AGP Executive Report

Jobs & Creative Economy: Musician Gwamba says the “Landlord Pakwao Concert” at Bingu National Stadium on Aug 1, 2026 is set to create over 1,500 jobs across security, vending, transport and event support. Food Security: FEWS NET reports maize prices are easing as harvests progress, but overall supply still falls short of national needs, keeping hunger risk on the table. Cotton Market: Cotton farmers remain stuck after Admarc’s delayed entry into the 2026 marketing season, threatening competition and price stability. Fuel & Governance: CDEDI and NOCMA are in a fresh standoff over fuel procurement and whether NOCMA has drifted from managing strategic reserves, with calls for pump price cuts. Public Health & Safety: PCB and police arrest a Mzuzu agro-dealer over alleged sale of illegal pesticides, including a forged label and decanting into unlabelled containers. Inclusion & Rights: Human Rights Watch urges Malawi to fully fund the National Action Plan on Albinism as discrimination and exclusion persist. Finance & Digital: NBM doubles down on digital banking as a growth strategy, highlighting Mo626 Digital+ and regional expansion plans. Regional Trade: Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique move to cut border delays and transport costs by tackling corridor bottlenecks. Mining: Chilwa Minerals expands niobium mineralisation at Nakombe, while EDF targets K400bn for gold purchases to boost forex and curb illegal trade.

Fuel & Forex Pressure: CDEDI is demanding fuel price cuts, accusing cartels in the fuel supply chain, forex handling and procurement of driving pump prices and weakening the Kwacha, while questioning NOCMA’s shift away from managing strategic reserves. Public Health & Safety: The Pesticides Control Board and police arrested a Mzuzu agro-dealer over alleged sale of illegal pesticides, including a forged label and decanting into unlabelled containers. Humanitarian & Mobility: Thousands of Malawians displaced by xenophobic attacks in South Africa have gathered at a Durban park, with officials warning of serious health risks due to poor water and sanitation. Banking & Digital Push: National Bank of Malawi says digital banking is central to its growth strategy, highlighting Mo626 Digital+ and new support for productive sectors. Agriculture Outlook: FEWS NET expects Malawi’s maize harvest to rebound to an average level, but still below national needs. Mining & Commodities: Chilwa Minerals reports expanded niobium mineralisation at the Nakombe project, while the Export Development Fund earmarks K400bn for gold purchases to boost forex and curb illegal trade. Trade & Industry: Malawi’s industrialisation gains remain modest, with manufacturing employment still failing to absorb jobs; meanwhile, Smedco plans a microfinance institution under the new MSMEs Act. Connectivity & Payments: Stakeholders warn digital transaction levies could push Malawians back to cash, undermining financial inclusion. Sports & Consumer Marketing: Coca-Cola Malawi launches a FIFA World Cup 2026 Sangalala campaign to drive fan engagement nationwide.

Digital Finance Push: National Bank of Malawi says digital banking is now the backbone of its growth strategy, citing strong performance of Mo626 Digital+ and renewed ICTAM recognition. Policy Watch: NBM and industry warn that proposed digital transaction levies could push Malawians back to cash, hurting inclusion. Forex & Gold Drive: The Export Development Fund earmarked K400bn for gold purchases, buying 352kg in three months to boost foreign exchange and curb illegal trade. Industrial Jobs Gap: An AfDB index shows Malawi’s industrialisation gains are modest, while manufacturing employment keeps falling—highlighting infrastructure, finance and skills constraints. Trade Fair Deals: Local firms say the Malawi International Trade Fair helped turn product showcases into market links and negotiations. MSME Support: Smedco plans a microfinance institution under the new MSMEs Act to expand financing and technical support for small businesses. Regional Transport Efficiency: Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique are modernising border posts and harmonising corridor rules to cut delays and reduce trade costs. Labour & Compliance: A court set aside an ACB restriction notice affecting tobacco access between companies, while a separate case highlights whistleblower risks in manufacturing. Agriculture & Inclusion: Women farmers remain under-recognised and under-supported, with low land title ownership and limited credit—an issue tied to the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Climate Risk: El Niño warnings say Malawi’s GDP could drop by 6% in 2026-27, raising pressure on food and livelihoods. Human Rights: HRW urges Malawi to fully fund the albinism action plan, warning of ongoing inequality beyond attacks.

