AGP Executive Report

Public Health: Malawi researchers and partners are urging urgent screening for female genital schistosomiasis, linking the neglected parasitic disease to higher risks of HIV and cervical cancer, and calling for integration into HIV and reproductive health services. HIV Prevention: Malawi has launched a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug, Lenacapavir, joining oral PrEP and other injectables to help cut new infections below 4,000 by 2030. Health & Safety: The Malawi Pesticide Control Board, led by James Kaphale, is pushing a national overhaul after rising pesticide poisoning deaths, including suspected self-poisoning with highly hazardous pesticides. Education & Policy: Public universities in Malawi have doubled tuition fees (up to 100%), sparking backlash over affordability and fears of locking out poor students. Energy Access: Despite receiving major renewable energy financing, Malawi remains among the least electrified countries, with only 16% of people connected. Transport & Finance: FDH Bank and National Bank are financing major road corridor rehabilitation, with the Golomoti–Monkey Bay project set to boost trade and tourism. Mining & Rare Earths: Lindian Resources fired its first blast at the Kangankunde rare earths project, while Fortuna Metals reported rutile product grading above 96% TiO2 from Malawi testwork. UK–Malawi Trade: A London business roundtable aims to deepen UK–Malawi trade and investment ties across sectors including agriculture, mining, energy, healthcare and technology.

HIV Prevention Breakthrough: Malawi has launched a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug, Lenacapavir, at Area 25 Community Hospital in Lilongwe, joining oral PrEP and other injections as officials push new infections below 4,000 by 2030. Public Health Emergency: The Malawi Pesticides Control Board, led by James Kaphale, is rolling out a stronger national response to rising pesticide poisoning deaths, calling for better tracking, coordination, and evidence-based regulation. Biotech Data Access: ISAAA AfriCenter launched a continent-wide Biotec Africa Database portal to centralise biotech crop approval and biosafety requirements, aiming to cut delays and uncertainty for regulators and traders. University Affordability Crisis: Public universities in Malawi announced 100% tuition hikes, with CSEC and student groups warning the increases could price out poor students and strain the Higher Education Students’ Loans and Grants Board. Rare Earths & Minerals Progress: Lindian Resources fired its first blast at the Kangankunde rare earths project in Malawi, while Fortuna Metals reported >96% TiO2 rutile from Mkanda testwork. Power & Access Gap: Despite receiving major renewable energy financing, Malawi remains among the least electrified countries, with only 16% electricity access. Digital Relief Tech: As Malawians face South Africa repatriation pressures, the PayChangu fintech platform is powering fast, transparent fundraising and support.

University Access Crisis: Malawi’s public universities have doubled tuition fees for generic programmes (K650,000 to K1.3 million) and KUHeS raised fees to K2 million, with a new K60,000 medical cover contribution—prompting sharp backlash from students and groups like CSEC, REJU and opposition leader Chithyola who warn poor learners will be priced out. Rare Earths Mining Moves: Lindian Resources fired its first production blast at the Kangankunde rare earths project, aiming to reduce commissioning risk ahead of first output in the December quarter. Long-Mine Outlook: The Kasiya rutile project in Lilongwe could run for over 70 years, not the commonly cited 25-year plan, after a feasibility study reframed the mine-life timeline. Electrification Gap: Despite receiving major renewable energy financing, Malawi remains among the least electrified countries, with only 16% of people connected—highlighting the need to triple progress to reach 2030 goals. Digital Relief in Crisis: PayChangu is powering fast, transparent fundraising for stranded Malawians in South Africa, helping donations surge toward a K1 billion target. Skills & Training Boost: A World Bank-funded push is upgrading community technical colleges with new workshops, ICT labs and girls’ hostels to expand vocational training. Space Policy Gap: Malawi still lacks an operational space agency framework, leaving the country behind in turning space interest into research and innovation.

