AGP Executive Report

Rare Earths Push: Lindian Resources says ANSTO has validated Kangankunde’s downstream flowsheet, confirming 98% NdPr extraction and a non-radioactive mixed rare earth carbonate path—an important step for Malawi’s rare earths value chain. Mining Governance: President Mutharika warns mineral “cartels” at Thoko Tembo’s swearing-in as Malawi creates a standalone Ministry of Mining, stressing stronger deal-making capacity. Regulators in Court: Six investors sue RBM and the Registrar of Financial Institutions over alleged failures that they say led to losses of over K2.2bn tied to Alliance Capital. Electricity Relief Plan: Government and ESCOM outline short-term fixes and new supply—Kanengo storage, Salima solar, imported power and Tedzani restoration—aimed at easing load shedding. Health & Finance: Malawi secures a US$27m Kuwait loan for long-delayed Blantyre District Hospital, while doctors warn men against unregulated sex pills amid rising erectile dysfunction cases. Migration Pressure: Malawi reports repatriation efforts as South Africa’s anti-migrant crackdown continues, with health experts warning of treatment disruptions for returnees. Infrastructure Funding: NBM commits K100bn to finance the Chamtulo–Golomoti road. ICT Leadership: MACRA DG Mayamiko Nkoloma earns a PhD, focusing on digital health systems. Sports Business: Government pledges to clear Copper Queens’ outstanding payments before WAFCON in Morocco.

Banking & Leadership: NBS Bank NDL side Chilobwe United appoints former Nyasa Big Bullets coach Gilbert Chirwa as technical director on a one-year performance-based contract, as the club pushes for promotion. Parliament & Education: Parliament commits to an inquiry into Malawi’s foundational learning crisis, citing weak literacy and numeracy outcomes and high repetition. Business Climate: MCCCI warns foreign exchange shortages are still crippling firms, with many operating below half capacity and FX named the biggest challenge. Competition & Telecom: Malawi’s competition watchdog seeks public views on TNM’s proposed acquisition of Open Connect assets. Tourism Sector: Government appoints Henry Mussa as Executive Director of the Malawi Institute of Tourism, effective 7 July. Justice: High Court rejects ACB’s bid to drop corruption charges against Chinese national Lin Yunhua. Migration & Health: Malawi prepares for rising healthcare pressure as returnees from South Africa’s xenophobic violence arrive, with doctors warning of treatment disruption. Energy: Energy Minister says MoMa interconnector and BESS projects should add power to ease electricity woes. Data Protection: MACRA plans mandatory annual registration fees for data controllers and processors from September. Sports (Local): Chilobwe United face Embangweni United in a key NDL match as the season tightens.

Stablecoin Payments & FX Costs: Borderless.xyz says stablecoin cross-border transfers were priced below interbank FX rates in every month of Q2 2026, with the median “Parity Gap” at -3.2 basis points (deepest at -5.9 in June), while routing inefficiencies can add a “routing tax” of about $2,330 per $1m moved. South Africa Migration Crackdown: South Africa processed 53,449 foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation as of 11 July, with Malawians making up over 80%; repatriations beyond SADC totalled 2,615. First Lady’s BEAM Support Under Scrutiny: Beautify Malawi Trust distributed relief items to about 1,000 returnees, but the charity faces calls for a forensic audit after governance concerns and questions over pledged funds. MAIIC Mega Farms Loan Injunction: Malawi’s High Court granted an injunction stopping MAIIC from enforcing repayment against about 800 mega farmers pending resolution. Parliament & Business Signals: MPs mocked DPP seating changes, while Speaker set up a committee to probe delays around Napoleon Dzombe’s Dowa fertiliser plant. Inflation Watch: RBM data shows Malawi headline inflation easing to 23.4% in May 2026 from 24.3% in April, with food and non-food pressures both softening. Mobile Data Consumer Complaint: A TNM customer challenged “unlimited” bundle terms after service allegedly ended early, renewing scrutiny of how telecoms market data packages.

