AGP Executive Report

WAFCON Final Build-Up: Malawi’s Scorchers, ranked 153rd at the start, will face Cameroon in Sunday’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final after a stunning run that includes a debut semi-final win over Algeria and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup; supporters and officials are already rallying in Morocco, with UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe urging Malawians to pack Rabat as the “12th player.” Fuel Supply Watch: Blantyre is seeing fresh fuel queues as some stations report shortages again, raising fears of a repeat of earlier disruptions blamed on foreign exchange constraints and global energy shocks. Power Sector Tension: Consumer groups are questioning how a K65.9bn Escom–Egenco power purchase dispute was resolved via write-offs, tariff changes and a government bailout—arguing households may be paying twice. Banking & Fintech: Ctech Systems launched Ctech Loan265 to digitise loan management for SACCOs and microfinance, while banks back sweeping regulatory reforms that strengthen RBM powers and depositor protection. Migration & Trade: Malawi and Ethiopia signed an MoU to tackle irregular migration and trafficking; meanwhile, South Africa’s crackdown is reshaping labour markets, with specialised roles hardest to fill. Sports Finance: NBM and other partners are hosting Scorchers watch parties and backing the final push. Governance & Justice: Justice Jabbar Alide was elected MAJAM president, and activists renewed pressure over Malawi’s citizenship scandal beneficiaries after a minister’s pardon.

Power Sector: Egenco and Escom remain stuck in a six-year deadlock over a reviewed Power Purchase Agreement, with the review process still incomplete since it began in 2022/23—while Egenco’s debt-to-equity ratio worsened to 150% in 2025. Sports & Finance: Malawi’s Scorchers’ historic WAFCON run is being celebrated by National Bank of Malawi (NBM), including Morocco watch parties and major local fan events, as the team qualifies for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Migration & Human Rights: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa says the country is “deeply concerned and ashamed” over attacks on foreign nationals, as Malawi migrants return home with little after xenophobic violence and deportations. Business & Trade: Malawi has secured a groundnuts export market in Kenya under AfCFTA, with shipments starting at 30MT and potential demand up to 65MT per month subject to quality and food safety standards. Banking & Payments: South Africa’s draft crypto rules could change some cross-border remittances by letting authorised providers use crypto in the background, without customers holding crypto. Telecom: Airtel Africa and Starlink launched satellite-to-mobile service commercially in DR Congo, enabling connectivity via compatible smartphones.

Women’s Football Breakthrough: Malawi Scorchers’ WAfCON run is being hailed as a historic turnaround—qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after beating Nigeria, Ghana and Algeria, and now set for a final against Cameroon. Migration & Xenophobia: South Africa’s President Ramaphosa says the country is “deeply concerned and ashamed” over vigilante attacks on foreign nationals, as thousands—including Malawians—return home amid deportation and voluntary repatriation. Pensions & Compliance: Old Mutual Malawi tells the 2026 Pension Trustees Conference in Mangochi it will keep delivering pension administration and investment solutions as regulators enforce compulsory schemes. Remittances & Crypto Rules: South Africa’s draft crypto framework could let authorised providers use crypto in the background to settle some remittances, without customers holding crypto—limits apply. Trade & Exports: Malawi secures a groundnuts export market in Kenya under AfCFTA, with shipments starting at 30MT and potential demand up to 65MT/month. Food & Prices: Malawi maize faces pressure from cheaper imports and forecasts warn of higher prices ahead, while tobacco output remains within a revised target. Tax & Customs Continuity: Malawi Revenue Authority upgrades data resilience and customs systems to reduce downtime and improve revenue collection. STEM Scholarships: Illovo Sugar Malawi disburses K71.3m scholarships to 31 young women at MUST for 2026/27 STEM studies. Energy & Industry: Coal miners seek financing to expand local production and cut forex spending on imports, as Malawi also pushes battery storage and solar to stabilise supply.