Digital Finance for Emergencies: Malawian fintech PayChangu is powering the fundmalawi.uk.nf repatriation drive for stranded Malawians in South Africa, enabling fast micro-donations with real-time reconciliation and helping the campaign surge past K24 million toward a K1 billion target. Higher Education Costs: Malawi’s public universities—including MUST, UNIMA, MZUNI, LUANAR, MUBAS and KUHeS—have doubled tuition fees for 2026/2027, drawing criticism and calls for a balanced approach as funding gaps threaten teaching, research and infrastructure. Energy Reliability Upgrade: EScom is replacing ageing wooden transmission poles with prestressed concrete poles under a K11 billion project to cut maintenance and vandalism and improve power reliability for key transmission lines. Skills for Youth: The World Bank-funded Skills for a Vibrant Economy project is building new workshops, ICT labs and girls’ hostels in community technical colleges to expand vocational training access. Climate Risk Planning: Malawi has released an El Niño preparedness strategy warning of likely below-normal rainfall and dry spells, urging sector-wide action, regular forecasts and early warnings. Space Policy Gap: A new push argues Malawi still lacks a functioning national space framework, including operationalising the Malawi Space Agency, to turn public interest into research and innovation. Online Safety & Disinformation: Media experts urge Malawi to strengthen accountability for harmful online content, pointing to models like the EU Digital Services Act.

Higher Education Costs: Malawi’s public universities have hiked tuition for 2026/2027, with UNIMA, MZUNI, LUANAR and MUBAS doubling generic fees from K650,000 to K1.3 million, while KUHeS raised from K1 million to K2 million—MUST also joined the trend and says it will introduce a 10% annual adjustment going forward. Tuition Backlash: The fee increases are already drawing criticism online, as families brace for higher study costs. Space Policy Gap: A new commentary asks where Malawi stands in the space race, pointing to the need to operationalise the Malawi Space Agency created in 2023 to turn Artemis-era excitement into real research and innovation. Electricity Reliability Push: Escom is replacing ageing wooden transmission poles with prestressed concrete poles in a $6.3m (about K11bn) project aimed at cutting outages and vandalism. Digital Tax Communication: Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) launched an in-house digital production studio to speed up taxpayer messaging and boost awareness of Msonkho Online. Climate Risk Planning: Malawi released an El Niño preparedness strategy warning of likely below-normal rains and dry spells affecting the 2026/27 season. Exam Season Check: MSCE exams began smoothly nationwide, while the ministry downplayed a drop in candidate numbers linked to open and distance learning fluctuations. Tech for Creators: Google unveiled a Ksh129.5m fund for independent African game studios, offering equity-free support and mentorship. Health & Rehab Access: Jacaranda Foundation expanded a community physiotherapy clinic in Chigumula, serving children with special needs. Environmental Rights Research: ERA will launch 20-country environmental rights case studies across Africa starting July 1.

Payments & Trade: Central banks and tech providers agreed that interoperable payment systems are key to boosting cross-border trade and inclusion, with Malawi among the countries at a summit pushing standards like ISO 20022 and local-currency settlement via PAPSS. Clean Energy for SMEs: A Malawi study says renewable and efficient energy (solar, biogas, efficient tech) can help SMEs survive climate shocks, but adoption needs cheaper finance, better information, extension support and market links. Electricity Reliability: Escom is replacing ageing wooden transmission poles with prestressed concrete on two major lines in a K11bn project aimed at cutting outages, maintenance costs and vandalism, and creating up to 200 jobs. Power Vandals vs Communities: Separate reports highlight transformer vandalism cases in Thyolo and how rapid community and security action helped stop suspects and protect critical infrastructure. MSCE Exams: Malawi’s MSCE started smoothly nationwide, with officials warning against cheating as candidate numbers dip due to open and distance learning fluctuations. Online Safety: Media experts urged Malawi to build accountability tools against disinformation and harmful online content, drawing lessons from the EU’s Digital Services Act. Fertilizer Fraud: Police arrested a businessman over 670 bags of suspected counterfeit NPK fertilizer, sending samples for lab analysis. Health Threat: Coverage on cryptococcal meningitis stresses the need for better testing access to prevent deaths linked to HIV. Migration Tensions (Regional): South Africa braces for June 30 anti-immigrant protests amid warnings that xenophobic rhetoric could trigger violence and disrupt healthcare access.

Malawi Education Watch: The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology says the drop in MSCE candidates is mainly due to normal shifts in open and distance learning enrolment, after a “positive start” with no cheating cases reported; Power Reliability: ESCOM is replacing ageing wooden transmission poles with prestressed concrete on key 66kV and 132kV lines to cut outages and vandalism; Anti-Vandal Action: A Thyolo transformer theft attempt was stopped after community patrols and estate guards mobilised, leading to arrests; Farm Input Fraud: Police arrested a fertilizer trader over 670 bags of suspected counterfeit NPK, sending samples to the Malawi Bureau of Standards; Food Security Push: Japan urges Malawi to accelerate irrigation and climate-smart farming to reduce reliance on emergency food aid; Ancient Heritage Protection: Researchers call for stronger protection of Mount Hora after discovery of a 9,500-year-old cremation pyre; Health in Focus: A report highlights how better diagnostic testing for cryptococcal meningitis could save lives in Malawi and across Africa.

