AGP Executive Report

STEM Scholarships: Airtel Malawi has officially handed over Nzeru Tech scholarships to 25 MUST students, covering tuition, accommodation, stipends, internet and laptops to boost science, technology, engineering and maths talent for Malawi’s digital transformation. Agri Value Chains: At the 22nd National Agriculture Fair in Blantyre, the Ministry of Trade praised quality value-added products from SMEs and cooperatives for cross-border markets, while Agriculture Minister Roza Mbilizi pushed agro transformation with more investment in irrigation, mechanisation, processing and digital agriculture. Inputs Access: SFFRFM says it will roll out one-stop centres to stock key farm inputs nationwide, building on its 55 retail shops to improve availability of fertilisers, seeds and agrochemicals. Power & Water: Nyika Hydropower Group signed a grid connection agreement with ESCOM for the 51MW North Rumphi cascade, aiming to add major generation capacity. Anti-Corruption: The ACB summoned Nocma CEO Emmanuel Matapa after a reported $403,605 payment linked to “fraudulent correspondence,” with police arresting two Nocma officials. Health & Research: Mzuzu University received K105m to renovate its diagnostic laboratory for parasitology and disease vector control, strengthening training and research. Climate & Public Health: The First Lady urged environmental health professionals to prevent outbreaks by turning research and data into practical local solutions, as Malawi and the region face escalating climate risks. Rare Earths & Minerals: US investors, via AmCham Malawi, signalled growing interest in Malawi’s critical minerals, while a separate rare-earths focus highlights how high-grade deposits could reshape supply chains.

Climate & Disaster Watch: Flash floods in Nepal’s Trishuli River basin, linked to possible glacier collapse and landslides, are a stark reminder that warming is intensifying extreme weather and raising the need for stronger early-warning and resilient infrastructure. Agriculture & Food Security: Malawi’s legume push is gaining momentum as new technologies and field trials in the Shire Valley and Chikwawa promote drought-tolerant crops like pigeon peas, cowpeas, groundnuts and soybeans to reduce dependence on rain-fed maize. Health & Research: A Malawi-linked hospital study under the ALERT project reports fewer stillbirths and newborn deaths after improved maternity care across Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda, using training plus quality improvement support. Digital Inclusion: Malawi’s disability advocates warn that the country’s digital drive could leave persons with disabilities behind unless barriers in access, information and jobs are addressed. Prisons & Tech: Malawi Prison Service says advanced scanning at Zomba Central Prison helped seize 500+ phones, 1,000+ SIM cards and cannabis, targeting fraud and scams run from inside prisons. Transport & Energy: Lilongwe City Council plans an electric bus system via a new company, while businesses in Dedza report worsening load-shedding due to transformer overloads. Mining & Investment: US business groups are moving to connect American investors to Malawi’s critical minerals, as Japanese firms also scout opportunities in agriculture and manufacturing.

Japan–Malawi Investment Push: Japanese firms are scouting Malawi for deals in agriculture, manufacturing and processing as Lilongwe and Tokyo deepen trade ties. Legume Boost for Shire Valley: New drought-tolerant legume technologies and better farming inputs are being tested in Chikwawa, aiming to cut reliance on rain-fed maize and lift yields and export potential. Heat Stress Warning: A regional science review flags rising extreme heat across Southern Africa as a growing physiological threat, with Malawi among countries in the wider assessment. Urology Access via Camp: A four-day specialist urology camp in Tanzania will bring minimally invasive prostate treatments closer to patients, including Rezūm and HoLEP. LUANAR Agribusiness Hub: LUANAR reaffirms its role in agribusiness transformation through research, young talent and partnerships. Electric Buses for Lilongwe: Lilongwe City Council plans an electric bus system via a new transit company after studying urban transport models abroad. Load-shedding Hits Small Business: In Dedza, power cuts and transformer overloads are shutting down welding, milling and refrigeration-dependent livelihoods. Digital Inclusion for Disability: Macoda warns Malawi’s digital push could exclude persons with disabilities unless barriers to tech, information and jobs are addressed. Cash Transfer Trial Sparks Local Trade: A GiveDirectly cash programme is showing how households use funds to start businesses and expand services. Prison Tech Crackdown: Malawi’s prison service reports seizing 500+ phones and 1,000+ SIM cards after deploying advanced scanning at Zomba Central Prison. Road Cost Overrun: Delays on the Chitipa–Ilomba Road could add K131bn to the bill, raising questions on project delivery. US Eyes Malawi Minerals: AmCham Malawi is launched to connect American firms to critical minerals, with calls for stronger regulation and investor confidence. RPL for Skills Recognition: Malawi rolls out Recognition of Prior Learning to certify work-based skills through TEVETA, helping workers convert experience into qualifications. Teacher Licensing Warning: Education authorities warn unlicensed teachers face restrictions on transfers, leave, promotions and retirement benefits. Maternal Care Gains: A multi-country study including Malawi links improved maternity ward training and quality support to fewer stillbirths and newborn deaths.

