AGP Executive Report

Humanitarian Logistics Training: DHL launched the DHL Academy of Humanitarian Logistics (DAHL) in Johannesburg, aiming to turn DHL know-how into practical, pro bono training for aid groups across Sub-Saharan Africa, covering customs, dangerous goods and safety to cut delays before emergencies hit. Clean Energy Access: Malawi’s Energising Development (EnDev) demand-side subsidies, backed by Germany, say they’ve reached 112,000 people with improved cookstoves and 58,000 with solar products across seven districts. ICT Support for Digital Economy: Datacom Malawi donated K10 million to back ICTAM’s ICT 2026 expo, themed around ICT exports, trusted payments and fraud resilience. Health Supply Funding Gap: Central Medical Stores Trust says government owes it K76 billion, disrupting medicine procurement and credit payments via district hospitals. Education Exams Watch: Education Minister Bright Msaka says JCE exams started smoothly and expects pass rates to beat last year’s 77%. Energy Infrastructure Under Attack: ESCOM reports ongoing vandalism of power equipment, with 138 cases between Oct 2025 and Mar 2026, leaving 40 transformers down. Environment Policy Push: Malawi launched NBSAP III, its biodiversity reporting and a National Ecosystem Assessment, pairing modern science with indigenous knowledge to tackle accelerating ecological loss. Digital Payments Upgrade: PayPal introduced PayPal USD (PYUSD) in Malawi and 26 African countries to speed up and lower the cost of cross-border transfers. Road Works and Safety: Roads Authority plans major M1 upgrades and maintenance in the Lilongwe–Blantyre corridor, including new interchange plans at Kameza. Rare Earths Update: Mkango’s HyProMag USA says it has taken occupation of its Texas facility to build a rare earth magnet recycling and manufacturing hub. Human Rights: A report highlights how people with albinism in Malawi still face fear, stigma and discrimination that affects schooling, work and safety.

Infrastructure Safety: Cracks are widening on Blantyre’s Kamba Bridge, raising fears of a serious failure on a busy link used daily by pedestrians, motorists and cyclists. Digital Economy & Payments: PayPal has launched PayPal USD (PYUSD) in Malawi and 26 other African countries, letting users buy, hold, send and receive the digital dollar for faster cross-border transfers. ICT & Skills: Datacom Malawi donated K10 million to support ICTAM’s ICT 2026 expo in Lilongwe, focused on trusted payments, fraud resilience and Malawi’s digital economy. Science, Environment & Policy: Malawi has launched major environmental frameworks—NBSAP III, the Seventh National Report and a National Ecosystem Assessment—pairing modern science with indigenous knowledge to tackle biodiversity loss and climate impacts. Transport & Roads: The Roads Authority has allocated K96 billion for M1 maintenance and rehabilitation and plans major contracts for the Lilongwe–Blantyre corridor, including a Kameza interchange. Health & Regulation: Parliament’s PAC warns that embalming chemicals allegedly being diverted to preserve fish could threaten public health, calling for stronger oversight of medical supply chains. Education & Inclusion: AGE Africa celebrated the first graduates of its End-to-End Scholarship Program, including LUANAR students, with tuition, support and a paid internship. Mining & Critical Minerals: Sovereign Metals says Kasiya’s tests confirm heavy rare earth minerals (dysprosium, terbium and yttrium) alongside rutile and graphite, boosting the project’s value.

Rare Earths in Malawi: Sovereign Metals says its Kasiya project has confirmed heavy rare earth minerals—dysprosium, terbium and yttrium—alongside rutile and graphite, with heavy rare earth ratios higher than top global producers. Environment & Biodiversity: Malawi launched NBSAP III, its Seventh CBD report and a National Ecosystem Assessment, stressing a mix of modern science and indigenous knowledge to tackle biodiversity loss and ecosystem decline. Power Infrastructure Under Attack: ESCOM reports sustained vandalism across multiple districts, damaging transformers and conductors and disrupting electricity access and development. Digital Payments in Malawi: PayPal introduced PayPal USD (PYUSD) in Malawi and other African markets, aiming to speed up and cut the cost of cross-border payments. Food Security & Maize Markets: Malawi’s Admarc begins maize buying at K900/kg but only with K5bn released so far, raising fears about continuity; meanwhile, the maize export ban remains in force. Transport & Built Environment: Roads Authority plans major M1 Highway works including a Kameza interchange, while architects warn of workmanship and quality challenges and urge better use of technology. Public Health Alarm: PAC warns alleged diversion of embalming chemicals into fish preservation could threaten food safety. Education & Skills: AGE Africa celebrated the first End-to-End Scholarship graduates in Malawi, with a paid internship component to boost employability. ICT for Elections: MEC’s electronic management device was nominated for ICTAM’s Digital Public Service Award.