WAFCON & Women’s World Cup Path: Malawi’s Scorchers keep the momentum after a 3-1 semi-final win over Algeria, with National Bank of Malawi backing the team and watch parties drawing fans in Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu as they set sights on the final against Cameroon. Social Protection Watch: Malawi’s Ministry of Finance admits the social safety net is struggling with limited coverage, weak monitoring and heavy donor reliance, calling for better research to plug evidence gaps. Customs Efficiency: Malawi Revenue Authority says customs automation and risk profiling under Asycuda World are cutting cargo clearance times and speeding up compliant traders. Markets: The Malawi Stock Exchange shed about K1 trillion in July, with the All Share Index down 3.48% month-on-month and trading activity sharply lower. Regional Migration Costs: South Africa’s repatriation reimbursement push faces pushback, with Ghana and Nigeria denying requests, while Malawi is named among countries approached for costs. Urban Housing: Property owners in Lilongwe’s Malangalanga back Malawi Housing Corporation plans to redevelop ageing staff quarters, including roads, drainage and street lighting upgrades. Road Safety & Kabaza: Malawi’s Kabaza crackdown in Blantyre escalates with roadblocks and rider protests as authorities push tougher enforcement amid high motorcycle crash deaths.

Migration Costs Clash: South Africa is seeking reimbursement for nearly US$18.5m (about R292m) spent repatriating migrants, asking Nigeria, Malawi, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique—while Ghana is excluded after funding its own evacuation. Malawi Labour Protection: Malawi is moving to tighten rules on private recruitment agencies and introduce a National Labour Migration Policy to curb exploitation and trafficking of workers going abroad. Food Security Push: NFRA has secured 22,570 tonnes of maize for El Niño-linked contingency planning, with most stock at Kanengo depot, as government funds procurement in phases. Public Trust & Governance: UNDP and CPA Africa leaders urged parliaments to rebuild citizen trust through accountability, inclusivity and responsiveness. Sports & Business Boost: NBS Bank rewards Malawi’s Scorchers with K245m after historic WAFCON success, while the Black Queens again demand unpaid bonuses and welfare support. Urban Housing Deal: Lilongwe’s Malangalanga property owners back MHC’s redevelopment plan, including new housing and upgrades. Digital Economy: Malawi’s betting market sees consolidation as 888Bets customers migrate to Bandabets, and Bandabets expands crash games on one platform. Finance Watch: Government borrowing via T-bills fell sharply in July, signalling tighter appetite for short-term funding. Health Recognition: Last Mile Health wins the 2026 Hilton Prize for expanding primary healthcare in remote communities across Malawi and other countries.

WAFCON & Football Finance: Malawi’s Scorchers beat Algeria 3-1 to reach the WAFCON final and qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with NBS Bank announcing a K245 million reward (K7m per player plus a share for the 48-member delegation). Labour Migration: Government is drafting a National Labour Migration Policy and tightening rules for private recruitment agencies to curb exploitation, trafficking and abusive fees/contracts for Malawians seeking jobs abroad. Food Security: NFRA has secured 22,570 tonnes of maize as Malawi ramps up El Niño preparations, with more funding tranches expected. Migration Costs & Repatriation: South Africa has asked Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia to reimburse repatriation costs after xenophobia-related crackdowns, while Malawi has ended its free South Africa repatriation scheme after 56,723 returns. Media & Labour Dispute: 27 fired MBC district reporters have sued for K688.5m over alleged unfair dismissal and unsafe labour practices. Governance & Accountability: Parliament’s CPA Africa conference in Lilongwe calls for a renewed social contract—stronger accountability, inclusivity and citizen trust. Tech & Skills: MUST and All Peoples Innovation Hub sign an MOU to expand work placements, short courses and innovation projects for students. SME Capital Markets: Regional stock exchange push urges SMEs to look beyond banks for long-term funding via listings.

WAFCON & World Cup Stakes: Malawi’s Scorchers move into the semi-finals against Algeria tonight in Rabat, after beating Ghana 2-1 and booking a first-ever 2027 Women’s World Cup spot—sparking fresh fan watch parties in Lilongwe and Mzuzu. Football Governance: Malawi’s FA is also facing scrutiny after reports that women’s football chair Adelaide Migogo was recalled from Morocco, raising questions about delegation and accreditation decisions. Migration Costs & Diplomacy: South Africa says it has spent about R292m (nearly $18.5m) on repatriating undocumented migrants and has formally asked Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia to reimburse costs, as the operation strains budgets and relations. Malawi Repatriation Update: Malawi has ended its free transport scheme for citizens returning from South Africa after 56,723 returns, shifting future travel costs to individuals. Power & Climate Resilience: Malawi is commissioning its first utility-scale battery storage system (20MW/40MWh) in Lilongwe to stabilise the grid and reduce reliance on costly diesel during climate shocks. Food Security: Japan and WFP back Malawi’s lean-season response with JPY 300m to support 170,000 food-insecure people via rice procurement. SME Financing: Regional stock exchanges urge SMEs to look beyond banks for long-term capital, pushing for more listings and cross-border market links. Local Business & Media: Malawi Freedom Network invites businesses to partner through advertising and sponsorship to support independent journalism.

