AGP Executive Report

South Africa xenophobia spillover: Nigeria’s government has started evacuating citizens after anti-immigrant violence, with the first flight of about 262–268 Nigerians arriving in Lagos on Thursday; officials say more batches are planned, and some returnees describe intimidation and extortion while living in South Africa. Malawi citizens displaced in Durban: Thousands of Malawians are sheltering at Sherwood Hall in Durban as they wait for repatriation, with embassy officials warning of serious health risks due to overcrowding and poor water and sanitation. Malawi poverty pressure: An Afrobarometer survey reports eight in ten Malawians are in severe poverty, citing unemployment and rising costs as key drivers. Health push for children: Malawi’s Ministry of Health says a polio vaccination drive will run June 16–19 for all children under 10, following an outbreak detection in Blantyre. Governance & accountability: The DPP has ordered the withdrawal of a corruption-related case against Chinese national Lin Yunhua in Malawi’s Financial Crimes Division. Business & services: Malawi’s ICT ministry says it is working with Huawei on a $180m plan for a citizen portal and national broadband network. Public safety: The Pesticides Control Board and police arrested a Mzuzu agro-dealer over alleged sale of illegal pesticides.

Malawi Repatriation Crisis: More than 1,000 Malawians fled Durban’s Burnwood settlement after armed residents demanded they leave, with families sheltering at Sherwood Hall as Home Affairs processes people and repatriation plans move ahead. Human Rights & Inclusion: Human Rights Watch urged Malawi to fully fund the National Action Plan on Albinism, warning stigma still blocks education, jobs and social protection. Chilima Memorial: First and second vice-presidents Jane Ansah and Enock Chihana are expected at the unveiling of Dr Saulos Chilima’s mausoleum in Nsipe, Ntcheu, marking the second anniversary of his death. Child Protection: Two girls in Mulanje gave birth during PSLCE exams; the district commissioner ordered arrests of those accused of impregnating them. Sports Funding: FDH Bank donated K100m to support Team Malawi ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Governance Watch: Malawi’s High Court set aside an ACB restriction notice affecting tobacco stocks, allowing East Bridge access to warehoused tobacco. Netball Facilities: Netball Association of Malawi unveiled Queens House in Blantyre to cut camp accommodation costs by about K75m a year.

Xenophobia Fallout in South Africa: More than 1,000 Malawians displaced by anti-migrant violence are sheltering at Sherwood Hall in Durban after armed residents allegedly ordered them out of Burnwood and Clare Estate; authorities say repatriation is being arranged with the Malawian embassy, with the first group expected to leave early next week, while Home Affairs officers are manually recording details of arrivals. Immigration Rules Update: South Africa’s Immigration Amendment Act now requires judicial oversight for detention of undocumented foreigners pending deportation, including bringing detainees before court within 48 hours. Malawi Finance & Inclusion: National Bank of Malawi says digital banking is central to its growth push, warning that transaction levies could slow adoption and push people back to cash. Sports—Malawi on the Pitch: The Flames drew Ethiopia 1-1 in an international friendly, with Babatunde Adepoju scoring his first Malawi goal. Governance & Rights: Malawi’s MHRC warns gender balance laws are being ignored in public appointments, citing an all-male Revenue Appeals Tribunal and low representation of women in diplomacy.

Xenophobia and repatriation: Malawi is stepping up voluntary returns as anti-immigrant violence in South Africa leaves families displaced, with reports of Malawians sleeping outdoors at Sherwood Hall in Durban and another group of 52 arriving home; government says it is coordinating repatriation of about 150 nationals and appeals for private sector support to sustain the mission. Community pushback in South Africa: In Dunoon, community and faith leaders are trying to stop an anti-immigrant march, warning that vigilante campaigns could spark more violence. Regional labour rules: Kuwait has restricted domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries and banned hiring from 27, including Malawi, raising new concerns for Malawians seeking work abroad. Health: Lundazi District in Zambia vaccinated over 40,800 children under five in a polio campaign, reaching 102% of the target. Governance and accountability: Malawi’s Parliament is set to hold public hearings next week in the Chilima plane crash inquiry, focusing on pre-flight arrangements and decision-making. Education: An Auxiliary Bishop in Lilongwe urged parents to keep children in school, citing dropouts driven by teenage pregnancy and early marriage.