South Africa–Malawi Migration Shock: South Africa says it has processed 53,449 foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation since mid-June, with Malawians making up more than 80% of those affected, as anti-immigrant protests intensify and governments scramble to move people home. UK Travel Rules: The UK has updated its visitor visa list, requiring entry clearance for citizens of 52 African countries (including Nigeria and others) for trips under six months, with transit rules also tightened. Inflation Watch: Malawi’s headline inflation eased to 23.4% in May 2026 from 24.3% in April, but remains the highest among peers, with food and non-food pressures both softening. Parliament & Business Climate: MPs set up a special committee to probe delays and regulatory hurdles around Napoleon Dzombe’s Dowa fertiliser plant, while lawmakers also questioned CDF funding capacity amid delayed disbursements. Digital ID Push: UNDP says Malawi has issued trusted digital IDs to over 13.5 million citizens, nearing universal coverage and narrowing the gender gap. Agriculture & Seeds: A regional study highlights farmers’ willingness to pay for pest- and disease-tolerant seeds, as climate shocks and outbreaks strain smallholder budgets across Eastern and Southern Africa. Local Economy & Jobs: Malawi’s Medf urged Mzimba residents to form groups and apply for resumed loans, targeting youth and women as it ramps up disbursements.

South Africa Migration Crackdown: Pretoria says it has processed 53,449 foreign nationals for deportation or voluntary repatriation since mid-June, with Malawians making up over 80%, and officials warn vigilantes against illegal home and business raids. Malawi-Linked Water Procurement Fight: Bidders are threatening legal action against the Blantyre Water Board after it abruptly halted a tender bid-opening process. Forex and Policy Pressure: UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe says Malawi’s fixed exchange rate is distorting the market—hurting exporters and benefiting importers—while Malawi’s forex squeeze continues to bite businesses. Energy Governance Under Scrutiny: The AG has referred MAREP Phase 9 contracts to the ACB for criminal investigations as government seeks refunds of alleged advance payments. Climate-Smart Development Win: The World Bank praised Malawi’s Social Cash Transfer Programme, citing support to nearly 300,000 households during droughts. ICT Recognition: SPARC Systems wins top honours at the Southern Africa Brand Quality Awards, boosting Malawi’s tech reputation. Sports & Youth Economy Angle: Malawi’s presence at Sweden’s Gothia Cup is framed as a wider lesson on how Africa can capture value from youth talent and sport. El Niño Warning: CARE warns the coming super El Niño will hit women hardest, turning climate risk into a health and livelihoods crisis.

Migration Crackdown Watch: South Africa’s anti-illegal migration drive is being scaled back after repatriations/deportations eased from a peak of nearly 4,850 (July 5) to 1,139 (July 11), with officials saying 53,449 foreign nationals were processed by July 11 and that raids must stop being vigilante-led. Forex & Trade Tensions: Malawi’s forex policy is under fresh fire as UTM’s Dalitso Kabambe calls the official exchange rate “unfair,” arguing it penalises exporters and rewards importers. Governance & Accountability: Activists are clashing over the First Lady’s BEAM Trust, with calls for financial disclosure and counter-claims that charity status should not be politicised. Public Finance Delivery: Councils say they have not received Constituency Development Fund money despite Treasury releasing K7.8bn for the reformed model, raising procurement and disbursement concerns. Health Workforce Access: Parliament questioned why clinician training students are excluded from the student loan scheme, with government saying legislation is being drafted. Business & Awards: Lilongwe Water Board wins a top ISO certification award, while ICT firm SPARC Systems takes major regional brand honours. Sports & Community: Apostle Huda Foundation backs Gunners FC with K16m, and Malawi’s Scorchers WAFCON fundraising hits the K1bn target.

CDF Cashflow Gap: Treasury says it has released about K7.87bn for reformed Constituency Development Fund project preparation, but councils insist they have not received actual CDF project money yet—raising fears of delays in school and community works. Xenophobia Fallout: After South Africa’s June 30 anti-foreigner ultimatum, a migrant camp outside the Malawian consulate in Johannesburg is swelling with Malawians seeking safety and repatriation, with families arriving daily. Women’s Leadership Boost: VP Dr Jane Ansah has been appointed to the G100 Presidents Advisory Council, putting Malawi’s top leadership in a global women’s governance and development forum. Tax Digitisation Payoff: MRA exceeded its first-quarter target by about K20bn, with analysts pointing to e-invoicing rollout from May 1 as a key driver of improved collections. University Fees Backlash: CDEDI has issued a 20-day ultimatum to government to reverse the 100% public university tuition hike, warning of nationwide student protests. Electricity Procurement Questions: Debate is growing over why ESCOM relies on contractors for prepaid meter procurement instead of buying directly—amid calls for more transparency. Agriculture Markets: Lilongwe’s Area 1 modern agriculture market (IFAD-funded, MK8bn, 24 months) is set to improve market access and push value addition. Mining & Health: Unregulated mercury use in artisanal gold mining is under scrutiny as miners handle chemicals without protection, risking serious health and environmental harm. FDH WAFCON Fundraising: Malawi’s Scorchers send-off confirms government support of K600m, while FAM targets an extra K1bn to fully finance the Morocco campaign.

