University affordability and loans: Malawi MPs pressed Education Minister Bright Msaka over doubled public university tuition, with annual fees rising to about MK1.3 million (and MK2 million at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences), while lawmakers also warned the cost could shut out low-income students; the minister pointed to a student loan scheme but clinicians in advanced diploma programmes remain excluded. Health workforce financing: A separate Parliament debate highlighted loan exclusion for clinician students, with government saying legislation is drafted to bring diploma health trainees into the scheme. Mining regulator integrity: Malawi’s Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA) inducted an Institutional Integrity Committee via the Anti-Corruption Bureau to strengthen ethical governance and curb corruption risks. Electricity sector pressure: ESCOM faces public scrutiny over prepaid meter procurement and delays, while Parliament heard vandalism is costing about K3 billion a year and affecting over 185 electricity centres. Energy recovery and accountability: Attorney General Frank Mbeta referred disputed Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP) Phase 9 contracts to the ACB as government pursues refunds of over K1.4 billion. Agriculture markets and value addition: Government broke ground on a modern Lilongwe agriculture market (Area 1) funded by IFAD, targeting improved access for farmers and value-added sales. Mining and environment: Artisanal gold mining in Kasungu is under the spotlight for widespread mercury use without protective gear, raising health and environmental concerns. Regional trade and investment: UNCTAD warns Malawi and other developing economies face tougher FDI competition, with investors increasingly targeting digital, clean energy and critical minerals. Tobacco earnings: Malawi’s tobacco marketing season reportedly generated over US$184 million from 89.4 million kg, with improved auction uptake. South Africa xenophobia spillover: Malawians continue to be repatriated amid xenophobic violence, with fears of economic and social disruption across the region.