South Africa xenophobia and Malawi repatriation: Malawi has started bringing citizens home after anti-migrant violence and intimidation in South Africa, with the first batch of 150 Malawians arriving in Malawi and more returns expected; Chief Secretary Justin Saidi says the government needs over K1 billion (about R9.5 million) to repatriate more than 3,000 people, and returnees will also access loan support through programmes rolled out across constituencies. Humanitarian pressure in Durban: Displaced Malawians in Durban are seeking urgent transport back home as numbers swell and volunteers scramble to provide temporary shelter and meals at Sherwood Hall. Accountability and justice backlog: Malawi’s Independent Complaints Commission says more than half of complaints against the Malawi Police Service since 2020 remain unresolved, citing chronic shortages of staff, equipment and funding. Governance and security concerns: In Zambia, opposition leader Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu’s entourage faced allegations of being targeted by police during Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV’s burial period, with Reverend Godfridah Sumaili calling it traumatising. Sports and fans: Multichoice Malawi launched World Cup coverage in Ndirande with street football, while Football Association of Malawi warns of counterfeit jersey sales and says arrests are underway.

Amaryllis Hotel Probe: Malawi Police confirmed the arrest of former Chief of Staff Prince Kapondamgaga, linked to investigations into the Amaryllis Hotel deal, with police saying more details on charges are still to come. Justice Oversight: The Independent Complaints Commission (ICC) says it has completed 268 investigations out of 592 complaints since 2021, with calls for legal reforms to strengthen its power over police misconduct. Elections & Education: PSLCE exams began with spot-checks reporting smooth starts across several districts, as Maneb implements the June timing to boost teacher contact time. Climate Funding: SADC states are meeting in Lilongwe to build consensus on accessing Loss and Damage Fund money, with officials warning disasters are eroding development gains. Power Cuts: EGENCO says continued blackouts may persist as the Nkula B 20MW unit remains offline due to delayed spare parts delivery. Regional Migration Shock: South Africa’s xenophobia crackdown continues to trigger protests and repatriations, with Malawi among countries moving to protect citizens abroad. Sports: Super Falcons’ preparations for WAFCON continue after a 3-0 friendly win over Senegal, with Joy Omewa scoring twice.

South Africa Migration Crackdown: President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed to act against groups fueling xenophobic violence, warning citizens not to take immigration enforcement into their own hands, while announcing tougher measures including harsher penalties for employers of undocumented migrants and faster deportation processes. Malawi Repatriation: In response to the crisis, Malawi has started a voluntary return of 150 displaced citizens from South Africa, with buses leaving the Western Cape and expected arrival via Mwanza Border Post, followed by processing in Blantyre. Anti-immigrant Protests: Anti-migrant marches continued near Johannesburg despite Ramaphosa’s address, with protesters calling for stricter action and “go home” demands. Fertiliser Accountability: Malawi’s Competition and Fair Trading Commission fined Nitro Phos Ltd K50 million over defective fertiliser claims and unfair trading practices, alongside other penalties. Education: PSLCE exams begin today with 254,486 learners nationwide, while 78 inmates sit the exams in prison facilities. Energy Woes: Nkula B Hydro’s 20MW unit remains offline, threatening continued load shedding as spare parts are awaited. Digital Skills: Malawi launched a Huawei youth ICT talent programme to close the digital skills gap.

South Africa Migration Crackdown: President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on illegal migration, promising action against groups behind xenophobic violence while warning citizens not to take the law into their own hands, as anti-foreigner protests and attacks continue. Malawi Repatriation: Malawi has started a voluntary return of 150 nationals displaced in Mossel Bay, with the first buses leaving Western Cape on June 6 and expected arrival in Malawi on June 8 for processing at Kamuzu Stadium. PSLCE Exams: 254,486 Standard Eight learners sit for Malawi’s PSLCE exams today, with MANEB saying security is backed by the Malawi Defence Force and Malawi Police at centres. Rural Power Setback: The Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP) is leaving some communities in the dark, with one Nsanje school for learners with visual impairment still without promised lights. Environment Pressure: Malawi is urged to cut biomass dependence and restore degraded land after a new State of the Environment report warns environmental losses are draining about 7% of GDP yearly. Fuel Cost Warning: UNCTAD warns Malawi’s fuel import bill could jump by about 2.2% of GDP if oil prices rise after Middle East disruptions. Health Milestone: Africa CDC welcomed approval of Coartem Baby, the first malaria treatment made for newborns and infants, trialled in Malawi. Sports—WAFCON Build-Up: Malawi’s Scorchers captain Tabitha Chawinga says the team is ready for WAFCON in Morocco after friendlies against Tanzania.

