AGP Executive Report

Tax Tech Rollout: Malawi Revenue Authority expands its Kalondola Excise Tax Stamp System to 14 sites and 22 manufacturing machines, partnering with SICPA to improve monitoring, boost revenue and curb illicit trade. Parliament Oversight: Speaker Sameer Suleman flags absenteeism as Parliament rises sine die, while lawmakers order a fresh probe into the Kangankunde rare earth mine over licensing, compliance and alleged export of mineral samples. Mining Reality Check: Mining Minister Thoko Tembo says inspections found no evidence of illegal mining, explaining that rare earth exploration needs large sample quantities for lab testing. Justice & Skills: Mzuzu University trains court clerks and reporters on interpretation, translation and records management to improve court proceedings. Health Tech: Early lung cancer detection training reaches 80 healthcare workers in Lilongwe, urging more investigation for persistent coughs. Food Prices Debate: A new IFPRI study argues Malawi’s maize price stabilisation tools—reserves, export bans and minimum farmgate prices—can’t fully shield people without better financing and operations. Food Security Update: Mvac projects food-insecure families falling to 2.6 million in 2026/27, helped by improved rainfall and maize output. Education for Innovation: MUST graduation sees calls for science and technology graduates to become job creators, with Standard Bank pledging K50m to the MUST Endowment Fund. Infrastructure Finance: Mubas pushes practical financing solutions to narrow Malawi’s infrastructure investment gap ahead of an international conference. Regional Shock: Reports say over 178,000 Africans have fled or been deported from South Africa, with Malawi among the biggest returnees, raising concerns for labour and access to services.

Education & Skills: Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) drew fresh attention as Education Minister Bright Msaka urged graduates to become job creators using science and technology for industrialisation, while Standard Bank pledged K50m to the MUST Endowment Fund to back scholarships, research and innovation. Health Tech: In Lilongwe, 80 healthcare workers were trained on early lung cancer detection, with experts stressing prompt investigation of persistent coughing to improve survival chances. Mining & Critical Minerals: Government moved to calm fears around the Kangankunde rare earth project in Balaka after parliamentary scrutiny, saying inspections found no evidence of unauthorised commercial mining or unlawful exportation, and explaining why large sample volumes are needed for lab testing. Policy & Development Data: Malawi was ranked 139th of 167 on the 2026 SDGs Index, with zero or negligible progress flagged for poverty, clean energy and industry, innovation and infrastructure. Digital Economy: Parliament warned that a push toward cashless payments could exclude rural communities unless mobile network coverage and bank digital systems improve. Agriculture & Resilience: The Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee projected food insecurity falling to 2.6m people in 2026/27, citing improved rainfall and higher maize output.

SDG Scorecard: Malawi slipped to 139th out of 167 on the UN SDGs Index, with “zero or negligible” progress flagged for poverty, clean energy and industry—while rural road gaps are blamed for holding back agriculture and service delivery. Food Security Update: The Mvac projects food-insecure people will fall to 2.6 million in 2026/27, down from 4 million, citing improved rainfall and higher maize output. Health & Regulation: Malawi’s Medical Council disciplined 13 health workers over misconduct, including failures on informed consent, unsafe prescribing, poor records and falsified internship reports. Digital Payments Warning: Parliament warns a cashless push could exclude rural communities unless mobile coverage and bank systems improve. Education for Industry: MUST graduates were urged to turn science and technology into industrial solutions, with Standard Bank pledging K50m to the MUST Endowment Fund. Music Royalties Tech: MMC Publishing offered COSOMA a broadcast monitoring system to settle royalty disputes using auditable airplay logs. Nutrition Cost Shock: FAO says the price of a healthy diet in Malawi more than doubled since 2017, pricing many households out of nutritious food. Mining & Rare Earths: Drilling updates from Chilwa Minerals and AuKing’s rare-earth project keep critical-minerals interest focused on Malawi’s heavy rare earth potential.