Rare Earths at Kasiya: Sovereign Metals says mineral tests at Malawi’s Kasiya Rutile-Graphite project confirm heavy rare earths including dysprosium, terbium and yttrium, with dysprosium-terbium ratios far above the global average—potentially recoverable even from mining waste. Digital Payments in Malawi: PayPal has launched PayPal USD (PYUSD) in Malawi and 26 other African countries, letting users buy, hold, send and receive a US-dollar-linked stablecoin for faster, cheaper cross-border transfers. Food Security Pressure: Malawi’s maize export ban remains in force as the Ministry says exports are being done illegally, while Admarc is set to start buying maize at K900/kg but only has K5bn released so far against a K60bn budget. Transport & Infrastructure: Roads Authority plans major M1 maintenance and rehabilitation contracts between Lilongwe and Blantyre, and government is negotiating a partnership with National Bank of Malawi to operate shipping services on Lake Malawi. Electricity Under Attack: ESCOM reports ongoing vandalism of transformers and cables across multiple districts, warning the damage is costing billions and disrupting services. Health & Regulation: Parliament’s PAC warns alleged diversion of embalming chemicals into fish preservation could threaten public health, calling for stronger oversight of medical supply chains. Built Environment Quality: Malawi Institute of Architects highlights poor workmanship drivers like contractor capacity and cheap labour, urging better use of technology without losing professional judgement. ICT for Elections: Malawi Electoral Commission’s EMD tablet is nominated for ICTAM’s Digital Public Service Award alongside other national digital systems. Green Species Plan: Malawi launches a new environmental “Green Species Plan,” pairing modern science with indigenous knowledge to protect biodiversity.

Road Works Watch: Malawi Roads Authority has allocated K96bn for M1 maintenance between Lilongwe and Blantyre and is moving to award major contracts, including K51.6bn and K44.7bn for the Bunda Turn-off–Kameza Roundabout stretch, plus rehabilitation plans on the M10. Competition & Consumer Law: A fresh reminder from Malawi’s Competition and Fair Trading Act: trade associations should not set “recommended” prices, even if they claim it stabilises markets. Food Security Funding: ADMARC is set to start maize purchases at K900/kg, but only K5bn of the K60bn budget has been released so far—raising fears of limited buying capacity. Public Health Alarm: Parliament’s PAC is demanding action after claims that embalming chemicals meant for mortuaries may be diverted to preserve fish for human consumption. Transport Policy & Governance: Government is negotiating a partnership with National Bank of Malawi to operate Lake Malawi shipping services, alongside plans to strengthen rail and marine regulation. Tech for Elections: Malawi Electoral Commission’s EMD electronic voting device has been nominated for ICTAM’s “Digital Public Service Award.” Engineering Education Boost: Press Cane has donated lab chemicals and reagents worth over MK20m to MUST to support engineering training and research. Green Mobility Push: Malawi is exploring electric vehicle exports after an MoU push with India’s Mercury EV Tech. Drug Trade Crackdown: South Africa’s BMA reports a near R1bn methaqualone (“ABBA”) haul intercepted in a truck travelling from Malawi, with court proceedings and valuation questions still in focus.

Lake Malawi Transport Deal: Government is negotiating with National Bank of Malawi to run shipping services on Lake Malawi, alongside plans to modernise ports and strengthen rail and marine regulation. Public Health Alarm: Parliament’s PAC is demanding action after allegations that embalming chemicals meant for mortuaries are being diverted to preserve fish for human consumption. Green Mobility Push: India’s Mercury EV Tech says it is nearing an MoU with Malawi for electric vehicle exports, with talks expected to be finalised soon. Construction Quality Worries: Malawi’s architects and regulators point to weak contractor capacity and “cheap labour” as drivers of poor infrastructure workmanship, urging more expert-led safeguards and smarter use of technology. Digital Governance Award: Malawi’s MEC election management device (EMD) has been nominated for an ICTAM “Digital Public Service Award,” alongside other national e-systems. Maize Buying Funding Gap: Admarc begins maize purchases with only K5bn released out of a K60bn budget, raising fears about continuity and fair buying for farmers. Drug Trafficking Crackdown: South Africa’s Beitbridge border bust seized about 713,000g of methaqualone (“ABBA”) in a truck from Malawi, arresting suspects and prompting warnings that this could be only the start. Science & Education Support: Press Cane donates lab chemicals worth over K20m to MUST to boost engineering education and research.