South Africa Immigration Crackdown: President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed to crack down on groups behind xenophobic violence and illegal-migration protests, saying only authorised officials can enforce immigration laws and warning against street identity checks and vigilante action. Malawi Repatriation Update: Malawi has begun voluntary repatriation from South Africa, with the first two buses carrying 150 nationals leaving Western Cape for home; they will travel via Zimbabwe and Mozambique and are expected in Malawi on Monday, with processing at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre. Cross-Border Health Security: Kenya and Uganda launched a joint Ebola preparedness assessment at the Busia border post with ECSA-HC, focusing on screening gaps and compliance with WHO-developed tools. Local Governance & Rights: In Lilongwe, civil servants’ union FOCSU alleges selective implementation of a recruitment and promotion freeze, demanding promotions and back pay for affected officers. Public Health Training: Malawi scaled up tobacco harm reduction training, with 500+ nurses and midwives completing new online CPD modules. Environment & Business: MEPA faces fresh accusations of delaying ESIA approvals, with local investors alleging corruption and stalled projects. Sports: Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa says the Flames will respond better after a 1-0 friendly defeat to Ethiopia, citing early concentration lapses.

Migration Watch (South Africa): Despite xenophobic violence and repatriation flights, international agencies say there’s no sign of a mass exodus of foreign nationals from South Africa, with IOM reporting no requests for assisted voluntary returns and UNHCR noting no rise in refugees seeking to go back. Regional Fallout: Nigeria says it plans to repatriate over 1,000 citizens from South Africa, while Ghana has already returned hundreds. US Immigration Ruling (Impact for Malawi): A US federal judge struck down Trump-era immigration restrictions, affecting asylum and other applications for people from Malawi and 38 other countries. Economy & Aid (IMF): The IMF says it is stepping up support for at least four African countries and is in accelerated talks with Malawi for a new assistance programme. Sports (Malawi): Malawi’s Flames face fresh debate after a 1-0 loss to Ethiopia, while the Scorchers’ WAFCON build-up continues after a goalless friendly with Tanzania. Business & Development: ERFA launches the 2026/27 Durata Premier Division with sponsorship up to K36 million, and Salima Sugar appoints Clement Kumbemba as CEO.

Fraud Crackdown in Mzuzu: Police arrested 34-year-old Warning Banda for allegedly posing as an RBM official to steal cement and lime worth K480,000 from shops in Sonda Market, Mzuzu, after shop owners were tricked into releasing the materials without verification. Court Stops MEC Move: Malawi’s High Court granted the MCP and three MPs a stay order halting the relocation of the Malawi Electoral Commission from Lilongwe to Blantyre, with government saying it will challenge the ruling. Football Governance Fight: Coaches accuse the Football Association of Malawi of unlawful purging of affiliates and political exclusion ahead of the June 27 AGM, escalating a bitter dispute over representation and statutes. Economy Watch: Economists warn the National Economic Recovery Plan may fall short unless government fixes forex generation, export diversification, public spending priorities and implementation capacity. Digital Push: MUBAS research and innovation conference plans are underway, while ICT firms like Sparc Systems highlight growing digital exports and cloud/cyber readiness amid concerns about gaps. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: Buses continue carrying displaced people back to Malawi after attacks in the Western Cape, with families reporting fear and uncertainty as repatriation proceeds.

ACB Accountability: Malawi’s government defended Anti-Corruption Bureau director Gabriel Chembezi’s contract extension to November 2026, saying it was done legally to avoid a leadership vacuum while recruitment for a substantive director is still ongoing. Electoral Commission Clash: The High Court has halted President Peter Mutharika’s order to relocate MEC from Lilongwe to Blantyre, setting up a constitutional fight over presidential powers and the independence of election management. Immigration Scrutiny: ACB arrested former Immigration permits boss Alexander Maseko over alleged permit fee irregularities, as Malawi faces renewed pressure to tighten controls in its immigration system. US Visa Pressure: Malawi challenged planned US visa restrictions that could affect Malawians seeking education, healthcare and business opportunities, while reports also point to possible changes in US visa processing operations. Forex & Digital Exports: ICT services exports are said to be bringing in billions of kwacha, with industry leaders urging faster scaling to ease the country’s foreign exchange crunch. Environment Warning: A new national environment report warns Malawi is degrading its natural capital faster than it can replenish it, threatening food security and long-term development. Security Woes: Armed robberies are driving public fear and calls for tougher action as residents report repeated break-ins with weak follow-up.