Science & Industry Education: Malawi’s Education Minister Bright Msaka challenged MUST graduates to turn science, engineering and research into businesses that drive industrialisation, jobs and value-add across sectors. Banking & Innovation Funding: Standard Bank invested K50 million into the MUST Endowment Fund to sustain teaching and research, while NBS Bank highlighted ongoing digital innovation and youth/community support through promotions. Digital Payments Debate: Parliament warned that a push toward cashless transactions could exclude rural communities unless mobile networks and digital systems improve and banks fix delays and failed-payment reversals. Food & Nutrition Crisis: FAO data shows the cost of a healthy diet in Malawi more than doubled from 2017 to 2025, pushing many households toward unhealthy choices. Agriculture Resilience: Farmers in Chikwawa say affordable organic fertiliser is helping them cope with input price shocks, and a new chickpea variety is being piloted to boost climate resilience. Mining & Rare Earths: Chilwa Minerals reported progress in Mpyupyu West drilling, while AuKing expanded its rare earth project in southern Malawi. Governance & Media: Malawi’s government asked MACRA to investigate Zodiak Broadcasting Station and Luntha TV over alleged false reporting and ethics breaches. UNDP & Blockchain: UNDP is moving blockchain from pilots toward deployment in digital public infrastructure, focusing on governance and trust.

Visa Policy: The US has made permanent a visa bond programme for citizens of 30 African countries, requiring up to $15,000 before getting B-1/B-2 visitor visas, while 24 countries are exempt under the final rule effective 3 August 2026. Agriculture & Food Security: Organic fertiliser is helping some Malawian farmers beat rising input costs, as FAO data shows the price of a healthy diet in Malawi more than doubled from 2017 to 2025, pushing many families toward unhealthy choices. Digital Inclusion: Malawi’s push toward cashless payments is raising alarms about rural exclusion, with lawmakers warning that weak mobile networks and bank systems could block people from accessing services. Education & Skills: Malawi and Egypt renewed cooperation to expand scholarships, strengthen vocational training, boost AI training, and improve teacher development. Mining & Rare Earths: Chilwa Minerals reports continued drilling success at Mpyupyu West in Malawi, while AuKing expands its rare earth project footprint in southern Malawi. Health: Global research flags rising antibiotic resistance in children, and Malawi-linked work highlights the need for better screening and care pathways. Archaeology: A University of Oklahoma researcher helped lead findings protecting Malawi’s Hora 1 site, where evidence suggests intentional cremation about 9,500 years ago.

Media Accountability: Malawi’s government has accused Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) and Luntha TV of false reporting and breaches of journalistic ethics, urging the regulator to discipline them after claims about President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s travel and a controversial interview predicting Vice-President Jane Ansah’s succession. Aviation Forensics: The Chikangawa plane crash inquiry has moved into a forensic phase, with South African experts set to review post-mortems and records and assess Malawi’s DNA, toxicology, radiology and mortuary capacity. Public Health: A major global study warns antibiotic resistance in children is rising, projecting steep increases in resistance by 2035 unless action accelerates. Food & Nutrition: FAO data shows the cost of a healthy diet in Malawi more than doubled from 2017 to 2025, pricing many families out of nutritious food and deepening the nutrition emergency. Rare Earths & Governance: Malawi’s parliament speaker Sameer Suleman ordered suspension of Kangankunde Rare Earths operations after concerns the firm may be operating under the wrong licence scale. Connectivity & Tech: TNM shareholders approved its K11.5bn acquisition of Open Connect Limited to expand and improve the national fibre network. Archaeology: A University of Oklahoma researcher helped lead findings at Hora 1 in Malawi, protecting a site with the world’s oldest known in situ adult funeral pyre (~9,500 years old). Climate-Smart Seeds: A new chickpea variety is being piloted in southern Africa, aiming to cut nitrogen needs and boost resilience for farmers facing climate and input shocks. Digital Finance: NBS Bank says it will keep investing in digital innovation and youth/community programmes as it expands customer-focused services.

Rare Earth Oversight: Malawi’s Parliament demands answers over Kangankunde rare earth mine in Balaka after reports of 27,000 tonnes of ore stockpiled and blasting since July 1 before commercial production. Nutrition Crisis: FAO warns Malawians are being priced out of healthy diets as the cost of a healthy diet rises from $2.38 (2017) to $5.01 (2025), pushing families toward unhealthy eating. Climate-Resilient Farming: A new chickpea variety is being piloted in Malawi and other southern African countries, promising lower nitrogen needs and better resilience as cereal yields struggle. Digital Health & HIV Care: WHO-linked studies at AIDS 2026 highlight that wider diagnostic screening and consistent TB and advanced HIV guidance can improve detection of opportunistic infections. Tourism Risk Insurance: NICO General and Minet Malawi launch Safari Plan Insurance tailored to tourism and hospitality risks, aiming to boost resilience beyond basic motor cover. Digital Finance Push: NBS Bank pledges continued investment in digital innovation and youth/community programmes after its Kwakoma promotion draw. Innovation in Education: Mzuni students created MiLab Virtual Laboratory to keep practical science learning going during Covid-era disruptions. Infrastructure Research Spotlight: MUST wins an innovation fund pitch for an organic fertilizer project, securing K78 million to scale climate-smart farming.