South Africa–Malawi migration costs: South Africa’s Home Affairs says it has spent about R292m on repatriating undocumented foreign nationals under Ramaphosa’s migration plan, and is now seeking reimbursement from Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia; Parliament was told the Musina/Lindela operations have been scaled back as nearly 90,000 people have been processed, with transport the biggest cost. Malawi visa update: Malawi’s Immigration Department says visa rules now split travellers into categories: 160 countries can travel without prior authorisation, while 47 require visas or prior authorisation on reciprocal/security grounds. Tobacco forex hit: Malawi’s tobacco selling season earnings fell sharply, with farmers earning MK452.4bn in the first 16 weeks—down MK320bn year-on-year—raising fresh pressure on the country’s foreign exchange position. Banking & youth push: Standard Bank Malawi commits MK100m to the 2026 National Youth Summit at BICC, backing skills, entrepreneurship and job creation. Housing redevelopment: In Lilongwe’s Malangalanga, property owners have approved Malawi Housing Corporation’s redevelopment plan to upgrade staff quarters and improve services. WAFCON business for Malawi: Malawi’s Scorchers’ WAFCON run is driving attention and support, with FIFA praising the team and prize money boosting the campaign. Sports on TV: SuperSport and GOtv/DStv line up a “Feast of Football” including WAFCON semi-finals featuring Algeria vs Malawi.

Tobacco & FX Pressure: Malawi’s tobacco selling season earnings fell to MK452.4bn in the first 16 weeks, down MK320bn year-on-year, as average prices dropped and more tobacco was rejected—raising fresh fears for the country’s already tight foreign exchange position. Migration Costs & Reimbursements: South Africa’s Home Affairs says deportation spending hit about R292m, far above the R60m budget, and has asked Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia to reimburse repatriation costs after xenophobic-driven exoduses. Youth & Skills Funding: Standard Bank Malawi pledged MK100m to support the 2026 National Youth Summit in Lilongwe, backing entrepreneurship and job creation. Capital Markets Push: Continental Holdings plc became the 17th firm to list on the Malawi Stock Exchange, while the BSE urged more SME listings and stronger regional collaboration to deepen access to long-term capital. Energy & Grid Reliability: EGENCO commissioned the first 10MW phase of the Salima-Nanjoka solar plant, and MRA says backup power at revenue stations lifted collections—Liwonde saw a 37% revenue jump. Business & Local Tech: Easy Books urged government and firms to ditch foreign financial software, citing forex drain, as it hands over accounting software to a Malawi regulator. WAFCON Business Angle: Malawi’s Scorchers’ World Cup qualification and FIFA praise are set to bring major attention and prize money, while watch parties in Lilongwe and Mzuzu turned the run into a national celebration.

Malawi Capital Markets: Continental Holdings plc becomes the 17th company to list on the Malawi Stock Exchange, a boost for investor confidence and a push for more firms to raise capital via the exchange. Power & Infrastructure: Malawi commissions the US$12m Salima-Nanjoka 10MW solar plant, with officials saying it will ease grid pressure and support energy diversification; separately, the MRA says UPS backup at revenue stations helped lift Liwonde operations’ revenue by 37%. Energy Storage: Government switches on Malawi’s first battery energy storage system (20MW/40MWh) in Kanengo, aimed at stabilising the grid and unlocking more renewables. Public Finance: Reserve Bank of Malawi keeps the policy rate at 24% and maintains liquidity reserve requirements. Trade & Compliance: MRA expands use of digital tax stamps and says it is improving tax compliance; employers face penalties up to K100m for non-compliance with mandatory occupational pensions. Health & Social Impact: A community HIV programme at AIDS 2026 reports a drop in HIV positivity among exposed infants to 0.2% and fewer missed testing milestones. Energy & Business Risk: A fuel importer warns of licence fraud that could trigger “chaos” in Malawi’s fuel sector. Governance & Politics: Police and MRA raid MCP legal chief George Kadzipatike’s offices amid tax-related claims, while church leaders renew calls for VP Jane Ansah to clarify costs of a controversial UK trip. Sports & Business Culture: Malawi’s WAFCON run ends after Super Falcons’ exit shocks stakeholders, while mourners across Malawi lay MBC broadcaster Brian Banda to rest.