Artisanal Mining Health Risks: Malawi’s artisanal gold miners in Kasungu are still using mercury (and sometimes cyanide) with bare hands and no masks, raising serious health and environmental alarms as regulators push for safer practices. Digital Tax Reform: Malawi Revenue Authority exceeded its first-quarter target by about K20bn, with analysts linking gains to the rollout of e-invoicing from May 1. Agriculture Market Push: Lilongwe is set to get a modern agriculture market at Area 1 (MK8bn, IFAD-funded) in 24 months, aimed at improving farmer access to markets and boosting value addition. Electricity Governance Pressure: ESCOM meter procurement is under fresh scrutiny as consumers question why meters can’t be bought directly, while Parliament also hears about vandalism losses of about K3bn a year. Political & Business Updates: AG Frank Mbeta has referred disputed Marep Phase 9 contracts to the ACB; Blantyre’s TNM Office Park breaks ground; and Sovereign Metals says it is waiting for a mining licence to proceed on Kasiya. Regional Shock: South Africa’s xenophobic door-to-door raids are driving Malawians to return home “with nothing,” with economic blowback fears growing. Education Costs: CDEDI gives government a 20-day ultimatum to reverse a 100% university tuition hike or face nationwide student protests. Women Leadership: VP Jane Ansah joins the global G100 Presidents Advisory Council, spotlighting Malawi on an international gender leadership platform.

Mining & Licences: Sovereign Metals says it is waiting for Malawi to issue a mining licence for its Kasiya rutile and graphite project in Lilongwe before advancing further, after government suspended licence issuance amid industry “chaos”. FDI & Competitiveness: UNCTAD warns Malawi and other developing economies face a tougher race for foreign direct investment as Africa’s inflows fell sharply, urging better facilitation, skills and infrastructure beyond promotion. Governance & Accountability: A watchdog is calling for a forensic audit into Beautify Malawi (BEAM) Trust after reported donations totalling K17.79bn, alleging wrongful enrichment and possible abuse of political access. Education & Affordability: Public universities have doubled tuition fees for 2026-27, sparking fears students will be priced out and raising questions about student welfare and value for money. Agriculture & Trade Risks: WTO warns Gulf conflict has disrupted fertiliser shipments via the Strait of Hormuz, pushing nitrogen prices up and increasing food security risks for Africa. Digital Economy: Airtel Africa targets connecting 5,000 schools with free internet by 2027 to narrow the digital learning divide. Energy & Business Continuity: Malawi’s pest surveillance is moving from paper to digital under the Africa Phytosanitary Programme, while a separate report highlights how electricity shortages are hitting businesses’ operations and costs. Sports & Business: NBM backs MISALICO’s K20m financial literacy push, and Sulom names May nominees for FDH Bank Premiership coach and player awards. Regional Shock: Xenophobic anti-migrant protests in South Africa are driving Malawians and other Africans to return home, with economists warning of labour-market and informal-economy blowback.

Financial Literacy Boost: National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has donated K20 million to MISALICO for a Clergy Financial Literacy Programme in Mzuzu this August, aiming to close Malawi’s equity-investment knowledge gap and encourage more people to invest in the stock market. ESCOM Procurement & Accountability: Malawi’s civil society groups HRCC and MaBLEM have withdrawn a planned court challenge over alleged political interference in ESCOM transformer procurement after the process was allowed to proceed, with a fresh K12.24bn transformer award notice issued to Creck Hardware. Court Ruling on MAIIC Loans: The High Court Commercial Division in Lilongwe has temporarily restrained MAIIC from pursuing repayments from 48 mega farmers while a dispute is determined over whether loan recovery should be handled through an insurance scheme. Public Finance Oversight Gap: An International Budget Partnership survey says Malawi lacks an independent debt management institution, leaving Parliament and the public heavily reliant on government assessments of borrowing and debt sustainability. Tax Collection Momentum: Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) collected K1.398tn in Q1 2026/27, beating its target by K20bn, as reforms under commissioner general Felix Tambulasi appear to be taking hold. Regional Migration Shock: South Africa’s anti-migrant protests have escalated into door-to-door raids, raising fears of labour shortages and broader economic blowback across sectors that rely on foreign workers, while Malawi and other countries report repatriations.