Malawi Investment Outlook: A new Don Consultancy Group report says Malawi’s “high-pressure” economy (MPI 78) is also where investors can find returns, pointing to agriculture, agro-processing, energy and digital tech as priority sectors where private capital can cut imports and strengthen value chains. Telecom Upgrade: TNM shareholders have approved the K11.5bn acquisition of OCL, aiming to expand and improve the national fibre network and lower long-term operating costs. Rare Earths Scrutiny: Malawi’s parliament has ordered a fresh probe into the Kangankunde rare earths project after concerns over licensing, missing technical and environmental documents, and questions around stockpiled ore and exports for testing. Health Tech & Care: Malawi is set to launch a structured G2G labour export programme for healthcare workers, while separate research highlights how better diagnostic screening can improve care for advanced HIV. Innovation & Research: Mzuzu University students built MiLab, a virtual lab to keep practical science learning going during Covid disruptions. Maternal Health (Regional): Kenya and the Beginnings Fund signed a five-year deal to expand quality maternal and newborn care—an example Malawi may watch as it plans health system investments. Ancient Science: An OU researcher helped lead work protecting Hora 1, home to the world’s oldest known in situ adult funeral pyre, dating to about 9,500 years ago.

Hunger Watch: The UN’s FAO says global hunger fell by about 43 million people from 2022 to 2025, but Africa still carries the heaviest burden, with 20% of Africans food insecure in 2025. Connectivity Boost: TNM shareholders have approved its K11.5bn acquisition of Open Connect Limited to expand and improve Malawi’s fibre network, alongside a dividend payout. Rare Earths Scrutiny: Malawi’s parliament orders a fresh probe into the Kangankunde rare earth mine in Balaka, after concerns over licensing, missing technical documents, and exports of mineral samples. Health Worker Migration: Government says it will launch a structured G2G labour export plan for healthcare workers, but advocates warn against premature celebrations. TB Vaccine Hope: South Africa’s health authorities report progress on the M72/AS01E TB vaccine, now in Phase 3 trials including Malawi. Innovation for Farming: MUST wins K78m in an innovation fund pitch for an organic fertilizer project, pushing locally driven solutions for agriculture. Power Reliability Pressure: An energy expert urges Escom to overhaul its failing grid, warning repeated blackouts could trigger an economic catastrophe. Tech in Education: Mzuni students created MiLab, a virtual lab that keeps practical science learning going even when classrooms close. SME Digital Tools: A Malawian entrepreneur’s AI trade platform aims to help SMEs digitise records, manage inventory, and improve access to finance.

Rare Earths Oversight: Malawi’s parliament orders a fresh 30-day probe into the Kangankunde Rare Earths Mine in Balaka, questioning its licence status, missing Environmental Impact Assessment and other key documents, and whether mineral samples exported to Zambia and Australia are properly accounted for. TB Vaccine Hope: South Africa’s health department says the M72/AS01E TB vaccine is progressing in Phase 3 trials in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi and Indonesia, with plans to prepare for early access if approved. Faster TB Testing on the Ground: Malawi’s community sputum collectors say turnaround times are improving after lobbying for resources like Gene-Xpert machines and reagents, helping patients get results and start treatment sooner. Health Tech for Malawi: A portable blood test called RevDx promises full blood counts from a single finger prick in about 30 seconds, aiming to cut lab bottlenecks and delays. Power Reliability Pressure: An energy expert warns Escom’s crumbling grid is risking an “economic catastrophe,” urging AI-based monitoring to prevent outages. Digital Tax Stamps: Malawi Revenue Authority pushes digital tax stamps to strengthen excise compliance, traceability and enforcement against irregular trade. Women in Innovation: Malawi’s Women’s Innovation Day calls for better funding, mentorship and support to help female innovators lead in science, tech and health. Electricity Push: Energy Minister Jean Mathanga says government is engaging private investors to expand generation and storage, including commissioning a 10MW solar plant to ease blackouts.