Cryptococcal meningitis: Two Malawian women recount how HIV-linked fungal meningitis nearly killed them, highlighting how better access to affordable, timely diagnostics could prevent about 135,000 deaths a year across Africa. Health & climate media: MESHA and IDRC named winners of inaugural health-and-climate journalism awards across East and Southern Africa, spotlighting reporting that links public health and climate resilience. Electricity security: ESCOM says it is replacing short-lived wooden transmission poles with long-lasting prestressed concrete on key lines to cut outages and vandalism. Input fraud: Police arrested a fertilizer trader over 670 bags of suspected counterfeit NPK, sending the seized stock for lab analysis—another hit to Malawi’s farm input supply chain. Flood displacement: Thyolo residents affected by Cyclone Freddy say government land purchases still haven’t translated into plots and services, leaving families trapped in flood-prone areas. MSCE exams: Malawi’s MSCE began smoothly with no cheating cases reported, but the education minister warned that offenders will face the law. Football tech: SULOM plans an integrated electronic ticketing system for Premiership matches to curb gate revenue leakages and improve accountability. Archaeology: Experts call for stronger protection of Malawi’s Mount Hora heritage site after discovery of a 9,500-year-old cremation pyre.

Cryptococcal meningitis: Two Malawian women describe how cryptococcal meningitis nearly killed them, highlighting the need for wider, affordable diagnostic testing across Africa where the disease claims about 135,000 lives a year. Health & climate media: MESHA and IDRC named winners of the inaugural MESHA Health and Climate Change Journalism Awards, spotlighting reporting that links public health, climate resilience and environmental change across East and Southern Africa. Power protection in Malawi: ESCOM reports a transformer vandalism attempt in Thyolo was stopped after community patrols and police mobilised, while another ESCOM project is replacing short-lived wooden transmission poles with longer-lasting prestressed concrete to cut outages and curb theft. Fertilizer fraud: Police arrested a businessman over 670 bags of suspected counterfeit NPK fertilizer in Lilongwe, sending samples to the Malawi Bureau of Standards—another blow to farmers already battling fake inputs. Flood relocation delays: Cyclone Freddy survivors in Thyolo say government land purchase plans are stuck, leaving families in flood-prone areas without plots or basic services. MSCE exams: Malawi’s MSCE started smoothly with no malpractice reported, but the education minister warned of tough action against cheating. Football tech: SULOM plans an integrated e-ticketing system for Premiership matches to reduce gate revenue leakages and improve accountability. Ancient heritage: Archaeologists call for stronger protection of Malawi’s Mount Hora site after a 9,500-year-old cremation discovery drew international attention. Dzaleka uncertainty: Malawi has not publicly explained its plan for Dzaleka Refugee Camp as WFP funding shortages threaten food support beyond June.

Immigration Crackdown in South Africa: South Africa is bracing for possible unrest as anti-immigrant groups push a 30 June deadline for undocumented migrants to leave, with police and army on standby and allies warning of wider social and economic fallout. Mount Hora Heritage Under Threat: Archaeologists are calling for stronger protection of Malawi’s Mount Hora site after a 9,500-year-old cremation discovery drew international attention, highlighting the area’s deep cultural history. Chikangawa Crash Claims and Forensics: A new report alleges the handling of the June 10, 2024 plane crash scene may have distorted the truth, reigniting debate over accountability and investigation practices. Malawi’s AI in Chichewa: The World Bank and Gates Foundation launched an initiative to build AI models that understand Chichewa, with media partners helping gather language data for future public services. Rare Earths Update: Chilwa Minerals says rare earth mineralisation is confirmed in clays beneath the Mposa deposit, reporting widespread results across an 8 km corridor. Digital Football Ticketing: SULOM plans an integrated e-ticketing system for Malawi’s top league to reduce gate revenue leakages and improve match-day accountability. SME Boost in Mzuzu: National Bank of Malawi hosted an SME Expo in Mzuzu, giving about 50 businesses a chance to reach new customers. Mining Investment Risks: A World Bank diagnostic warns Malawi’s mining growth could be slowed by policy uncertainty, weak mineral testing capacity, and unreliable electricity.