South Africa Xenophobia: Anti-immigration groups in South Africa have shifted to door-to-door searches, breaking into homes in places like Johannesburg’s Alexandra and forcing some foreigners, including a Malawian woman and child, into police custody—raising fresh fears for regional trade and tourism. Regional Migration Impact: Reuters reports Zimbabweans are still travelling for business despite the unrest, while South Africa’s Musina repatriation centre processes tens of thousands as deportations and voluntary returns intensify. Malawi Revenue Drive: Malawi Revenue Authority collected K1.398tn in Q1 2026/27, beating its target by K20bn as Tambulasi-led reforms gain traction, with analysts watching whether momentum holds. Higher Education Costs: Parliament hears government says it pays about K6.7m per university student annually while students pay K1.3m after fee hikes—amid warnings that costs could price out poorer families. Digital Identity Push: MACRA and UNDP plan a digital ID overhaul that could strengthen SIM verification and improve security, alongside data protection and digital skills. Pension Awareness: Malawi’s Default Pension Fund is up to about K145bn, but officials say many eligible former workers still haven’t claimed benefits. Business & Trade Links: UK and Malawi vow to deepen trade and investment after a London business roundtable spanning agriculture, mining, energy, healthcare, tourism, finance and technology. Fertiliser Project Delay: Government says the Mulalo granular fertiliser plant licence is held up because the developer failed to submit a revised ESIA for nearly nine months. Church Regulation Debate: Agriculture Minister Roza Mbilizi urges scrutiny and monitoring of “miracle” churches, linking some practices to mental health harm.

South Africa xenophobia spills into Malawi’s doorstep: Anti-immigration protesters in Johannesburg staged “door-to-door” raids, handing over foreigners to police, including a woman and a small child from Malawi, as deportations and voluntary returns intensify at Musina. Diplomatic pressure mounts: Nigeria’s House of Representatives urged strong diplomatic action against South Africa over renewed xenophobic attacks and killings, while regional solidarity fears grow. Malawi justice under scrutiny: The Malawi Law Society accused the Director of Public Prosecutions of discontinuing high-profile corruption cases in a way that could erode public confidence. Education affordability alarm: Malawi faces backlash as university fees rise, with warnings that higher education may become a privilege for the wealthy unless student support systems are overhauled. Tax and public finance moves: Malawi Revenue Authority exceeded its Q1 target, collecting K1.398 trillion, and government is pushing IPSAS reforms to improve public accounting. Fertiliser plant saga: Parliament and government continue to debate Napoleon Dzombe’s fertilizer project, with licensing tied to environmental and hazardous waste safeguards. Business and jobs: Rio Tinto stepped back from operating Malawi’s Kasiya rare earth project, leaving Sovereign Metals in full control as it pivots to a U.S.-focused critical minerals strategy. Digital identity push: MACRA and UNDP discussed using national identity systems to strengthen SIM verification and improve digital security. Sports and culture: Nico Group pledged K900m to Ascent Soccer Academy, while MultiChoice Talent Factory graduate Asante Mbaimbai’s drama series “Insecurities” is set to premiere on July 25.

UN Human Rights: The UN Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution led by Malawi recognising neglected tropical diseases as a human rights issue, linking the illnesses to inequality, discrimination and lack of safe water, sanitation and healthcare. Parliament & Fertiliser: Malawi’s Parliament session opened with sharp debate over a stalled Dzombe fertilizer plant, after the Speaker accused the opposition of blame, while MPs pressed for transparency and faster approvals amid fertiliser shortages. Higher Education Costs: UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe renewed calls to reverse the 100% public university tuition fee hike, warning it will price out students from poor families. Power & Regional Trade: Government says the Malawi–Mozambique power interconnector will be commissioned at month-end, while officials also point to the Mpatamanga hydropower project and rural electrification plans to close Malawi’s supply gap. Economy & FX: The Reserve Bank of Malawi is holding $1.1m seized from two Tanzanian nationals in a forex and money-laundering case, underscoring ongoing foreign exchange pressures. Business & Investment: UK–Malawi trade ties got a boost as the UK-Malawi Chamber of Commerce announced its first permanent office in Malawi, aiming to deepen investment and partnerships. Football & Youth: NICO Group signed a K900m deal with Ascent Soccer to fund football, education and leadership development for young Malawians. Migration Fallout: Malawi continues repatriation support as Old Mutual’s Blantyre Foundation donated MK140m to transport vulnerable returnees from Durban, while Parliament is set to focus on migrants, reintegration and accountability.