Digital Finance Push: NBM says digital banking is at the centre of its growth strategy, citing Mo626 Digital+ awards and plans to expand loans to productive sectors like mining and commodity production. Payment Costs Debate: Industry voices warn that transaction levies could slow Malawi’s shift to cash-lite by making electronic payments too expensive. Regional Trade & Transport: Zimbabwe is modernising border posts to decongest crossings and streamline trade with Malawi and Mozambique, aiming to cut delays and costs on shared corridors. Women Farmers & Co-ops: Malawi marks the International Year of the Woman Farmer, highlighting how women do most farm work but face land and credit gaps; co-ops are also spotlighting women’s roles in agrifood value chains. Scholarships for Skills: NBM’s Mo Excellence Programme awarded 57 needy university students K1.7m each, adding laptops, mentorship and support to build Malawi’s future workforce. Industrial Jobs Concern: An AfDB index shows modest industrial gains, but manufacturing employment is still shrinking—linked to infrastructure, finance, tech and skills gaps. MSME Finance Move: Smedco plans a microfinance institution under the new MSMEs Act to boost capacity building and standards compliance for small businesses. Forex Leakages Pressure: MPs challenge RBM to act on foreign exchange leakages, with plans to prosecute exporters over export proceeds reconciliation. Fuel Price Shock Context: A wider fuel-price crisis tied to the Iran war is worsening household pressures across Africa and Asia, with Malawi among the affected. Mining Update: AuKing begins maiden drilling at Malawi’s Tundulu rare earths project, testing the scale and continuity of mineralisation across new targets.

Energy & Power Reliability: EGENCO says the 20MW Nkula B unit is still offline as critical spare parts are delayed, pushing the country toward more blackouts. ICT & Skills: Malawi launched the Huawei ICT Talent Development Programme to train young people in practical digital skills, aiming to close the digital gap under Malawi 2063. Mining & Rare Earths: AuKing Mining has started its maiden ~10,000m drilling at the Tundulu Rare Earths Project in southern Malawi, targeting scale and continuity after airborne surveys flagged new drill-ready targets. Agriculture & Food Security: Rural Women’s Assembly members in Malawi’s south are growing organic produce, but lack land titles and capital remain major barriers to scaling up. Trade & Transport Corridors: Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique moved to harmonise regional transport corridors, citing border delays, fragmented rules and infrastructure gaps that raise transit costs. Competition & Consumer Protection: Malawi’s CFTC fined Standard Bank MK100m for loan disclosure failures and also penalised FDH Bank, Nitro Phos and others over unfair practices and defective fertiliser. Digital Economy & Fraud: Rwanda’s fraud risk is shifting toward identity checks at account creation, a warning for the region as digital services expand. Football & Industry Branding: FAM says it has tracked down counterfeit Malawi national team jersey production in Tanzania and warns more arrests will follow. Governance & Accountability: The arrest of former State Residences Chief of Staff Prince Kapondamgaga deepens investigations into Chakwera-era officials. Migration & Social Tensions: Anti-xenophobia groups in South Africa say tougher immigration controls won’t stop violence without immediate law enforcement and action on poverty and unemployment.

Ebola Watch: A fast-rising Ebola outbreak in the DRC is raising fears of the worst in history, with Uganda reporting 16 cases and Kenya scrambling after a court fight over quarantine plans. Humanitarian Safety Nets: In Malawi’s Dzaleka refugee camp, WFP cash support has shrunk sharply, leaving families facing near-zero food assistance by end-June. Regional Trade Corridors: Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique launched a push to cut border and regulatory bottlenecks that are inflating transit times and costs. Football & Consumer Protection: Malawi’s FA (FAM) says it has tracked counterfeit Malawi jersey supply in Tanzania, with arrests underway. Banking & Competition: Malawi’s CFTC fined Standard Bank MK100m and FDH Bank MK200m over loan and insurance practices, ordering refunds to consumers. Construction Quality: Malawi’s construction regulator says the new Construction Industry Act expands enforcement power to improve standards and penalise non-compliance. Power & Industry: EGENCO warns more blackouts as Nkula B’s 20MW unit remains offline pending delayed spare parts. Skills & ICT: Malawi launched a Huawei youth digital skills programme to close the tech talent gap. Agriculture & Seeds: IMIC-Africa is strengthening maize breeding partnerships for resilient seed systems. Forex & Prices: Ifpri says narrowing Malawi’s currency spread may not be as inflationary as feared, since many imports already price at parallel rates. Youth Jobs: Malawi’s graduate unemployment crisis is deepening as job creation lags behind new entrants.