Political Stability & Justice: A new study in the Malawi Journal of Politics and Public Affairs says Malawi’s political parties stay vulnerable to internal conflict because dispute resolution mechanisms are weak, but courts can step in when party systems fail. Rare Earths & Investment: Power Minerals’ CEO Alistair Stephens is pushing the company’s rare earths strategy, betting on its Morro do Ferro project as investor interest grows. Urban Transport Tech: Lilongwe City Council plans a formal electric bus system, setting up Lilongwe Electric Transit Ltd after learning from transport reforms in Moscow. Health Systems: An ALERT project study across Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda links hospital training, quality improvement and mentoring to fewer stillbirths and newborn deaths in the first 24 hours. Prison Security & Digital Fraud: Malawi Prison Service says scanners at Zomba Central Prison helped seize 500+ phones, 1,000+ SIM cards and cannabis, targeting crimes allegedly run from inside prisons. Education & Teacher Compliance: The Education ministry warns teachers without professional licences could face limits on transfers, leave, promotions and exam duties. Digital Government: Malawi is reaching out to Ghana to learn how to strengthen digital public infrastructure for digital government. Climate Risk: El Niño is flagged as the strongest on record, with calls for a “war room” to prepare for extreme weather impacts.

Sports & Society: The World Economic Forum says women’s sport is now a major growth engine, driven by sports tourism, women’s mainstreaming, and rising emerging-market demand—an angle that’s resonating beyond the pitch. Tax & Digital Revenue: Malawi’s Finance and Economic Planning Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha says the Malawi Revenue Authority’s 2026–2031 plan could cut the tax burden by widening the tax base, improving administration, digitising collections, and using research to guide policy. Maternal Health: An ALERT project study across 16 maternity units in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda reports a 22% drop in early perinatal deaths after a co-designed care programme for midwives and maternity teams. Prison Tech Crackdown: Malawi’s Prison Service and MACRA say Zomba Central Prison has seized 500 phones and 1,000 SIM cards using advanced scanning to curb digital fraud from inside cells. Education Regulation: The Education ministry warns teachers without professional licences could face limits on transfers, leave, promotions and exam duties, citing low licensing compliance. Digital Government Learning: Malawi seeks Ghana’s experience to strengthen digital government, including lessons from Ghana’s digital ID and public-sector interoperability. Fuel Shock Risk: A fuel-market warning highlights Malawi’s vulnerability is less about storage and more about financing imports amid fragile foreign exchange. El Niño Preparedness: Kenya ramps up planning for extreme weather as El Niño threatens heavy rains, floods and mudslides. Mining & Media: Malawi’s mining minister urges balanced reporting that covers jobs, skills and value addition—not only controversies. DNA & Fatherhood Debate: Malawi’s DNA paternity testing figures are reigniting public debate, with reporting stressing that test results reflect people who already suspect infidelity.

