AGP Executive Report

Education & Exams: Geanalflo Executive Schools urged parents and guardians to back learners with study time and revision, warning that idling after school can derail PSLCE results; the awards programme in Chimutu Zone recognised top Standard 8 performers after mock exams. Xenophobia & Safety: Malawi has started a voluntary repatriation programme for citizens in South Africa after reports of vigilante action and attacks on African migrants; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it will only assist those who request help, with consular and logistical support arranged through missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg. Health: Isoka District launched the second round of the nOPV2 polio vaccination campaign, targeting children under five over four days, after strong first-round coverage in Muchinga. Governance & Finance: Treasury has frozen payments on government contracts signed between Sept 2023 and Sept 2025 pending a review, raising transparency concerns over public spending. Social Development: The Umunthu Social Index was unveiled to measure Malawi’s social impact and development progress, linking policy to community-driven outcomes. Sports: The Super Falcons’ Ikenne camp swelled to 17 players ahead of Senegal friendlies, as preparations intensify for WAFCON 2026.

Xenophobia Crisis: Malawi says it is monitoring vigilante violence in South Africa and has started diplomatic and consular steps to support affected Malawians, with a voluntary repatriation exercise planned for those who want to return. Regional Security: Mozambique accused South Africa of failing to protect its citizens after reports of Mozambicans killed in Mossel Bay, while South African police confirmed only two deaths and said investigations are ongoing. Justice Watch: One year after Malawi’s judicial reform recommendations, questions remain over whether reforms are being implemented, as public debate continues to circle corruption, backlogs and access to justice. Prison Education: Malawi Prisons Service says 101 inmates are sitting for JCE exams, highlighting rehabilitation and reintegration efforts. Health at Borders: Malawi introduces mandatory health screening for travellers entering through airports and land borders amid heightened Ebola prevention measures. Sports (WAFCON): Malawi’s Scorchers get a boost as Chawinga and Chimzimu return to camp ahead of WAFCON preparations. Business & Regulation: Insurance players back stronger enforcement under Malawi’s new Insurance Act, including mandatory policies and tougher penalties for fraud. Mining & Economy: Sovereign Metals reports high-value rare earth minerals at Kasiya, adding dysprosium, terbium and yttrium to rutile and graphite.

Xenophobia Fallout: Malawi says it is closely monitoring vigilante attacks on African migrants in South Africa and has started diplomatic and consular steps through its Pretoria and Johannesburg missions, including high-level engagement with South African authorities. Regional Security: South Africa police are investigating killings of Mozambican nationals amid anti-immigrant protests in the Western Cape, where hundreds of people fled homes and some sought refuge in community halls. Elections & Governance: The MEC relocation dispute to Blantyre continues to stir debate, with MEC arguing the directive is administrative and awaiting court action on the executive order’s legality. Health: A four-day polio vaccination campaign begins in Bulawayo, targeting children under five, linked to a CVDPV2 outbreak confirmed in Malawi. Business & Payments: PayPal launches PYUSD “digital dollar” in Malawi and 26 other African countries to speed up cross-border payments. Environment: Malawi launches major biodiversity and ecosystem protection frameworks, pairing science with indigenous knowledge to tackle ecological loss. Energy & Safety: ESCOM warns that vandalism of power infrastructure is disrupting services and calls for public protection of transformers and cables.

WAFCON Prep Shake-Up: Ghana’s Black Queens have withdrawn from a three-nation women’s tournament in Dar es Salaam that was set to include Tanzania and Malawi, leaving Ghana to continue preparations in Accra with friendlies. Health Access Worry: Two Likoma Island ambulances have been grounded for over five years, despite being in generally good condition, as the district says repairs are now in procurement. Sports Spotlight: Nigeria’s Super Falcons opened camp in Ikenne for friendlies against Senegal, with Malawi in their WAFCON group. Digital Payments: PayPal has launched its digital dollar (PYUSD) in Malawi and 26 other African countries, aiming to speed up cross-border transfers. Food Security Pressure: Government released only K5 billion to Admarc out of a K60 billion maize-buying allocation, raising fears over how long maize procurement can run. Governance & Justice: Zomba High Court dismissed Senior Chief Malemia’s bid for bail and a DNA test in a case involving alleged sexual relations with a minor and pregnancy termination. Business & Jobs: MEDF launched a K100 billion loan disbursement push for MSMEs, urging timely repayments to keep the fund revolving.