Rare Earth Mining: AuKing Mining says it has kicked off a maiden ~10,000m combined arms drill campaign at its Tundulu rare earths project in Malawi’s emerging REE district. Power & Industry: EGENCO warns of more blackouts as Nkula B’s 20MW unit stays offline, with spare parts delayed to the second week of June. Competition & Consumer Protection: Malawi’s CFTC fines Standard Bank MK100 million and FDH Bank MK200 million, while Nitro Phos Ltd is hit with MK50 million over alleged defective fertilizer supply and liability exclusions. Digital Skills for Youth: Malawi launches the Huawei ICT Talent Development Programme to train young people in practical tech skills under the Malawi 2063 push. Agriculture & Resilient Seeds: IMIC-Africa strengthens maize breeding partnerships aimed at resilient seed systems across Africa, with Malawi-linked efforts to improve farmer access to better varieties. Manufacturing Push: Government reiterates support for manufacturing to drive the Malawi 2063 agenda, highlighting incentives, infrastructure and skills programmes. Environment & Energy Transition: Malawi is urged to accelerate the shift away from biomass energy as environmental losses are reported to cost the economy heavily. Energy Costs Risk: UNCTAD warns Malawi’s fuel import bill could jump if oil prices rise after Middle East disruptions. Local Business Under Court Order: High Court bars Burundian traders from returning to Mgona Market in Lilongwe pending a substantive case. Scholarships: NBM plc awards K1.7m scholarships to 57 needy students, including four at Mzuzu University, under its Mo Excellence Programme.

Fertilizer Accountability: Malawi’s Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) fined Nitro Phos Ltd K50 million over defective fertilizers and unfair liability exclusions after farmers reported crop damage, while it also penalised other firms including CTS Courier, Modern Dry Cleaners and Urban Realtors, plus major bank penalties for misleading conduct. Power Crunch: Nkula B Hydro’s 20MW Unit 6 remains offline seven weeks after a breakdown, with Egenco citing delayed delivery of critical spare parts—meaning continued load shedding for homes, businesses and industry. Digital Skills Push: Malawi launched a Huawei youth ICT talent programme to train young people in practical tech skills, aiming to close the digital gap and support Malawi 2063. Energy Transition & Environment: Malawi was urged to speed up the shift away from biomass and tackle land degradation, as a new state of environment report warns environmental losses are costing about 7% of GDP yearly. Trade, Markets & Compliance: Malawi’s High Court barred Burundian traders from returning to Mgona Market in Lilongwe pending a substantive case over alleged unfair competition and documentation issues. Regional Migration Shock: Malawi prepares to receive citizens returning from South Africa amid xenophobic violence and a crackdown on illegal immigration, with logistics and reintegration plans underway. Agribusiness Spotlight: Namuleri Farms Limited won Best Agribusiness Farm at the 2026 National Product Magazine mid-year awards, highlighting local production in tobacco, maize, cassava and fruit.