HIV Prevention Breakthrough: Malawi’s community-based care programme at AIDS 2026 says HIV positivity among HIV-exposed infants fell from 39% to 13%, with only 12 positives out of 7,000+ tested—cutting missed testing milestones and helping more children start life HIV-free. Energy & Grid Stability: Malawi commissioned its first battery storage system in Lilongwe (20MW/40MWh) to stabilise the grid and unlock more renewables, while also switching on the US$12m Salima Nanjoka 10MW solar plant feeding power into the national grid. Regional Water Deal: Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania signed a landmark agreement to strengthen joint management of the Ruvuma/Rovuma River Basin, aiming at shared water, agriculture and biodiversity benefits. Tax & Compliance Pressure: RBM warns employers to comply with mandatory occupational pensions or face penalties up to K100m, as MRA expands excise tax stamps monitoring through Kalondola to boost revenue and curb illicit trade. Fuel Sector Risk: A fuel importer warns of licence fraud that could trigger “chaos” in Malawi’s fuel market unless regulators tighten controls across issuance, borders and ownership. Governance & Accountability: Church leaders and CCJP renewed calls for VP Jane Ansah to clarify the cost and staffing of her UK trip, after conflicting figures were reported. Business & Investment Signals: Lindian Resources says its Kangankunde rare earth licence remains valid after government inspections, and it also moved to full ownership of Kazakhstan’s SARECO processing facility to control downstream margins. Court Watch: Malawi’s High Court limited Total Malawi’s $480m rebate dispute to six years, narrowing the potential fiscal exposure. Media Loss: Malawi Broadcasting Corporation DG Brian Banda was laid to rest in Chileka, with political and industry tributes highlighting his role in public dialogue.

Rare Earths & Mining Oversight: Lindian says Malawi’s Kangankunde Rare Earths Project is operating under a valid licence after government inspections found no signs of unauthorised extraction or illegal mining, following questions raised in Parliament. Tax & Public Finance: Malawi’s High Court has narrowed Total Malawi’s $480m fuel rebate dispute to a six-year period, limiting how far back the company can claim. Parliament Accountability: Parliament adjourned without tabling Public Accounts Committee findings on the MK128bn Amaryllis Hotel deal, leaving key procurement and oversight questions unanswered. Fuel Sector Integrity: A local fuel importer warns Malawi could face “chaos” after uncovering an alleged licence-forgery attempt by a South Africa-based trader, urging tighter coordination by MERA, NOCMA, MRA and standards bodies. Revenue Systems: MRA says its Kalondola tax stamp initiative is boosting excise collections, with machines installed at production lines to track excisable goods in real time. Exchange Rate Pressure: A new study estimates exchange-rate shocks could cost households about $6.8m (K12bn), with food-price effects hitting both poor and non-poor families. Regional Trade Facilitation: SADC is pushing to simplify border procedures under its Simplified Trade Regime to cut costs for small-scale traders, including Malawi. Healthcare Regulation: The Medical Council of Malawi urged private practitioners to uphold professionalism and ethics as it seeks safer, higher-quality care. Energy Resilience: A report highlights how Malawi’s grid-scale battery storage is helping stabilise power supply amid climate-exposed hydropower risks. Migration & Repatriation: Malawi is set to conclude a voluntary repatriation programme for citizens returning from South Africa, with tens of thousands already home. Business & Sports: NBM flew customers to Morocco to boost support for Malawi’s Scorchers at WAFCON, while local football continues with league wins and teams moving up the FDH Bank Premiership table.

