Mining & Manufacturing: Malawi’s mining minister Thoko Tembo toured Portland Cement Malawi’s Balaka plant, praising its K200bn investment for boosting local cement supply, jobs and industrial growth. Roads & Transport Finance: Launch of Lot 2 of the K200bn Golomoti–Mangochi–Monkey Bay Road (K100bn Golomoti–Chantulo) is underway, with National Bank financing and Mota-Engil construction, including a flyover at the Golomoti railway crossing. Energy & Trade Costs: Malawi’s fuel import bill jumped sharply in June 2026, with diesel and petrol together taking 31.7% of total imports, raising forex pressure. Agribusiness & Food Security: Government is moving to establish local fertiliser production by 2027/28, while Morocco’s 500 metric tonnes donation supports vulnerable farmers. Critical Minerals: Songwe Hill rare earths in Phalombe edged closer as Tembo said the legal framework for mining licences is being finalised, with projections of major economic benefits. Aquaculture Policy: Malawi is considering tax and duty waivers for fish cage farming to help replace declining wild catches. Regional Labour Shock: South Africa’s anti-illegal immigration push is blamed for job losses and skilled labour shortages affecting sectors that matter to the region, including transport and agriculture. Fuel & Climate Risk: Farmers and analysts warn Super El Niño response funding is thin and may arrive too late, even as El Niño conditions loom.