Parliamentary Heat: Malawi’s MPs erupted after Environment Minister Patricia Wisikesi told opposition lawmakers “Black box, keep quiet” during scrutiny of a fertilizer plant deal, with government backing the project while critics demand full disclosure. Fertilizer Push: Government cleared the way for businessman Napoleon Dzombe’s fertilizer manufacturing plant licence, pending further clarifications—especially on hazardous waste disposal and MEPA environmental clearance. Energy Outlook: Persistent power cuts may ease as officials point to the Mpatamanga Hydropower Project, targeting an additional 380MW, with the project at procurement stage. Education Cost Shock: Malawi approved a 100% public university tuition fee hike for 2026/27, triggering public outrage and political pushback over affordability and funding gaps. Rare Earths Momentum: Australia’s Lindian Resources began active mining at Kangankunde with its first controlled blast, while officials dismissed claims of irregularities around the project. Trade & Investment: The UK-Malawi Chamber of Commerce will open its first permanent office in Malawi, aiming to deepen UK trade links. Migration & Repatriation: Parliament opened with focus on returning migrants from South Africa; Malawi says repatriation numbers are rising, while regional leaders and traditional authorities plan talks to tackle xenophobia-driven tensions. Governance & Spending: MPs also grilled government over delayed Constituency Development Fund (CDF) roll-out as decentralisation reforms move toward implementation. Business & Finance: NBS Bank unveiled a new “Business Banking” model to improve SME access to finance, while NSO data shows agriculture still dominates exports at over 90%.

Parliament & Repatriation: Malawi’s Parliament reconvened with MPs pressing for answers on Malawians returning from South Africa after xenophobic attacks, with Foreign Affairs Minister George Chaponda’s statement dominating debate and lawmakers also tackling inland water transport and oversight work. Diplomacy & Regional Response: Malawi says it will engage South Africa through a special envoy and SADC will send a delegation to assess the situation and push for an end to xenophobia. Education Funding Fight: UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe renewed calls to reverse the 100% public university tuition hike, while HESLGB says it will cushion eligible students with extra funding beyond MK42bn. State Firms Governance: Government urged boards of state-owned enterprises to strengthen teamwork and corporate governance, amid concerns over persistent losses and weak accountability. Healthcare Expansion: Maranatha International plans to open Matete Medical Care facilities in Blantyre and Dowa, offering free consultations during launch week. Trade & Investment Push: A UK-Malawi business roundtable in London highlighted new momentum for bilateral trade and investment, including plans for a UK chamber office in Malawi. Sports & Business: FAM targets K1bn for the Malawi Scorchers’ WAFCON campaign, while NBS Bank’s “business banking” push continues to reshape support for SMEs.

Parliament & Migration: Malawi’s Parliament reconvened for its Third Meeting of the 52nd Session, with lawmakers zeroing in on the return of Malawians from South Africa after xenophobic violence, plus calls for stronger oversight and accountability. Diplomacy: Malawi and SADC are engaging South Africa over the attacks; Foreign Affairs Minister George Chaponda says Pretoria will send a special envoy and SADC will dispatch a delegation to assess the situation. Humanitarian Pressure: The Malawi High Commission in Pretoria is accused of leaving stranded citizens without adequate shelter, with reports of people sleeping outdoors in freezing conditions. Education Finance: UTM president Dalitso Kabambe and opposition MPs renewed pressure to reverse the 100% public university tuition hike, while HESLGB says extra funding will keep loans and grants flowing to eligible students. State Enterprises: Government urged state-owned firms to strengthen teamwork and corporate governance under Malawi 2063, amid concerns over persistent losses. Business & Markets: World Bank data shows Malawi’s investment climate weakening, with private investment and foreign inflows falling; tobacco earnings also dipped as prices fell amid oversupply. Sports & Economy: FDH Bank Premiership title race stays tight after Matchweek 9, while TNM’s proposed OCL asset acquisition draws mixed analyst views.