Food Security & Farming: Malawi’s maize safety net is under pressure as Admarc gets only K5 billion out of a K60 billion maize-buying allocation, raising fears the buying push may not last and farmers could be squeezed by low vendor prices. Parliament & Public Health: The PAC is alarmed by claims that embalming chemicals meant for mortuaries are being diverted and allegedly used to preserve fish, warning of serious public health risks from weak oversight. Economy & IMF: Economists and former central bank leadership warn that a new IMF deal won’t fix Malawi unless policy discipline and implementation improve ahead of an IMF mission from June 9–18. Governance & Politics: The OPC has denied social media claims that President Arthur Peter Mutharika delegated a Cabinet meeting, saying the rumours are fabricated and meant to undermine governance. Business & Jobs: MEDF launches a K100 billion loan disbursement drive to support MSMEs, stressing repayment discipline for the fund to keep revolving. Sports (Women’s Football): Malawi’s WAFCON preparations get a shake-up as Ghana’s Black Queens withdraw from a June 1–9 three-nation tournament in Tanzania, leaving Malawi to adjust plans. Regional Crime: South Africa’s Beitbridge bust intercepted 713kg of methaqualone (ABBA) worth nearly R1 billion, with two Malawians among those arrested.

Food Security & ADMARC: Malawi’s maize-buying push starts with only K5bn released out of a K60bn budget, leaving Admarc with limited purchasing power as farmers seek fair prices at depots nationwide. Roads & Infrastructure: Demolitions have begun for the Liwonde–Matawale road rebuild, funded by a World Bank K106bn loan, with completion targeted for July 30, 2027. Governance & Elections Tech: The Malawi Electoral Commission’s Election Management Device (EMD) tablet has been nominated for the ICTAM ‘Digital Public Service Award’, alongside other national digital systems. Economy & Youth Jobs: Mzimba youths say strict lending rules and limited opportunities are blocking them from turning business ideas into jobs. Health & Rights: Calls are growing to speed up implementation of amended post-abortion care guidelines after a High Court ruling left clinicians facing legal uncertainty. Public Safety & Crime: Immigration says it arrested and detained 104 foreign nationals in May over immigration offences, with deportations underway. Sports: Goshen City finally ended their goal drought with a 1-0 win over Kamuzu Barracks, while Nigeria’s Super Falcons named a 23-player squad for Senegal friendlies ahead of WAFCON.

Food Security & Agriculture: Malawi has released only K5 billion to ADMARC out of a K60 billion maize-buying budget, even as the agency starts buying maize at K900/kg—raising fears farmers may not get steady, fair purchasing through the season. Infrastructure & Roads: Demolitions have begun for the Liwonde–Matawale road rebuild, with the World Bank-backed project financed by a K106 billion loan and targeted for completion by July 30, 2027. Governance & Accountability: Parliament’s Public Appointments Committee cleared the appointments of MBC and MACRA Director Generals, saying the processes did not breach law or procedure. Elections Tech: MEC’s Election Management Device (EMD) tablet has been nominated for ICTAM’s “Digital Public Service Award,” alongside other Malawi e-systems. Health & Rights: Calls are growing to expedite amended post-abortion care guidelines after a High Court ruling, to remove legal uncertainty for clinicians. Women & Youth: Malawi marks progress on menstrual hygiene in schools (80% water supply coverage) while youth in Mzimba say strict lending rules are blocking business ideas. Sports: Goshen City Dedza Dynamos ended a goal drought with a 1-0 win over Kamuzu Barracks; floodlights are also pledged for Katoto Basketball Courts in Mzuzu to boost evening training.

MEC and MEC independence: Malawi Electoral Commission insists it will not relocate its headquarters to Blantyre until legal issues are fully resolved, after court action dismissed its earlier challenge on procedural grounds. Communications governance: Parliament’s Public Appointments Committee cleared the appointments of MBC and MACRA Director Generals, saying recruitment processes did not violate law or procedure. Football governance and FIFA risk: Sports analyst George Chiusiwa warns government interference in FAM could trigger a FIFA ban, as tensions flare after a heated meeting involving Sports Minister Alfred Gangata and FAM officials. CAF club licensing: FAM has started CAF Champions League licensing for Mighty Wanderers, with the club required to complete compliance checks for a continental licence. Economy and markets: Malawi Stock Exchange rejects claims of a collapse, saying the recent decline is a normal correction and not the end of the exchange. Fuel and forex pressure: Government’s explanation on fuel challenges still falls short of admitting forex scarcity is the main driver, as supply strains continue. Corruption and crime: FIA and Police secretly arrest and later release suspected illegal forex traders Shabbir and Amin Raidhan. Drug bust fallout: Reports continue to spotlight cross-border mandrax chemical smuggling linked to Malawi, with authorities and politicians calling for tougher border controls. Eid al-Adha: Muslim Association of Malawi urges sacrifice and sharing during Eid al-Adha as prayers and slaughter continue nationwide. Sports coaching shake-up: Big Bullets shortlist three foreign coaches and one local candidate for the head coach job, with interviews expected soon.