Teacher Licensing Crackdown: Malawi’s Education ministry warns that unlicensed teachers could face restrictions on transfers, leave, promotions, exam duties and retirement benefits, citing low licensing rates (only about 29% of primary and 28% of secondary teachers licensed). El Niño Extreme Weather Watch: Kenya steps up preparations for above-average rains that could bring flash floods and mudslides, with authorities coordinating national and county disaster response and pre-positioning relief. Digital Government Push: Malawi seeks Ghana’s experience to strengthen digital public infrastructure and public sector innovation, including support from Ghana-based tech firms. MRA Revenue Drive: Malawi Revenue Authority launches its 2026–2031 Corporate Strategic Plan to boost domestic revenue through wider tax base, digitisation and improved compliance as donor support declines. Family DNA Debate: Malawi’s DNA paternity testing figures—reporting about 80% non-paternity among men who suspect infidelity—spark renewed public debate on fatherhood and how such statistics should be interpreted. Starlink Inches Toward South Africa: SpaceX’s Starlink engages South Africa’s regulator ICASA to clarify licensing and ownership rules, aiming to end years of regulatory deadlock. Mining Media Call: Malawi’s mining minister urges more balanced reporting on mining beyond controversies, highlighting jobs, local business growth, skills and responsible technology use. Clean Cooking & Carbon Finance: BURN hosts a Malawi delegation to showcase local stove manufacturing, jobs and carbon credit generation under its clean cooking programme.

Malawi Revenue Push: The Malawi Revenue Authority launched its 2026–2031 Corporate Strategic Plan to boost domestic revenue, cut reliance on donors, and modernise tax collection through digitisation and better compliance. Digital Transformation Links: Malawi and Ghana deepened cooperation on digital transformation and public sector innovation, with Ghana planning to send tech firms to Malawi to support national ID, fintech and e-government systems. Clean Cooking & Carbon Finance: BURN hosted a Malawi government delegation to showcase local stove manufacturing and carbon credit generation, reporting 166,235 stoves distributed and 400 local jobs since authorisation. Child Health Partnership: Alder Hey strengthened its long-running partnership with Malawi, building on paediatric training and research support including emergency care courses. Mining Equipment Gap: Malawi’s mining ministry flagged lack of machinery as a key barrier for gold cooperatives, pushing for easier access to loans and equipment. DNA Paternity Shock: Reports say about 80% of men tested in Malawi for suspected paternity are not the biological fathers, raising concerns over family disputes and legal fallout. Gambling Regulation Alarm: Allegations claim betting firms may be rigging promotional “wins,” spotlighting the Malawi Gaming Board’s oversight challenges. Education Support: A Lilongwe student received a K20 million scholarship to complete university studies, while calls continue for more documentation of Malawian stories and experiences.

Gold Mining Equipment Gap: Malawi’s Mining Minister Thoko Tembo says artisanal gold cooperatives are held back by lack of machinery, with government exploring loans via banks to help groups scale up and sell through authorised markets. Tax Reform Push: Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamveka launched the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) 2026–2031 plan, stressing fiscal consolidation as deficits stay high and calling for stricter, more professional domestic revenue mobilisation. Electoral Funding Warning: MEC chair Justice Annabel Mtalimanja urged development partners to fund election work continuously, not only near polling day, to protect civic and voter education ahead of 2030. Digital Transformation Link-Up: Malawi and Ghana deepened cooperation on digital government, with Ghana planning to send tech firms to Malawi to support national ID, fintech and e-government systems. Social Cash Transfer Stress: A new study warns Malawi’s Social Cash Transfer Programme depends on donors for about 95% of funding, raising concerns about national control and long-term sustainability. El Niño Preparedness: Experts say extension services are severely underfunded (about 1% or less of the agri budget), threatening yields as a potentially record El Niño approaches. AI Policy Update: Malawi’s 2026 AI policy introduces a national AI regulatory body, aiming to guide adoption in agriculture, health and education while adding data protection and capacity building. Public Health Research: A study on antepartum depression highlights the need for early detection during pregnancy, linking maternal mental health to risks for babies. Family Science Shock: DNA paternity testing in Malawi reports around 80% non-paternity among men who suspect infidelity, fueling custody and inheritance disputes. Clean Cooking Climate Deal: BURN says it has distributed 166,235 stoves in Malawi, created 400 local jobs and is authorised to generate 3.5 million carbon credits under CORSIA.