Immigration Crackdown in the Region: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on rising anti-immigrant tensions, promising “decisive” action while warning against xenophobia and vigilantism; new reforms tighten border controls and increase workplace inspections, with repeat offenders facing tougher penalties. Malawi Energy Access Under Pressure: The Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (Marep) is leaving rural schools and villages in the dark, with Matundu Primary’s learners with visual impairment still stumbling without promised electricity. Environment and Energy Transition: Malawi is urged to accelerate a shift away from biomass energy and restore degraded landscapes as environmental losses are said to drain about 7% of GDP annually. Fuel Import Risk: UNCTAD warns Malawi’s fuel import bill could jump by about 2.2% of GDP if Middle East disruptions push oil prices up. Industry and Regulation Spotlight: MEPA faces fresh allegations of delays and possible corruption in approving ESIA reports, including for a fertilizer plant in Dowa, while MBS destroyed 300 bales of expired soya chunks and fined a wholesaler. ICT and Export Push: Sparc Systems unveiled a blueprint to scale Malawi’s ICT exports across Africa, citing growth in digital services earnings. Agribusiness Updates: Salima Sugar Company appointed Clement Kumbemba as new CEO, and Namuleri Farms won Best Agribusiness Farm at the National Product Magazine mid-year awards.

Migration & Security: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged rising tensions over illegal migration after anti-immigrant protests, while warning that only authorised officials can act against violations. Market Tensions: In Lilongwe’s Mgona Market, a court injunction over traders without proper documentation sparked disruption and fresh claims of threats between local and foreign traders. Land & Sugar Supply Chain: Chikwawa villagers under KAMA Cane Growers Cooperative’s project have issued a three-day ultimatum over alleged illegal occupation of ancestral farmland, raising fears for food security and livelihoods. Environment & Industry Approvals: MEPA is facing mounting accusations from local investors over delays in approving ESIA reports, with the Dzombe fertilizer plant dispute still deepening as both sides trade blame. Food Safety Enforcement: Malawi Bureau of Standards destroyed about 300 bales of expired soya chunks and fined a wholesaler K2 million after market surveillance found expired stock. Agribusiness Recognition: Namuleri Farms Limited won Best Agribusiness Farm at the 2026 National Product Magazine Mid-Year Awards, spotlighting tobacco, maize, cassava and fruit production. Digital Economy Push: Sparc Systems won ICT Firm of the Year at ICTAM 2026 and unveiled a blueprint to scale Malawi’s ICT services exports across Africa. Transport Costs: Transporters warn that poor infrastructure and rising operating costs are driving up prices, with transport costs cited as a major share of goods’ final cost. Finance & Rates: Commercial banks cut the June reference rate to 20.4% from 20.6%, continuing a downward trend as liquidity improves. Water Access: Rural Malawians continue to struggle for safe water, with many relying on unprotected sources due to distance and affordability. Legal Affordability: An Afrobarometer survey says 72% of Malawians cannot afford legal costs, keeping most disputes out of formal courts. Economic Planning Debate: Economists say Malawi’s National Economic Recovery Plan may fall short unless it tackles forex generation, export diversification, spending efficiency and implementation capacity. IMF Support: The IMF says it is stepping up support for several African countries and is in accelerated talks with Malawi on a new financial assistance program.

IMF Support: The IMF says it is stepping up financial support for at least four African countries and is in accelerated talks with Malawi on a new assistance programme, as war-linked shocks keep squeezing energy and fertilizer supply chains. Food Safety & Standards: Malawi Bureau of Standards destroyed about 300 bales of expired soya chunks and fined a Blantyre wholesaler K2 million after market surveillance found the expired stock. State-Owned Industry Leadership: Salima Sugar Company appointed Clement Kumbemba as its new CEO, aiming to improve productivity and operational efficiency. Environment & Industry Approvals: MEPA and fertilizer businessman Napoleon Dzombe traded blame over delays in licensing his Dowa fertilizer plant, with MEPA saying it reviewed the project and the firm took nine months to respond to requirements. Digital Economy Push: Sparc Systems unveiled a blueprint to scale Malawi’s ICT services exports across Africa, citing growth in exports and calling for faster scaling support. Economic Recovery Debate: Economists warn Malawi’s National Economic Recovery Plan may fall short on forex generation, export diversification, spending priorities and implementation capacity. Transport Costs: Transporters say poor infrastructure and rising operating costs are driving up the price of goods, with roads-related costs cited as a major factor. ICT/Innovation Funding: UGI donated K15 million to MUBAS for its Research and Innovation conference, backing tech and AI-driven service improvements. Health Policy: Government’s proposed up-to-25% import tariffs on selected medicines has sparked debate over whether it will raise drug prices or help local manufacturing. Climate Risk: A new Malawi environment report warns the country is degrading natural capital faster than it can replenish it, while officials also flag high chances of a strong El Niño ahead.