Border Security & Drugs: South Africa’s Border Management Authority says it intercepted a Malawi-registered truck at Beitbridge carrying about 713kg of methaqualone (ABBA), linked to mandrax production, with three suspects arrested and expected in court; the bust has also sparked debate after reports of a major valuation discrepancy. Electricity Policy: Malawi’s CDEDI has objected to ESCOM’s plan to transfer the single buyer licence to Power Marketing Limited, warning it could raise tariffs and distract from fixing load shedding. Health & Accountability: Malawi’s Ministry of Health admits corruption in public hospitals, including bribery and illegal charges for “free” services, as parliamentary scrutiny continues. Education & Hygiene: First Lady Gertrude Mutharika launched the “My Clean School, My Pride” campaign by BEAM Trust to promote hygiene and prevent waterborne diseases like cholera. Economy & Jobs: An AfDB report flags Malawi’s manufacturing employment decline and warns of further job losses unless capacity and value addition improve. Sports: Kieran Ngwenya has switched international allegiance to Trinidad & Tobago, ending his Malawi Flames career, while the Black Queens name a 22-player squad for a Tanzania tournament. Media: Malawi Broadcasting Corporation terminated contracts of district reporters and other staff, with reasons unclear.

Beitbridge Drug Bust: South Africa’s Border Management Authority says it intercepted nearly R1 billion (about K106 billion) worth of methaqualone (ABBA) hidden in a truck from Malawi, arresting two Malawians and one Zambian; the case was later postponed and authorities say investigations will trace origins and networks. Border Security Crackdown: BMA says it will tighten enforcement on the N1 with permanent checkpoints, better passenger manifests and weighbridge stops after passenger numbers were found to mismatch at different points. Fuel Shortages: Malawi’s Energy Minister Jean Mathanga says diesel is being prioritised for hospitals, water utilities and security as supply disruptions continue to hit transport and essential services. Health Corruption Probe: Parliament’s health committee hears allegations of patients being forced to pay for “free” treatment, fake receipts, stolen drugs and extortion at public hospitals. Economy Watch: The Malawi Stock Exchange lost nearly K5 trillion in five months, while AfDB warns manufacturing jobs are falling and Malawi is increasingly “grant-only” due to debt distress. Business Reform: Government launches CRIPC to streamline company registration and intellectual property services. Agriculture: Cotton marketing season opens with optimism and a K27 billion target; tobacco regulators warn farmers against poor handling that drives rejections. Sports: Black Queens coach Kim Bjorkegren names a 22-member squad for a three-nation tournament in Tanzania. Public Safety: Police assure people with albinism of protection as murder investigations continue.

Border Security & Drugs: Malawi-linked methaqualone (ABBA) smuggling hit a major snag as South Africa’s Beitbridge border authorities seized about R1 billion worth of the precursor in a truck from Malawi, arresting three suspects and pointing to porous routes that traffickers may be exploiting. Anti-Corruption at Borders: South Africa’s Border Management Authority says it is dismissing officials over security breaches and corruption, while a new high-tech border system is set to target illegal migration, passport fraud and related wrongdoing. Economy Under Pressure: Malawi’s access to development financing is tightening, with the AfDB saying the country is shifting to grant-only support as IMF flags debt distress—raising fears that needed climate and infrastructure work stays stuck on paper. IMF Talks Loom: Malawi has re-engaged the IMF for a possible ECF resumption, with talks expected early next month and no devaluation plans mentioned. Markets & Money: The Malawi Stock Exchange is reported to be in freefall, with analysts warning that confidence could evaporate if the monthly losses continue. Health & Services: Blantyre’s Kapeni area is set to get a long-awaited dream health centre, highlighting how service gaps force rural communities into costly, delayed care. Women & Trade: Women entrepreneurs complain that simplified trade rules still don’t translate into fair access due to harassment, finance gaps, complex procedures and weak border support. Digital Banking Push: First Capital Bank’s Airtel Money-style “Chinthuchi Tatenga” promotion aims to speed up mobile and online transactions as Malawi battles cash and forex constraints.