Digital Transformation Links: Malawi and Ghana are deepening cooperation on digital transformation and public sector innovation after a Malawian delegation visited Ghana’s digital ministry, with plans to share lessons on digital identity, cybersecurity, e-government and skills. Tax Modernisation: Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamveka has launched the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) 2026–2031 Corporate Strategic Plan, urging continuous, professional execution to boost domestic revenue mobilisation. Clean Cooking & Carbon Finance: BURN hosted a Malawi government delegation in Blantyre, highlighting local stove distribution, jobs and authorisation to generate carbon credits under CORSIA. Governance & Service Delivery: A study warns decentralisation gains are at risk from political patronage, weak capacity, delayed transfers and corruption. Public Health Research: A multi-country study reports high stillbirth, preterm birth and neonatal mortality rates at Uganda’s Kawempe Hospital, informing vaccine work relevant to the region. Critical Minerals Shock: Japan faces a rare-earth supply squeeze after Chinese dysprosium and terbium exports fell to zero, underlining global processing bottlenecks. AI Policy & Access: Malawi’s AI policy is framed around a national regulator, with opportunities in agriculture, healthcare and education, but major hurdles in connectivity and skills. El Niño Preparedness: Global experts warn the likely strongest El Niño on record could hit food prices and health, pushing countries to prepare now. Family & Social Tension: DNA paternity testing in Malawi is reported to show about 80% of tested men are not biological fathers, raising custody and inheritance disputes. Electoral Funding: Malawi’s Electoral Commission calls for steady funding between elections so civic and voter education doesn’t start only near polling day. Roads & Local Oversight: The Roads Fund Administration commits K54bn for road rehabilitation across seven councils, stressing quality control and reliable fuel levy disbursements. Agriculture Extension Underfunding: Extension services are said to get 1% or less of the agriculture budget, threatening output as El Niño looms. Ebola Border Response: ECSA-HC launches a six-month emergency push to strengthen detection and reporting along DRC-linked trade and migration corridors, including Malawi.

El Niño Watch: A potentially record-breaking El Niño is gathering strength for 2026–27, with global health and food agencies urging countries to prepare for long-lasting impacts. Agriculture Under Pressure: Malawi’s extension services are badly underfunded (about 1% of the agri budget), leaving a huge farmer-to-extension-worker gap just as El Niño threatens yields. Digital Malawi: A new GSMA report says Malawi has strong 4G coverage but a massive usage gap—about 80% of people remain offline—warning reforms could unlock MWK 1.1 trillion and 490,000 jobs by 2030. AI Policy: Malawi’s 2026 AI policy moves toward a national AI regulator, aiming to guide AI use in agriculture, health and education while pushing data protection and local capacity. Public Health Security: ECSA-HC has launched a six-month Ebola preparedness push along DRC-linked trade and migration corridors, targeting 33 border points with faster detection and isolation. Governance & Integrity: Malawi’s ACB Director-General search has stalled again, raising concerns about the strength of anti-corruption institutions. Local Tech & Learning: IT experts question a return to manual FISP coupons, arguing it could slow digital service progress and weaken beneficiary controls. Health Innovation: WEHI researchers report a rapid 15-minute iron deficiency blood test that could help clinics where labs are limited. Science & Society: DNA paternity testing in Malawi shows around 80% of tested men are not biological fathers, fueling family disputes and legal battles.