Research & Innovation Partnerships: MUBAS is set to host its September Innovation Conference under “Research and Innovation,” aiming to turn university research into practical solutions for business, with UGI also pledging K15m to support the event. Digital Economy Push (and Scrutiny): Malawi’s cloud, cybersecurity and AI shift is accelerating, but industry is warning that the digital ecosystem still needs stronger support; Sparc Systems’ ICTAM win and its export scaling blueprint highlight the opportunity. ICT Exports & Forex: Sparc Systems says ICT services exports rose from about US$70m (2020) to US$154m (2023), arguing Malawi can’t keep blaming forex shortages while underinvesting in proven export sectors. Policy Pressure on Digital Growth: ICT sector players at ICT Expo urged government to move beyond statements with tax incentives, export support and new legislation to unlock the digital economy. Tax & Health Industry: Government’s new up-to-25% import tariffs on selected medicines is sparking debate over pharmaceutical self-sufficiency versus higher costs for patients. Environment & Industry Compliance: MEPA and fertilizer firm Napoleon Dzombe are trading blame over delays in environmental approval, with MEPA saying omissions and late revised reports slowed the process. Transport Costs Hit Business: Transporters warn that fuel, maintenance, insurance, tolls and compliance costs are rising faster than haulage rates, pushing up prices. Banking Rate Trend: Commercial banks cut the June reference rate to 20.4% from 20.6% in May, as liquidity improves and government borrowing stays subdued. Climate Risk Ahead: Malawi is preparing for a possible Super El Niño after WMO forecasts, with local analysis still pending. US Health Funding: The US pledged up to $792m for Malawi’s health sector over five years, boosting delivery and systems strengthening.

Digital Economy & Forex: Malawi’s ICT exports are already pulling in billions of kwacha, with industry leaders citing growth from about US$70m (2020) to US$154m (2023) as proof the sector can ease the foreign exchange squeeze. Banking Ambition: Standard Bank says it wants to become the largest bank in East Africa by 2030, aiming to double earnings and grow its client base across key markets including Malawi. Humanitarian Logistics Training: DHL Group launched the DHL Academy of Humanitarian Logistics (DAHL) to train nonprofit and humanitarian actors in customs, dangerous goods handling, packaging and safety. Transport Costs Bite: Transporters warn that rising fuel, maintenance, insurance, tolls, compliance and FX costs are outpacing haulage rates, pushing up prices of goods. Agri Diversification: Windmill plans to pivot from fertiliser into a diversified regional agribusiness platform, targeting higher-value inputs and expansion across Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique. Health & Pharma Policy: Malawi’s government moves to impose import tariffs up to 25% on selected medicines, aiming to boost local manufacturing but raising fears of higher drug prices. Environment Warning: A new national environment report warns Malawi is on a damaging path of forest loss, soil degradation and worsening climate shocks. Rare Earths Momentum: AuKing says new airborne surveys at Tundulu in Malawi point to a much larger carbonatite system, with a major drilling push underway while licence transfer review continues. US Support for Health: The US pledged up to $792m for Malawi’s health sector over five years, building on earlier cooperation. Education Infrastructure: Let’s Build Foundation constructed classroom blocks and sanitation facilities in Dowa District to improve access to quality secondary education.