AI in Malawi (Chichewa): The World Bank and Gates Foundation launched an initiative to build AI models that can understand and process Chichewa, with Malawi media helping supply language data so rural communities can access services in their own language. University Sustainability Win: UNIMA topped Malawi’s universities in the 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings, reinforcing the push for research and outreach tied to SDGs. Anti-Corruption Tech Push (SADC): SADC anti-corruption agencies meeting in Lilongwe adopted reforms to strengthen agencies’ independence and speed up the shift from manual procurement to electronic systems to cut corruption opportunities. Mining Investment Risks: A World Bank diagnostic warns Malawi’s mining growth could be slowed by policy and regulatory uncertainty, plus power unreliability and under-equipped mineral testing capacity. Football E-Ticketing: SULOM plans an integrated electronic ticketing system for FDH Bank Premiership matches to reduce gate revenue leakages and improve accountability, starting with a pilot. Rare Earths Update: Chilwa Minerals reported widespread rare earth mineralisation in clays beneath the Mposa deposit, including magnet rare earths, pointing to a promising corridor for further work. Fertiliser Counterfeits: Lilongwe police arrested two men over 670 bags of suspected counterfeit NPK fertiliser; samples will be tested by the Malawi Bureau of Standards. Dzaleka Funding Uncertainty: With WFP warning it may stop food aid for over 50,000 refugees by end of June, Malawi’s government response plan for Dzaleka remains unclear. SME Expo in Mzuzu: NBM hosted an SME Day expo featuring about 50 northern SMEs, giving entrepreneurs a chance to reach new customers.

AI for Chichewa: The World Bank and Gates Foundation launched an initiative to build AI models that understand and serve Chichewa, with Nation Publications Limited helping supply language data for training. University Sustainability: UNIMA topped Malawi’s universities in the 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings, reinforcing its SDG-focused performance. Rare Earths in Malawi: Chilwa Minerals confirmed widespread rare earth mineralisation in clays beneath the Mposa heavy minerals sands deposit, reporting strong magnet rare earth grades across an 8 km corridor. Mining Rules & Power Costs: A World Bank diagnostic warns Malawi’s mining investment could be hit by policy uncertainty, weak mineral testing capacity, and unreliable electricity that raises operating costs. Corruption Crackdown in SADC: Malawi hosted SADC anti-corruption reforms, including stronger independence for anti-corruption agencies and a push toward electronic procurement. Digital Football Ticketing: SULOM says it is discussing electronic ticketing with FDH Bank, planning a pilot before rolling it out nationwide. SME Boost in Mzuzu: NBM held an SME Expo in Mzuzu, giving 50 SMEs a chance to reach new customers and network. Public Health Shift: A Malawi survey shows more people start treatment at pharmacies and grocery shops than public facilities, citing drug stock-outs and long waits. Transport Pressure: The government warned against plans to close the M1 Chiweta–Karonga section, as rehabilitation funding delays spark calls for action. Ancient Heritage Find: Malawi says it will strengthen security at Hora heritage site after research suggested 9,500-year-old cremation practices.

AI & Language Access: The World Bank and Gates Foundation launched an initiative to build AI models that understand and process Chichewa, with Malawi media helping supply language data for future public-service and information access. Education & Sustainability: UNIMA topped Malawi’s universities in the 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings, reinforcing its push toward SDG-linked research and outreach. Anti-Corruption Reform: SADC anti-corruption agencies adopted reforms in Lilongwe, including stronger independence for watchdog bodies and faster moves from manual to electronic procurement. Mining & Policy Risk: A World Bank diagnostic warns Malawi’s mining investment could be hit by policy uncertainty, weak mineral testing capacity, and unreliable power. Rare Earths Push: Chilwa Minerals confirmed widespread rare earth mineralisation in clays beneath its Mposa deposit, fast-tracking metallurgical studies and deeper drilling. Public Health & Safety: Police arrested two men in Lilongwe over 670 bags of suspected counterfeit fertiliser; samples will be tested by the Malawi Bureau of Standards. Energy & Power Reliability: Escom connection delays in Blantyre’s Kafere area leave households “in the dark” despite fees paid, highlighting slow infrastructure delivery. Heritage Discovery: Malawi says it will strengthen security at Hora heritage site after findings suggest 9,500-year-old cremation rituals.