World Environment Day (Inspired by Nature): Israel’s envoy to UNEP/UN-Habitat, Gideon Behar, argues nature already “solved” many problems and warns the climate crisis is also a human-behaviour crisis. Digital Elections: Malawi Electoral Commission’s Election Management Device (EMD) tablet has been nominated for ICTAM’s “Digital Public Service Award,” alongside other national e-systems. Food Security Funding: Government releases K5bn to ADMARC out of a K60bn maize-buying budget, but analysts and traders warn the tranche may be too small to protect farmers through the season. Engineering & Research Support: Press Cane donates lab chemicals worth over MK20m to MUST to boost engineering education and industry-academia research links. Digital Banking: First Capital Bank launches “Take the First Step,” enabling online account opening with ID and face verification, aimed at widening financial inclusion. Border Tech & Drugs: South Africa’s Border Management Authority says it intercepted a Malawi-linked methaqualone (ABBA) haul worth nearly R1bn at Beitbridge using scanner tech; court matters and valuation questions continue. Health Systems: A Malawi-focused dental training story highlights the long gap in specialised oral care and the reliance on very few maxillofacial surgeons. Climate-Resilient Farming: ICRISAT expands climate-resilient chickpea seed production in Malawi and southern Africa to help farmers cope with rising costs and erratic weather.

Digital Governance: Malawi Electoral Commission’s Election Management Device (EMD) has been nominated for the ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM) “Digital Public Service Award,” alongside other national e-systems, highlighting tech-driven election administration. Food Security & Agriculture: Government has released K5 billion to ADMARC out of a K60 billion maize-buying budget, but the shortfall raises concerns about how much maize it can purchase at the official K900/kg rate. Sports Infrastructure: Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba pledged floodlights for Katoto Basketball Courts in Mzuzu to help players—especially women—train in the evenings. Public Health & Research: A Malawi-linked dental care gap is spotlighted as the country relies on a single oral and maxillofacial surgeon, while a separate global review strengthens the case for immediate kangaroo mother care for premature babies. Climate Resilience: WFP warns Malawi’s humanitarian response is being stretched by “climate whiplash,” with drought shifting into destructive flooding as aid budgets tighten. Science & Industry: ICRISAT expands climate-resilient chickpea seed production in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to support dryland farmers and diversify crops. Cyber & Payments: First Capital Bank launched “Take the First Step,” an online account opening platform using face verification, while fraud prevention remains a key concern as Malawi’s digital economy grows. Border Tech & Security: Malawi-linked drug trafficking at Beitbridge continues to dominate regional headlines, with scanner-based interceptions and calls for stronger border enforcement.

Border Security & Tech: Malawi-linked drug trafficking hit a major snag as South Africa’s Border Management Authority intercepted a truck at Beitbridge carrying about 713,000 grams of methaqualone (ABBA), worth nearly R1 billion, arresting three suspects; officials say scanner-based detection and expanded enforcement systems are being rolled out, while experts warn this may be only the “tip of the iceberg.” Governance & Media Oversight: Malawi’s Public Appointments Committee cleared the boards of MBC and MACRA over the appointment of Brian Banda and Mayamiko Nkoloma as Directors General, saying the Communications Act leaves key discretion to boards. Climate & Food Systems: WFP says Malawi’s humanitarian response is being overwhelmed by “climate whiplash” as drought shifts into destructive flooding, with millions facing acute food insecurity while resilience funding shrinks. Agriculture & Seeds: ICRISAT and partners are expanding climate-resilient chickpea seed production in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to help farmers cope with higher costs and unpredictable weather. Health: New research reviews show kangaroo mother care may work best when started immediately after birth for premature and low-birth-weight babies, though hospital implementation varies. Digital Finance: First Capital Bank launched “Take the First Step,” an online account opening platform approved by the Reserve Bank of Malawi, using ID and face verification. Industry & Jobs: AfDB reports Malawi’s manufacturing employment fell from 4.3% (2010) to 3.9% (2024), blaming electricity shortages, financing limits and weak value-added growth. Research & Education Support: Press Cane donated lab chemicals worth over MK20 million to MUST to strengthen engineering training and industry-academia collaboration. Human Rights: A High Court judge urged stronger protection for elderly people, warning that abuse—including witchcraft accusations—and even filming incidents can lead to prosecution.

