GMO Border Controls: Malawi’s National Biosafety Authority released a list of approved GM products and ordered port agencies to clear imports only after NBA checks, tightening compliance at entry/exit points. Fertiliser Factory Delays: Parliament has launched a high-level probe into why Napoleon Dzombe’s Mulalo fertiliser plant approval dragged on, with MEPA citing environmental and public health concerns and Dzombe blaming slow processes and fees. Road & Finance Boost: National Bank of Malawi backed Golomoti–Monkey Bay Road rehabilitation with a K100 billion loan, with officials linking better transport to trade and local business growth. El Niño Risk to Industry & Food: Experts warn another El Niño could hit agriculture, raising food prices, worsening FX shortages and slowing recovery—pushing calls for irrigation and climate-smart investment. Trade Pressure in SADC: Malawi’s SADC trade deficit tripled to K1.4 trillion in 2024 as imports surged faster than exports, reinforcing concerns about weak industrial output. Digital Procurement Upgrade: CSM Technologies secured a World Bank-funded project to build an Electronic Auctioning Platform for Malawi’s public procurement, aiming to cut manual processes and improve transparency. Mining Governance: President Mutharika swore in Thoko Tembo and urged tougher negotiations to stop cartels and secure deals that benefit Malawians, while the minister stressed responsible mine rehabilitation. Energy & Power: Government discussed power investment as ESCOM urges support to end load shedding, alongside reports of tariff talks affecting electricity purchases from Mozambique.