Digital Inclusion & Growth: A new GSMA report says Malawi has 87% 4G coverage but only 12.5% internet use, with 80% of people offline—yet reforms could unlock MWK 1.1 trillion and 490,000 jobs by 2030. AI Policy: Malawi’s 2026 AI policy is pushing a national AI regulator, with plans for AI in agriculture, healthcare and education plus data protection and capacity building. Public Services & Tech Delivery: IT experts warn that reverting FISP to manual coupons could slow digital service progress and open loopholes. Governance & Integrity: Malawi’s long search for a substantive ACB Director-General raises concerns about institutional strength in the fight against corruption. Roads & Execution: RFA commits K54bn for six months of road rehabilitation across seven councils, urging strict quality control. Health Security: ECSA-HC launches a six-month Ebola preparedness push along DRC trade and migration corridors, strengthening border surveillance and rapid response. Agriculture Resilience: Extension services are underfunded (about 1% of the sector budget), threatening output as El Niño looms. Mining for Jobs: Government plans to help small-scale gold miners access machinery via talks with banks and lending institutions. Science & Research: WEHI researchers develop a rapid 15-minute iron deficiency blood test for point-of-care use in resource-limited settings. Human Stories: A MUBAS student died after a father-daughter reunion turned tragic in Blantyre; meanwhile, DNA testing claims show about 80% of tested men aren’t biological fathers, fueling family disputes.

Gold Mining Support: Malawi’s Mining Minister Thoko Tembo says cooperatives are being pushed to access machinery and loans, after visiting Nanjiri Mining Cooperative in Lilongwe—aiming to boost gold output and earnings. Social Protection Funding Risk: A new study warns the Social Cash Transfer Programme is effectively donor-driven, with development partners funding about 95% of costs since 2016/17, raising sustainability and national control concerns. Digital Access Push: At the Digital Africa Summit, GSMA reports about 80% of Malawians remain offline despite strong network coverage, and says reforms could unlock MWK 1.1 trillion and 490,000 jobs by 2030; MACRA also argues the network is there, but affordability, devices, and digital skills are the bottlenecks. AI Policy Update: Malawi’s 2026 AI policy proposes a national AI regulatory body and targets AI use in agriculture, healthcare and education, alongside data protection and capacity building. Health & Tech at Borders: ECSA-HC launches a six-month Ebola preparedness push along DRC-linked trade and migration corridors, strengthening early detection and cross-border reporting. Education Lifeline: The Jane Ansah Foundation gives a University of Malawi student support worth over K1 million to help him return to campus. Public Procurement Alarm: Governance experts urge PPDA to blacklist Mahmood Azhar Chaudhry and seek refunds over alleged fraudulent MAREP cable deals.

Education Support: The Jane Ansah Foundation gave University of Malawi student Kingsley James Tembo (Library and Information Sciences) over K1 million for food, transport and study needs, helping him return as the university reopens on Aug 31. Digital Inclusion: A GSMA report says Malawi’s 4G coverage is strong (87%) but internet use is weak (about 12.5%); closing the usage gap could unlock MWK 1.1 trillion and 490,000 jobs by 2030. Public Service Tech: IT experts questioned a return to manual FISP coupons, warning it could slow digital delivery and weaken anti-corruption gains. Health Security: ECSA-HC launched a six-month Ebola preparedness push at 33 border points along DRC trade and migration corridors, using faster detection, isolation and cross-border notification. HIV Prevention: Malawi reported 272,225 cumulative PrEP initiations since 2021, with 122,488 actively on PrEP and 1,392 already started on twice-yearly injectable Lenacapavir. Healthcare Equipment: St Luke’s Anglican Hospital in Zomba is set to start dialysis on Nov 1 after receiving four machines, aiming to ease patient travel across regions. Governance & Procurement: Malawi governance experts urged PPDA to blacklist Mahmood Azhar Chaudhry and firms over alleged fraudulent MAREP cable deals. Research & Innovation: WEHI researchers developed a rapid 15-minute point-of-care iron deficiency blood test for use in resource-limited settings.