Border Security Tech: South Africa’s Border Management Authority intercepted a Malawi-registered truck at Beitbridge carrying about 713,000 grams of methaqualone (ABBA), a mandrax precursor, worth nearly R1 billion; three suspects were arrested and the case is set for court, with officials saying scanners and tougher enforcement are being rolled out more fully. Digital Finance & Fraud Risk: First Capital Bank launched “Take the First Step,” letting customers open accounts online using national ID, a smartphone and face verification, while National Bank of Malawi urged stronger fraud prevention as Malawi’s digital payments grow. Research & Health: A review highlights that starting kangaroo mother care immediately after birth for premature or low-birth-weight babies may improve outcomes, but real-world hospital adoption varies. Agriculture Resilience: ICRISAT and partners are expanding climate-resilient chickpea seed production in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to cut fertilizer dependence and strengthen food and nutrition security. Industry & Jobs: An AfDB report says Malawi’s manufacturing employment fell from 4.3% (2010) to 3.9% (2024), citing electricity shortages, weak capacity and limited value addition. STEM Support: Press Cane donated lab chemicals worth over MK20 million to MUST to boost engineering education and industry-academia collaboration.

Agriculture & Food Security: ICRISAT is expanding climate-resilient chickpea seed production across Southern Africa, including Malawi, to help farmers cope with higher fertilizer costs, unpredictable weather, and supply chain shocks, with support from FAO and local partners. Neonatal Health: A new review highlights that kangaroo mother care started immediately after birth may be safer and more effective for premature and low-birth-weight babies than delayed initiation, but hospitals need clearer, consistent implementation. Border Tech & Public Safety: South Africa’s Border Management Authority intercepted a Malawi-linked truck carrying about 713,000 grams of methaqualone (ABBA) worth nearly R1 billion at Beitbridge, arresting three suspects; authorities say scanner-based enforcement is improving, while experts warn smuggling remains “easy” and may be only the tip of the iceberg. Malawi Digital Finance: First Capital Bank launched an online account opening platform approved by the Reserve Bank of Malawi, using smartphone and face verification to speed up access. Research & Training Support: Press Cane donated lab chemicals worth over K20 million to MUST to strengthen engineering education and research. Forex & Industry: Malawi’s medicinal cannabis processing factory is nearly two years behind schedule due to foreign exchange shortages, threatening expected export earnings. Digital Economy Security: Malawi’s digital payments growth is outpacing fraud prevention, with calls for stronger cybersecurity and trusted payment systems. ICT & Innovation: NBM plc pledged MK25 million to support Malawi’s 2026 International ICT Expo, focused on trusted payments and fraud resilience.

Border Tech & Crime: South Africa’s Border Management Authority intercepted a truck entering from Malawi carrying about 713kg of methaqualone (ABBA), a mandrax precursor, worth nearly R1 billion, arresting three Malawian nationals and saying advanced scanning helped uncover a concealed compartment; security experts warn this is likely only “the tip of the iceberg” and that syndicates exploit weak enforcement and sophisticated hiding methods. Anti-Corruption at Borders: BMA says it has dismissed 50 officials for failing security measures or damaging the authority’s image, and says a new high-tech border management system is set to tackle illegal migration, passport fraud and corruption. Malawi’s Forex Pressure: Malawi’s forex shortage is delaying a $10m medicinal cannabis processing plant by almost two years, threatening export earnings as key machinery components can’t be imported without foreign currency. Digital Economy Push: National Bank of Malawi (NBM) backs the 2026 International ICT Expo with MK25m, focusing on trusted payments and fraud resilience. Trade & Gender: A trade expert says Malawi’s simplified trade regimes are helping women cross-border traders access markets, but harassment, finance gaps, customs complexity, weak border infrastructure and digital exclusion still block full participation. Agriculture Innovation: Young Malawians are turning to mushroom farming, using strict sanitation and controlled growing conditions to build a viable agribusiness amid youth unemployment.