AI in Chichewa: The World Bank and Gates Foundation launched an initiative to build AI models that can understand and respond in Chichewa, using local media content to close the language gap for public services. University Sustainability: UNIMA topped Malawi’s universities in the 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings, strengthening its lead on SDG-focused performance. Anti-Corruption Push: SADC anti-corruption agencies adopted reforms to boost transparency, protect procurement integrity, and speed up e-procurement, with Malawi hosting the conference in Lilongwe. Regional Integration & Tech: SADC urged faster regional integration through liberalised skies, AI-enabled climate-resilient infrastructure, and stronger transport-ICT links. Rare Earths in Malawi: Chilwa Minerals confirmed widespread rare earth mineralisation in clays beneath its Mposa heavy mineral sands deposit, pointing to a potential dual-commodity opportunity. Health Access Reality Check: A Malawi survey shows 46.3% of people start treatment at pharmacies and grocery shops, while only 28.3% use public facilities—linked to drug stock-outs, staffing gaps, and long waits. SME Market Boost: About 50 SMEs will exhibit at an NBM SME Expo in Mzuzu to help small businesses reach new customers. Fertiliser Fraud Crackdown: Lilongwe police arrested two men over 670 bags of suspected counterfeit NPK fertiliser; samples will be tested by the Malawi Bureau of Standards. Water for Clinics: Research in Thyolo found rainwater harvesting plus advanced solar water disinfection is the most cost-effective way to deliver safe water in rural maternity units. Mining Rules Lag: Experts say Malawi’s mining regulation still leans on decades-old instruments, while new title regulations under the 2023 law remain un-gazetted.

AI & Language Access: The World Bank and Gates Foundation launched an initiative to build Chichewa-capable AI models, with media partners like Nation Publications Limited helping supply Chichewa datasets to improve access to public services. Higher Education Sustainability: UNIMA reclaimed top spot in Malawi in the 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings, reinforcing its international standing. Anti-Corruption Push: SADC member states adopted reforms to strengthen anti-corruption agencies, including more independence for watchdogs and faster shift to electronic procurement to cut corruption risks. Mining & Rare Earths: Pan Africa Mining Limited says it has started mineral exploration in Dowa after ESMP approval, while Chilwa Minerals confirmed widespread rare earth mineralisation in clays beneath the Mposa deposit, pointing to a potential dual-commodity future. Agriculture & Food Security: Lilongwe police arrested two men over 670 bags of suspected counterfeit NPK fertiliser; samples will be tested by Malawi Bureau of Standards. Water & Health Tech: New research for rural Malawi healthcare facilities found rainwater harvesting plus advanced solar water disinfection is the most cost-effective route to safe water. Regional Integration & Transport: SADC urged faster implementation of liberalised skies and AI-enabled climate-resilient infrastructure to boost regional integration. SME Market Access: About 50 SMEs are set to exhibit at an NBM SME Expo in Mzuzu to reach new customers. Public Safety: Police and health experts are raising alarm over deaths linked to sexual performance drugs and stimulants.

Regional Tech & Transport Policy: SADC urged member states to speed up the Single African Air Transport Market, use AI, and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure to deepen regional integration. Youth Skills vs AI: Miss Malawi Thandi Chisi told young people at the 2026 National Skills Competition in Lilongwe that vocational and technical trades may matter more than AI for long-term survival, highlighting her SFWE initiative training 600+ women in tailoring and design. Aviation Safety Caution: Malawi Air Force engineers warned MPs not to jump to technical conclusions in the Chikangawa crash inquiry without qualified aviation accident investigators. Malawi’s Tech Ambition: An entrepreneur behind SPARC Innovation Space in Lilongwe says Malawi can build a globally recognised tech firm and aims for a US$1bn business within five years. Mining & Regulation Watch: Pan Africa Mining says it extracted 2.5 tonnes of granite in Dowa for lab sampling before full-scale mining; meanwhile, experts warn Malawi’s mining rules still rely on decades-old instruments and draft regulations under the 2023 law are yet to be gazetted. Water & Health Innovation: A Malawi study found rainwater harvesting plus advanced solar water disinfection is the most cost-effective way to supply safe water in rural healthcare facilities. Clean Air Data Push: Scientists and regulators are using low-cost air monitors to generate Malawi-specific air quality data to support cleaner air rules. Digital Payments Boost: FMB Capital Holdings and Visa signed a five-year partnership to expand secure digital payments and financial inclusion across Southern Africa, including Malawi. Agriculture Digital Markets: Rice Development Trust launched a digital marketplace to connect rice farmers and buyers directly and improve access to market information.