Healthcare Fundraising: The Malawian-UK Nurses Association (MUNA) has successfully completed its charity Big Walk in Manchester, raising K950 million for the renovation and modernisation of Kamuzu Central Hospital’s short stay ward. Public Service & Media: Malawi mourns MBC Director General Brian Banda, who died after a short illness; tributes poured in across the political divide and his burial is set for Monday. Infrastructure & Development: Government says rehabilitation of the Chiweta–Karonga road will start in November 2026, using toll-gate financing to maintain roads and repay bank loans; meanwhile, Mombera University construction is set to begin after PPDA approval, with VP Chihana citing K14 billion government funding and a push for over K300 billion from investors. Governance & Accountability: Parliament adjourned without tabling PAC findings on the controversial K128 billion Amaryllis Hotel deal, deepening calls for transparency. Tax & Legal Tensions: Police and MRA raided opposition lawyer George Kadzipatike’s offices in Lilongwe and Mzuzu, triggering claims of political payback. Food & Cost Pressures: FAO reports global food prices rose in July amid heatwaves and energy pressures, while Malawi still faces acute food insecurity risks. Sports: Big Bullets beat Chitipa United 2-0 to stay fourth, and Masters moved into the FDH Premiership top five with a 1-0 win over Civo Service United.

Migration Pressure on Malawi: Malawi says 56,723 citizens have been repatriated from xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with the voluntary return programme ending Wednesday; the last buses leave Johannesburg and Pretoria, while consular services will continue for those needing emergency travel documents. South Africa Exodus: Authorities in home countries put the wider African departures at 178,000+ as deportations and anti-foreigner violence push people to flee, raising concerns over children pulled from school and HIV patients cut off from care. Courtroom Finance: Malawi’s High Court limited a $480m Total fuel rebate claim to the six years before filing, ruling older amounts are statute-barred—narrowing what government and Prima Fuels can pursue. Labour Compensation: Ex-MEDF employees are demanding K20 billion after an Industrial Relations Court found dismissals unlawful and ordered compensation/damages, with damages assessment still underway. Tax Enforcement: MRA says its Kalondola digital excise tax stamp system is expanding to improve monitoring and curb illicit trade, citing revenue gains at participating manufacturers. Governance Watch: Parliament Speaker Sameer Suleman flagged absenteeism as a credibility issue as the House rose sine die, urging faster responses to committee reports. Media Loss: Malawi mourns MBC DG Brian Banda, who died after a short illness; tributes poured in as funeral arrangements were announced.

Media & National Life: Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Director General Brian Banda has died after a short illness at Mwaiwathu Hospital in Blantyre, triggering an outpouring of tributes from across the country’s media and public life. Tax & Trade Integrity: The Malawi Revenue Authority says its Kalondola digital excise tax stamp system has been installed at 14 sites with 22 machines, improving monitoring of excisable products and boosting revenue while targeting illicit trade. Parliament & Governance: Speaker Sameer Suleman flagged absenteeism as a serious concern as Parliament rose sine die, while also urging Cabinet ministers to respond to committee reports within 14 days. Economy & Forex: Government has admitted the foreign exchange crisis is still hurting business and household costs, even as it says it is working to restore confidence and stimulate production. Health Funding Oversight: An OIG report raises accountability questions over 165 vehicles missing from malaria inspection reports tied to Global Fund-supported work. Migration Shock: Malawi is among countries reporting large-scale returns from South Africa, with more than 178,000 migrants leaving amid crackdown and anti-foreigner unrest. Business & Cities: Malawi Housing Corporation plans to redevelop Lilongwe’s Malangalanga into a modern commercial hub, with residents given a 30-day deadline to vacate staff houses. Justice & Compliance: Parliament has ordered a fresh probe into the Kangankunde rare earth project after concerns over licensing and export of mineral samples.

Mining Oversight: Parliament ordered a fresh probe into Malawi’s Kangankunde rare earth project in Balaka after MPs raised concerns about licensing, compliance and the export of mineral samples; Mining Minister Thoko Tembo says inspections found no illegal mining and that exports were approved for lab testing. Monetary Policy: The Reserve Bank of Malawi kept the policy rate at 24% as inflation eases, projecting further moderation to about 22% by year-end. Food & Household Pressure: FAO data shows staple food prices rose 1% in July year-on-year, with heatwaves and El Niño still threatening harvests. Public Finance & Accountability: Government says it is easing economic pressure, while Parliament also operationalised Malawi’s K16bn Confiscation Fund with new rules on access, spending and accountability. Health Supply Chain: Parliament heard that public facilities used drug money to buy gloves after a Central Medical Stores stockout. Education & Social Support: A teen-mothers push is underway in Blantyre to help young mothers return to school, alongside training for court staff at Mzuzu University to improve justice administration. Business & Trade: Standard Bank pledged K50m to MUST’s endowment fund, and MRA says Kalondola tax stamps are boosting compliance and excise collections.