Ebola Preparedness: ECSA Health Community has launched a six-month emergency push at 33 border points along the DRC frontier, including Malawi, with digital surveillance, rapid lab transport and cross-border notification to stop imported Ebola cases. Digital Divide, Big Numbers: Malawi’s digital access gap remains severe: GSMA reports about 80% of people live within mobile broadband coverage but don’t use mobile internet, with only 12.5% active users—yet reforms could unlock MWK 1.1 trillion in value and create 490,000 jobs by 2030. Dialysis Comes to Zomba: St Luke’s Anglican Hospital in Malosa, Zomba, is set to start dialysis on November 1 after receiving four machines, aiming to reduce costly travel for kidney patients. HIV Prevention Update: Malawi has expanded PrEP to 272,225 cumulative initiations, with 122,488 actively on PrEP and 1,392 already started on twice-yearly injectable Lenacapavir. Rare Earth Finance: The US DFC committed US$62.8m to rare-earth projects in Malawi and others, but Reuters notes private investors still avoid the sector due to high risk and pricing concerns. Science & Heritage: An international team helped safeguard Africa’s oldest cremation site, with a University of Oklahoma researcher involved in studying 9,500-year-old remains. Local Media Legacy: Gazette Media backed the posthumous launch of veteran journalist Grey Mang’anda’s autobiography, “Images of My Journalism Story,” preserving Malawi’s media history.

Digital Access Push: GSMA says Malawi’s 87% 4G coverage isn’t translating into use—only about 12.5% of Malawians access the internet, with the gap costing growth potential; the report estimates MWK 1.1 trillion in extra value and 490,000 jobs by 2030 if device affordability, digital literacy, and policy barriers are tackled. Connectivity Funding Update: Malawi is still waiting for clearer details on Japan’s $7bn connectivity pledge tied to the Nacala Corridor, with officials saying the package is Africa-wide and not earmarked only for Nacala. Universal Digital Access: MACRA and ICT Minister Shadric Namalomba argue the “digital divide” is now driven more by smartphone costs, foreign exchange constraints, and limited local content than by network coverage. Health Tech in Zomba: St Luke’s Anglican Hospital in Zomba is set to start dialysis on November 1 after receiving four machines, aiming to bring kidney treatment closer to Eastern Region patients. HIV Prevention Scale-Up: Malawi reports 272,225 people cumulatively initiated on PrEP since 2021, with 122,488 actively on it by June 2026 and 1,392 already started on twice-yearly injectable Lenacapavir. Rare Earth Finance: The US DFC commits $62.8m to rare-earth projects including Malawi, but private investors remain cautious over risk and pricing pressures. Agriculture & Climate: A regional brief urges Malawi to redesign farm input support for El Niño conditions, warning one-size fertiliser plans may fail across agro-ecological zones. Youth & Jobs: Government and banks urge young people to shift from job-seeking to building enterprises in sectors like ICT, agriculture, mining, tourism, and manufacturing.

Digital Divide Push: Malawi’s ICT minister Shadric Namalomba says the country’s digital gap is now driven more by affordability, digital literacy and foreign-currency constraints than by network coverage, citing GSMA figures of 87% 4G coverage but only about 12.5% internet use, and promising an action plan on taxes, mobile-money levies, FX access and content. Mobile Internet Value: A new GSMA report says expanding mobile internet could unlock MWK 1.1 trillion in added economic value and create 490,000 jobs by 2030, even as about 80% of people live within broadband coverage but don’t use mobile internet. HIV Prevention Scale-Up: Malawi reports 272,225 people cumulatively initiated on PrEP since 2021, with 122,488 actively on it by June 2026, and 1,392 already started on twice-yearly injectable Lenacapavir. Malaria Progress: WHO highlights RTS,S vaccine impact across Africa and notes a new pre-qualified anti-malarial treatment for newborns and young infants, alongside study results showing mortality reductions after RTS,S rollout. Rare-Earth Finance Watch: The US DFC commits $62.8m to rare-earth projects in Malawi and others, but private investors stay cautious over risks and pricing pressures. Health Tech Research: A new rapid blood test for iron deficiency is being evaluated for Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to improve maternal health screening where lab access is limited. Land Restoration Talks: Malawi is represented at UNCCD talks in Mongolia focused on turning land restoration resolutions into funding and action, as degradation costs the world nearly $900bn annually. Agriculture Under El Niño: Malawi is urged to redesign farm input support by region ahead of possible El Niño impacts, warning that one-size fertiliser strategies may fail across agro-ecological zones. Homecoming Spotlight: Malawi’s Scorchers return after a historic WAFCON run, qualifying for the first FIFA Women’s World Cup and sparking a national celebration at Kamuzu International Airport.