by 2030, but the digital divide remains a major drag. Sports & Business Spotlight: Malawi’s Scorchers’ WAFCON run continues to attract corporate and institutional support, while football success is being framed as a leadership and investment lesson for the wider economy.

MCP Comeback Signals: Former President Lazarus Chakwera told CCAP Livingstonia Synod delegates the Malawi Congress Party is “alive” and ready to return to power, despite internal tensions. Public Finance Watch: Malawi recorded a K10.8bn fiscal deficit in Q1 2026/27, after a June revenue surge turned the month into a surplus. Roads Funding: Roads Fund Administration committed K54bn for a six-month rehabilitation push across seven councils, with calls for tougher quality control. Power Crisis Update: EGENCO says some generation units may stay down into 2027, with Nkula B Unit 6 out after a technical fault and other stations running below capacity. Women’s Football Boost: National Bank of Malawi rewarded the Scorchers with K500m after their historic WAFCON run and World Cup qualification. Social Protection Funding Risk: Research warns the Social Cash Transfer Programme depends on donors for about 95% of financing, raising sustainability and ownership concerns. Governance & Corruption: Malawi’s prolonged failure to appoint a permanent ACB Director-General is flagged as a wider institutional governance problem. Money Laundering Alert: RBM warned of rising money laundering cases and urged individuals and businesses to avoid suspicious transactions. Agriculture Extension Underfunding: Extension services get 1% or less of the agri budget, threatening output as El Niño looms. Business & Trade Links: Malawi–UK Chamber of Commerce named the British High Commissioner as Patron as it prepares to open a permanent office. Mining Financing Push: Government and banks are urged to work with small-scale gold miners to access machinery and expand production. DNA Paternity Shock: DNA tests show about 80% of men seeking paternity confirmation are not biological fathers, fueling family and legal disputes.

Women’s Football & Banking: National Bank of Malawi has rewarded the Scorchers with K500 million after their historic 2026 WAFCON run in Morocco, which also secured Malawi’s first-ever qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil; the First Lady also praised NBM’s deeper support. Fiscal Watch: Malawi recorded a K10.8 billion fiscal deficit in Q1 2026/27, but June’s K349.9 billion surplus helped offset April and May shortfalls as revenue jumped sharply and spending fell. Digital Banking & Inclusion: NBM’s BankNet 360 is highlighted as a 24/7 internet banking platform for personal, SME and corporate customers, while a GSMA-linked push argues that closing Malawi’s mobile internet usage gap could unlock MWK 1.1 trillion and 490,000 jobs by 2030. Energy & Trade: A Mozambique–Malawi power transmission line is expected to enter commercial operation later this month after testing, while regional coverage spotlights how corridors like the North–South Rail link trade and food security. Mining & Revenue: Government is pushing banks to finance small-scale gold miners with equipment, as Malawi reportedly loses up to US$700m a year to gold smuggling. Social Protection Funding: Research warns the Social Cash Transfer Programme relies on donors for about 95% of financing, raising sustainability and national ownership concerns. Legal & Governance: Justice Minister Charles Mhango says Malawi will fast-track reforms including witchcraft, citizenship, immigration and public health laws; HRCC also calls for reform of property forfeiture rules to reduce claims of selective justice. Sports League: Mighty Wanderers returned to the top of the FDH Bank Premiership after beating Red Lions 2-1, setting up a tight finish to the first-round race.

FDH Bank Premiership: Mighty Wanderers climbed back to the top after a 2-1 comeback win over Red Lions, lifting them to 29 points from 14 matches with Silver Strikers still able to pressure them. Digital Banking: National Bank of Malawi explains how BankNet 360 works—24/7 online access for personal, SME and corporate customers, aimed at reducing branch visits. Energy & Trade: The Mozambique–Malawi power transmission line is nearing commercial operation after testing began, with electricity expected to start flowing later this month. Gold Sector: Mining Minister Thoko Tembo says government is engaging banks to help small-scale gold cooperatives access machinery and boost output. Social Protection: Research warns Malawi’s Social Cash Transfer Programme is heavily donor-funded (about 95%), raising concerns about national control and long-term sustainability. Forex Watch: RBM reports June reserves at US$616.3m (2.5 months of imports), but economists say shortages may persist. Digital Inclusion & Payments: PayChangu argues Malawi’s internet gains won’t materialise without payment tools that let new users transact immediately. Roads Finance: Roads Fund Administration signs a K54bn deal with seven councils to rehabilitate urban roads, led by Lilongwe and Blantyre at K15bn each. Governance & Justice: Human rights groups urge reform of property forfeiture laws, while activist Sylvester Namiwa’s bail comes with strict limits on public comment. Ebola Preparedness: ECSA-HC launches a six-month emergency response to strengthen border health readiness along major trade and migration corridors.

Forex & business climate: Malawi’s foreign exchange reserves rose to $616.3m in June (about 2.5 months of import cover), up from $596.5m in May, but economists warn shortages will persist because the gains may not be structural and access remains tight for travellers and importers. Electricity grid pressure: A fresh push to “Plug Malawi in” highlights continued delays in connecting to the regional power grid, with blackouts still hurting business and household activity. Tax push for self-reliance: Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha urged the MRA to tighten revenue collection as donor support declines and debt rises, stressing operational bottlenecks at borders and depots. Mining & gold losses: Government is moving to formalise gold buying after claims Malawi could be losing up to $700m in gold annually to smuggling. Urban infrastructure financing: The Roads Fund Administration signed a K54bn deal with seven councils to upgrade urban roads, led by Lilongwe and Blantyre (K15bn each). Digital inclusion drive: A new GSMA report says Malawi could unlock MWK1.1tn in value and 490,000 jobs by 2030 if mobile internet usage gaps are addressed—despite 87% 4G coverage, about 80% of people remain offline. Sports & sponsorship: NBM and MultiChoice rewarded the Malawi Scorchers after their WAFCON run, while Silver Strikers began their COSAFA qualifier with a comeback win. Legal update: Human rights activist Sylvester Namiwa was granted bail with strict conditions, but release was delayed by administrative steps.