IMF Talks: Malawi has re-engaged the IMF for possible resumption of the ECF, with an IMF mission due June 9–18 to discuss macroeconomic stability, fiscal policy and reforms—Mwanamvekha says there are no devaluation plans. Border Crime: South Africa’s Beitbridge border authorities intercepted nearly R1 billion worth of methaqualone (“ABBA”) on a truck from Malawi, arresting three suspects; officials say it shows organised syndicates are trying to exploit porous routes. Food Security: Maize farmers face losses estimated at K40bn–K48bn as delays in releasing funds stall official grain purchases, pushing farmers into distress sales at far below the K900 minimum price. Health Corruption: Parliament pledges reforms after a media probe exposed bribery in public hospitals, with committee leaders warning that services meant to be free are being sold illegally. Economy & Trade: Malawi’s Q1 trade deficit widened to $638m, with exports at $205.5m versus imports of $844.2m. Sports & Business: Airtel Money’s Tola promotion paid out K5m winners, while Sunbird unveiled 60 new rooms at Livingstonia Beach in Salima.

IMF Talks & Kwacha Fears: Malawi’s Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha says the IMF mission (June 9–18) will focus on stabilisation, fiscal discipline and inflation control—“no discussion on devaluation”—as the country braces for another economic rescue. Fertiliser Push: Entrepreneur Napoleon Dzombe says construction of his Dowa fertilizer plant is nearing completion, with production expected before year-end after rain delays. Public Accountability: The Ombudsman says only 9 of 22 binding determinations were complied with in 2025/26, highlighting weak enforcement across government ministries. Electoral Commission Shake-up: MEC Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi resigns, ending his tenure after mounting scrutiny following the 2025 polls. Drug Bust at Beitbridge: South African border authorities intercepted a truck from Malawi carrying about 713kg of methaqualone (ABBA) worth nearly R1bn; three suspects arrested. Mental Health Regional Meeting: Malawi’s Minister Aaron Motsoaledi delivered a keynote at a WHO-backed East and Southern Africa mental health workshop in Johannesburg. Youth & Education: Malawi reports rising tertiary student suicides linked to financial and psychosocial pressure, calling for stronger counselling support.

IMF Rescue Talks: Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha says there will be “no devaluation talks” as Malawi heads into crucial IMF negotiations for a new ECF deal starting June 9, aiming to calm fears amid inflation and FX strain. Public Accountability: Ombudsman Grace Malera told Parliament that only 9 of 22 legally binding rulings were complied with in 2025/26, highlighting weak enforcement across ministries. Electoral Commission Shake-up: Malawi Electoral Commission Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi has resigned, with a three-month notice period, raising questions about pressure after the 2025 polls. Fuel Crisis Pressure: Fuel transporters accuse NOCMA and Mera of favouring Tanzanian hauliers, saying locals wait longer to load and get paid in kwacha while foreigners make multiple trips and are paid in dollars. Health & Safety: Malawi Airlines says it will not suspend flights to Entebbe despite Ebola alerts in the region, citing coordination with health authorities. Child Protection: Police in Karonga arrested a man accused of defiling an 8-year-old girl at an illegal mining site. Youth & Sports: MAGLA and SULOM launch K40m monthly awards for FDH Bank Premiership goals and saves.

Ebola Alert: Malawi Airlines says it will not suspend flights to Entebbe despite the Ebola outbreak in the region, saying it is working with health authorities to keep passengers safe. Football Court Shock: Former Flames coach Patrick Mabedi’s unfair dismissal claim was slashed by Malawi’s Industrial Relations Court from MK916 million to MK53.7 million, ordering FAM to pay within seven days. Electoral Commission Turmoil: Malawi Electoral Commission Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi has resigned, with the MEC yet to give clear reasons and officials pointing to internal meetings. Governance Questions: Nkhotakota District Council is under fresh scrutiny after allegations that council resources were linked to a court case involving chairperson Fitton Khofi. Immigration Crackdown Abroad: In South Africa’s Durban CBD, authorities arrested 23 undocumented foreign nationals and shut five shops in a joint operation. Business and Jobs: Malawi’s tobacco market remains weak, with lower volumes and prices dragging earnings and farmer incomes.

Courtroom Shock: Malawi’s Industrial Relations Court has ordered the Football Association of Malawi to pay sacked Flames coach Patrick Mabedi MK53.7m for unfair dismissal, dealing a fresh blow to FAM after months of wrangling. Justice Update: Annie Mumba, convicted in her husband’s murder case and awaiting a Supreme Court appeal, has died, effectively ending the appeal and leaving the High Court conviction as the final record. Power Reality Check: Despite World Bank claims of rising electricity access, businesses and households are still complaining about blackouts and fuel/diesel shortages for standby power. Economy Pressure: Tobacco sales remain weak, with lower volumes and prices dragging foreign exchange and farmer earnings. Governance & Integrity: Police leadership warns recruits against corruption and political bias as new officers graduate. Sports & Sponsorship: SULOM and MAGLA sign a K40m deal to fund monthly “Goal and Save” awards in the FDH Bank Premiership. Regional Watch: Durban authorities arrested 23 undocumented foreign nationals and shut five shops in a CBD crackdown.