MEC Relocation Court Battle: Malawi’s High Court has granted an injunction stopping President Peter Mutharika’s executive order to relocate the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) from Lilongwe to Blantyre, with the MCP and legislators challenging the move and seeking judicial and constitutional review. Catholic Church Pushback: The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace says Malawi is facing governance, justice, economy and security failures, including substandard medicines and witchcraft-related killings; government says it has taken note. Transport Costs Bite: Transporters warn that rising fuel, maintenance, insurance, tolls and foreign exchange are pushing up the cost of goods, with transport costs cited as up to 55% of prices. Chikwawa PressCane Row: Villagers and civil society demand a halt to PressCane vinasse compensation payments, alleging short-changes and unclear documents. Health and Money: US pledges up to $792m for Malawi’s health sector over five years, while banks cut the reference lending rate to 20.4%. U.S. Visa Pressure: Malawi warns tightening US visa rules are already affecting students, patients and business travel.

Critical Minerals Push: Malawi’s rare-earth and niobium race heats up as Chilwa Minerals reports niobium mineralisation at Nakombe and AuKing’s Tundulu survey points to a much larger carbonatite system, with drilling set to ramp up. Refugee Strain: Dzaleka camp in Dowa is now hosting over 60,000 people—far beyond capacity—while a planned relocation to Kayilizi faces a major funding gap. Forex Worries: CCJP warns Malawi risks treating the foreign exchange crunch as “normal,” saying dollar shortages are disrupting supply chains and driving up costs. US Visa Pressure: Foreign Affairs Minister George Chaponda says tighter US visa processing is hurting Malawians seeking study, medical care and business travel. South Africa Repatriation: Malawi has started voluntary repatriation of nationals affected by anti-foreigner violence, as mobs continue door-to-door attacks. Sports—Mighty Warriors Link: Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors use a Zambia tournament to prepare for Olympic qualifiers against Malawi, with captain Msipa returning to camp.

IMF Support Talks: The IMF says it is stepping up funding for Ethiopia, The Gambia and Burkina Faso, while also holding “accelerated” talks with Malawi on a new assistance programme amid fallout from the US-Israel war on Iran. Xenophobia Fallout in the Region: Anti-foreigner violence in South Africa continues to drive Malawians and other Africans into hiding and repatriation, with Mozambique again disputing casualty figures and South Africa’s leaders pushing for African-led solutions. Malawi Social Protection Cuts: Malawi’s 2026/27 budget slashes social protection from K217bn to K123bn, threatening support for about one million beneficiaries and cutting key programmes like cash transfers and public works. Medicine Tariffs Concern: Government’s new import duties on essential medicines risk pushing up drug prices, with health advocates calling for clear explanations and consumer protection. Fertiliser Factory Still Stalled: Dzombe’s Dowa fertiliser plant remains idle as it awaits environmental approval and an operating licence from MEPA. Diplomatic Cost-Cutting: Malawi reduces diplomats from 193 to 139, aiming to cut salary and mission running costs by 54 positions. Sports & Local Football: Creck Sporting appoints Chisomo Nkhoma as coach, focusing first on understanding why the team has struggled in the FDH Bank Premiership.

Anti-migrant violence and repatriation: Malawi says it will repatriate citizens from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks and vigilante threats, as hundreds of foreigners—mostly Malawians and Mozambicans—take shelter in community halls on the south coast. Border enforcement update: South Africa’s Border Management Authority reports a major Mozambican repatriation operation through Lebombo, processing 933 people and confirming 926 successfully departed, with minors handled with social workers. Economic recovery plan: Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha unveiled the National Economic Recovery Plan 2025–2030, promising a shift from subsidies to mega farms, contract farming, solar irrigation corridors and agro-processing to stabilise the economy and boost growth. Health costs pressure: Malawi Health Equity Network warns a new 25% tariff on essential medicines could raise prices and worsen access as public facilities face drug shortages. Energy access gains: The German-funded EnDev demand-side subsidies programme is credited with reaching over 112,000 people with improved cookstoves and more than 58,000 with solar products. Infrastructure and safety: Blantyre residents raise alarm over widening cracks on Kamba Bridge, calling for urgent assessment and repairs. Sports: Creck Sporting’s interim coach Chisomo Nkhoma takes charge as the club seeks a turnaround; meanwhile Malawi’s football fans also track the Airtel Top 8 quarterfinal draw.