Rare Earths Push: Sovereign Metals says monazite-hosted heavy rare earths (dysprosium, terbium and yttrium) are present across multiple Kasiya pits in Malawi, with ratios reported far above leading global producers—potentially adding a new revenue stream. Digital Economy Boost: National Bank of Malawi (NBM) pledges MK25 million to support ICT Expo 2026 in Lilongwe, with a focus on trusted payments and fraud resilience. Medicinal Cannabis Delayed by Forex: MMC Laboratories says a $10m medicinal cannabis processing plant is nearly two years behind schedule because of foreign exchange shortages, though processing could start within eight months. Irrigation Management Model for Dowa Dambo: Stakeholders back FISD’s proposed scheme management framework aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability for farmers at Dowa Dambo. Border Security Tech in Action: South Africa’s Border Management Authority intercepted a truck from Malawi carrying about 713kg of methaqualone (ABBA) worth nearly R1bn, arresting three suspects after scanner-led detection and an eight-hour search. AI in Health Debate: A global health piece argues Malawi should focus on practical AI deployment limits (like compute) rather than debating whether AI “belongs” in LMIC healthcare. Mushrooms as Youth Job Path: A feature highlights young Malawians turning mushroom farming into a business, using strict sanitation practices to meet demand.

Drug Enforcement at Beitbridge: South African border authorities intercepted a truck entering from Malawi carrying about 713kg of methaqualone (ABBA), worth nearly R1 billion, after a non-intrusive scan flagged suspicious cargo; an eight-hour physical search followed, with the K-9 unit and Hawks joining, and three suspects arrested for court. AI for Malawi’s Health System: A Global Digital Health Network discussion argues AI in low-resource settings can’t be treated as optional, but stresses Malawi’s limited compute capacity means ethics must include practical “run-ability,” not just ideal tools. Digital Economy Push: National Bank of Malawi pledged K25 million to the 2026 International ICT Expo in Lilongwe, focused on trusted payments and fraud resilience, while Sparc Systems added MK20 million as a platinum sponsor. Rare Earths Update: Sovereign Metals confirmed heavy rare earths (including dysprosium, terbium and yttrium) in monazite from multiple Kasiya pits, pointing to extra value beyond tailings. Mining Finance Debate: Mkango’s planned Nasdaq listing for Songwe Hill rare earths renews calls for a Malawi sovereign wealth fund to avoid a “resource curse.” Public Platform for Writers: Malawi Freedom Network opened submissions for writers nationwide, aiming to broaden science, business, sports, entertainment and social reporting.

Carbon Markets & Climate Finance: Southern Africa Alliance on Carbon Markets & Climate Finance was launched to help eight countries (including Malawi) capture more revenue under Paris Agreement Article 6, raising the big question of whether carbon wealth will stay in the region or repeat extractive patterns. Digital Economy Push: National Bank of Malawi pledged K25 million to support ICT Expo 2026 in Lilongwe (June 4–5), with a focus on trusted payments, fraud resilience and cybersecurity. ICT Expo Backing: Sparc Systems added MK20 million as a Platinum Sponsor for ICT Expo 2026, backing Malawi’s digital transformation and industry collaboration. Rare Earths Update: Sovereign Metals confirmed monazite-hosted heavy rare earths (including dysprosium, terbium and yttrium) across multiple Kasiya pits, potentially adding value from material headed for tailings. Rare Earth Financing: Mkango filed with the US SEC to list its rare earth business on Nasdaq, aiming to raise funds for the Songwe Hill project in Phalombe. Health Research (Malaria in Pregnancy): A systematic review and meta-analysis assessed outcomes of adding dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in HIV-positive pregnancies. Agriculture Research: Malawi’s cotton seed multiplication drive got a boost at Salima’s Cotton Farmers Connect meeting, with officials stressing quality seed as the foundation for yields. Business & IP Support: CDH Investment Bank donated K10 million to CRIPC to strengthen business registration and intellectual property services. Media Access: Malawi Freedom Network opened submissions for writers across Malawi, expanding coverage across business, tech, agriculture, sports and social issues.

Rare Earths Boost for Malawi: Sovereign Metals says monazite-hosted heavy rare earths (including dysprosium, terbium and yttrium) are clearly present at its Kasiya Rutile-Graphite project, with results from four pits showing unusually strong heavy rare earth ratios—potentially turning material once headed for tailings into a new revenue stream. Inflation Shock Watch: BMI warns the US-Iran war could keep oil prices higher for longer, feeding inflation and pushing emerging-market central banks toward tighter policy. Solar Supply Chain Pressure: China hit a record for solar exports in March 2026, and demand in Africa surged—Nigeria’s imports jumped to 1.2GW—showing how global energy shocks and policy shifts are reshaping what Malawi and neighbors can buy and build. Malawi on the Ground: Malawi Freedom Network opened submissions for writers nationwide, while a new study flags weak, under-resourced inclusive early childhood education in Lilongwe. Campus Tragedy: A body was reportedly found in the ceiling of MUBAS’s Mpingwe Hostel, with police yet to release full details.