TB Vaccine Push: South Africa’s Department of Health says the M72/AS01E TB vaccine is moving through Phase 3 trials in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi and Indonesia, with plans to secure early access if approved—potentially the first new TB vaccine in over a century. Community TB Case-Finding: Malawi’s community sputum collectors are cutting lab turnaround delays by lobbying for resources like Gene-Xpert machines, aiming to find every missing TB case faster. Power Reliability Warning: An energy expert urges Escom to overhaul its maintenance and monitoring, warning that repeated nationwide blackouts risk an “economic catastrophe” and calling for AI-based fault detection. Agriculture Budget Critique: A study says Malawi’s 2026/27 budget favours consumption over productivity, with agriculture funds largely swallowed by FISP and too little for irrigation, research, extension and value addition. Fast Blood Testing Tech: A portable, one-finger-prick device (RevDx) can run a complete blood count in about 30 seconds, targeting bottlenecks from centralized labs and technician shortages. Digital Tax Stamps: Malawi Revenue Authority’s digital excise tax stamps aim to improve traceability and protect the formal market by strengthening authentication and enforcement. Malawi Economy Pressure: Malawi’s GDP growth recovered to 2.5% in 2025, but the Malawi Pressure Index still flags “moderate pressure,” with inflation still far above the Reserve Bank of Malawi target band. Women in Innovation: Malawi’s Women’s Innovation Day calls for better funding, mentorship and support so female innovators can lead in science, tech and agriculture. Human Trafficking Goes Digital: Malawi’s Home Affairs Minister warns scammers now use social media and fake job adverts to lure victims abroad, urging faster cyber readiness and public vigilance.

US–Africa Health Fallout: A US State Department slide at the AIDS 2026 conference in Rio mis-mapped every highlighted African country, including Nigeria, Mozambique, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Malawi and Uganda, and Washington has since apologized, saying a staffer made last-minute edits to the deck. Immigration Policy Shock: The US has made permanent a visa bond programme for B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries, with bonds up to $20,000—30 of them African—effective 3 August 2026. AI in Malawi’s Leadership: Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) urged executives to embrace AI for digital transformation, after a survey showed many organisations are still hesitant. Digital Governance: Malawi’s reformed Constituency Development Fund dashboard will give top officials real-time tracking of projects, aiming to end delays from paper reports. Economy Watch: Malawi’s new Pressure Index flags “high pressure” conditions (MPI 78), even as inflation eased to 21.1% in June. Power & Storage: Energy Minister Jean Mathanga says government is pushing generation and battery storage, including commissioning a 10MW Nanjoka solar plant. Health Innovation: South Africa’s TB vaccine push includes phase three trials in Malawi for the M72/ASO1E vaccine. Human Trafficking Warning: Malawi’s Home Affairs Minister says trafficking has gone digital, with social media and fake job adverts targeting jobseekers. Local Tech for Trade: Malawi Revenue Authority’s digital tax stamps aim to improve excise compliance and traceability in the formal market.

Digital Human Trafficking Warning: Malawi’s Home Affairs Minister Peter Mukhito says traffickers are moving online, using social media and fake job adverts to lure victims into exploitation abroad, urging stronger cyber skills and public vigilance. Power & Grid Stability: Energy Minister Jean Mathanga says government is engaging private investors to expand electricity generation and storage, including the commissioning of a 10MW Nanjoka solar plant to ease outages. Inflation Pressure Check: Malawi’s headline inflation fell to 21.1% in June from 23.4% in May, but remains far above the Reserve Bank of Malawi target band, with a new Malawi Pressure Index flagging high macro-economic stress. Health Tech & Research: South Africa’s TB vaccine push is progressing, with the M72/ASO1E vaccine in phase three trials across South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi and Indonesia. Education & Healthcare Funding: First Capital Bank and founder Hitesh Anadkat donate K35m to Kamuzu University of Health Sciences to support financially disadvantaged students. Governance Data Systems: Malawi launches a real-time digital dashboard to track Constituency Development Fund projects, aiming to end delays from paper reporting. Agritech Against Floods: In flood-prone Shire Valley areas, farmers are using irrigation and flood-resilient practices to protect yields and reduce hunger. Malawi in the Global Tech Spotlight: A US State Department map at an AIDS conference mislabelled African countries, with Malawi among those shown inaccurately, prompting an apology.