Transport & Costs: Malawi transporters warn that fuel, maintenance, insurance, tolls, compliance and forex pressures are pushing haulage costs up fast, while rates stay stuck—on the Lilongwe–Beira route, costs reportedly exceed earnings per trip. Agribusiness Pivot: Windmill (Private) Limited says it will diversify beyond fertiliser into higher-value inputs and regional markets (Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi), after retiring US$6m in creditor obligations and seeking US$10m for its next phase. Rare Earths Update: AuKing says airborne magnetics and LiDAR at Tundulu in Malawi show a much larger carbonatite system, unlocking new drill targets; it has also set an earn-in deal to keep exploration moving while licence transfer approval is reviewed. Pharma Policy: Government’s new import tariffs on selected medicines (up to 25%) are set to boost local manufacturing and health security, but critics fear higher prices for essential drugs. Energy/Power Governance: ESCOM-related concerns continue, with reports of internal suspensions and calls for clearer turnaround steps. Health & Diplomacy: The US pledged up to $792m for Malawi’s health sector over five years, while Malawi’s foreign affairs minister flags US visa and consular changes as a risk to opportunities for Malawians. Mining & Investment Climate: Malawi is being positioned as an ASX critical minerals destination as more explorers line up projects, even as regulatory processes and approvals remain key. Humanitarian Logistics: DHL launched a DHL Academy of Humanitarian Logistics in Sub-Saharan Africa to train local and regional responders on customs, dangerous goods and safety. Environment & Conservation: Malawi marks World Environment Day with a focus on nature-based solutions, including conservation lessons from Neno’s Mpatamanga Wildlife Ranch. Food Security Pressure: IMF support is being discussed/accelerated for several African countries affected by the Middle East conflict’s ripple effects, including fertilizer and food supply shocks.

Critical Minerals & Mining: Malawi is drawing fresh ASX attention as AuKing reports new geophysics at its Tundulu rare earths project, pointing to a much larger carbonatite system, while also working through the MMRA licence transfer process and using an earn-in deal to keep exploration moving. Fertiliser Industry: MEPA has pushed back on claims of delays over Napoleon Dzombe’s Mulalo granular fertiliser plant in Dowa, saying the developer’s late resubmission of revised environmental documents caused a major hold-up—leaving the factory idle. Agribusiness & Governance: Questions are growing after the appointment of murder suspect Paul Limbani Taulo as CEO of SFFRFM, a key institution managing fertilizer support for smallholders. Health & Trade Costs: Government import tariffs on essential medicines are raising alarm among health advocates, who warn higher duties could push up drug prices, while officials have not clearly explained the policy. Digital Economy: Datacom Malawi donated MK10 million to support ICTAM’s ICT Expo 2026, with telecom and ICT stakeholders urging stronger collaboration to grow ICT exports, trusted payments and fraud resilience. Macroeconomy & Finance: The IMF says it is in accelerated talks with Malawi for a new assistance programme, as the US-Iran conflict continues to strain energy and fertiliser supply chains. Logistics for Aid: DHL launched a humanitarian logistics academy in Johannesburg to train local responders on customs, dangerous goods handling and safer, faster aid delivery.

IMF & Malawi Finance: The IMF says it is stepping up support for Ethiopia, The Gambia and Burkina Faso, and is in accelerated talks with Malawi on a new financial assistance programme as Middle East conflict keeps pushing up energy and fertilizer costs. Fertiliser Industry: Malawi’s much-hyped Dowa fertiliser plant remains idle because it is still waiting on environmental approval from MEPA, delaying production plans. Public Health & Trade: Malawi faces backlash after Parliament approved higher import tariffs on essential medicines, including malaria drugs and antibiotics, with health advocates warning prices could rise for patients. Governance & Agriculture Finance: Controversy is growing after Paul Taulo—linked to a 2023 murder case—was appointed CEO of SFFRFM, raising ethical and public trust concerns around a key fertilizer support institution. Digital Economy: Datacom Malawi donated MK10 million to support ICTAM’s ICT 2026 expo, urging stronger collaboration to drive Malawi’s digital transformation. Energy Access: Germany-funded EnDev demand-side subsidies are reported to have reached over 112,000 people with improved cookstoves and 58,000 with solar products across several districts. Transport & Safety: Blantyre residents are alarmed by widening cracks on Kamba Bridge, a major commuter link, calling for urgent assessment and repairs. Humanitarian Logistics: DHL launched the DHL Academy of Humanitarian Logistics (DAHL) to train local responders in customs, dangerous goods handling and safety, aiming to speed up aid delivery. Regional Migration Tensions: South Africa’s anti-migrant violence continues to drive Malawians and Mozambicans to seek refuge, while Malawi says repatriation support will be available for citizens who voluntarily request it.