Digital Governance: Malawi’s Reformed Constituency Development Fund dashboard was launched to let the President and top ministries track thousands of projects in real time, ending delays from paper reports. Tax Tech: Malawi Revenue Authority’s digital tax stamps aim to improve excise compliance and traceability, but the system’s impact depends on registration, authentication and enforcement working together. Macroeconomic Pressure: A new Malawi Pressure Index (MPI) put inflation conditions in “high pressure” territory, with June headline inflation easing to 21.1% but still far above the RBM target band. Power & Storage: Energy Minister Jean Mathanga says government is courting private investors to expand generation and battery storage, with a 10MW Nanjoka solar plant due for commissioning. Health Security (Regional): Eswatini will host 300+ regional health experts to shape health security, innovation and sustainability across the ECSA region. Health Tech & Research: Malawi’s Women’s Innovation Day urged more female leadership in science and tech, citing gaps in funding, mentorship and innovation support. Agritech & Food Security: Malawi seized 600+ fake fertilizer bags, warning farmers to buy only from licensed dealers and check MBS certification marks. Mining & Rare Earths: AuKing advances deeper diamond drilling at Tundulu after RC results showed widespread carbonatite, targeting a maiden resource estimate. Human Safety: Malawi warned that traffickers are increasingly using smartphones and social media for fake jobs and scams, urging people to verify before trusting.

Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh won historic judo golds for India at Glasgow 2026, with Dey’s comeback in the -48kg final turning a brief deficit into a golden-score win. Power & Grid Stability: Malawi’s Energy Minister Jean Mathanga says government is engaging private investors to expand electricity generation and storage, pointing to the upcoming commissioning of a 10MW Nanjoka solar plant in Salima to ease outages. Women in Innovation: Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme urged women to step into leadership roles in innovation, citing gaps in funding, mentorship and intellectual property support. Healthcare Infrastructure Delay: Kamuzu University of Health Sciences’ proposed $1bn teaching hospital and hospital city in Chileka remains a source of frustration as families await compensation and construction timelines. Digital Governance: A new reformed Constituency Development Fund dashboard will let top officials track project progress in real time, aiming to end reliance on delayed paper reports. Agri-Tech & Food Security: Malawi seized over 600 fake fertilizer bags and warned farmers to buy only from licensed agro-dealers with proper Malawi Bureau of Standards certification. Research & Regional Health: Kenya and 10 other countries, including Malawi, are developing a framework to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks. Science in Nature: New reporting highlights how dragonflies fly like fighter jets and how Lake Malawi “lake fly” larvae survive extreme depths by diving far below oxygen-poor waters.

Flood-smart farming: In Nsanje’s Shire Valley, farmers are using banana suckers to rebuild soil and livelihoods after floods and cyclones, with a project distributing 1,064 suckers to 100 farmers across 15 communities. Biosafety updates: Ghana’s National Biosafety Authority submitted its Fifth National Biosafety Report, showing progress from paper frameworks to a functioning regulator that issues and enforces decisions. Health tech and trust: The US State Department apologized after an AI-generated Africa map at AIDS 2026 mislabelled every country shown, including Malawi, raising fresh questions about oversight in global health presentations. Regional health procurement: Kenya and 10 other countries, including Malawi, are finalising a regional pact to jointly buy emergency medical supplies during outbreaks, aiming to cut costs and speed access. Agri inputs integrity: Malawi authorities seized over 600 fake fertilizer bags and urged farmers to buy only from licensed dealers and check MBS certification and batch details. Macro pressure: Malawi’s new Pressure Index (MPI) recorded a high reading of 78, signalling rising economic stress amid global uncertainty. Human trafficking online: Malawi warned that traffickers are increasingly using smartphones, social media, fake job ads and recruitment scams, and announced plans to tighten the Immigration Act. Malaria forecasting research: A new study links ocean temperature patterns to malaria risk in Malawi via soil moisture, pointing to a potential early-warning tool. Rare earths push: AuKing advanced deeper diamond drilling at its Tundulu rare earths project after widespread carbonatite was found in earlier RC drilling. Water infrastructure: Malawi set a June 2027 target for finishing the Salima–Lilongwe Water Supply Project, still needing about K350bn to complete construction.