AGP Executive Report

Agriculture Innovation: Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) says it has developed a cheaper organic fertilizer made from rock minerals and treated urine, with field trials at Bvumbwe Research Station showing performance comparable to inorganic options and plans to scale up and complete registration. Education & Digital Safety: A Malawi literacy story shows how inability to read and write can lead to serious banking problems, pushing the need for financial inclusion that works for low-literacy adults. Public Health & Leadership: Merck Foundation marked World Health Day by highlighting scholarships and capacity building for healthcare specialists across Africa and beyond, including support reaching Malawi. Ebola Governance: Kenya’s Catholic bishops urged “genuine and transparent dialogue” over a proposed Ebola quarantine and treatment facility at Laikipia Air Base, after Kenya and the US suspended the collaboration amid legal and public concerns. Energy Reliability: ESCOM reports power cuts have eased after a nationwide recovery push to clear faults and stabilise the grid. Malawi-Region Tech & Resources: Chilwa Minerals expanded its Mpyupyu West heavy mineral sands discovery target in Malawi to about 17 sq km, guiding next drilling plans. Health Policy: WHO updates at the World Health Assembly include progress on trachoma elimination recognition and continued negotiations on the Pandemic Agreement’s Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system. Mental Health Law: Malawi’s Mental Health Act of 2025 is now a year old, with experts pointing to implementation gaps and what needs fixing next.

Ebola Vaccine Supply & Global Health: India’s India-Africa Forum Summit IV was postponed over the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, spotlighting Serum Institute of India’s fast vaccine manufacturing role for Africa, including work with CEPI and Oxford on a Bundibugyo-targeting vaccine using the ChAdOx1 platform. Power Reliability: ESCOM says Malawi’s power cuts have eased after a nationwide recovery push, with engineers working to clear faults, repair damaged infrastructure and stabilise the grid. Mining & Rare Earths: Chilwa Minerals expanded its Mpyupyu West heavy mineral sands discovery in Malawi, growing the target to about 17 sq km, while Lindian Resources says Kangankunde rare earths is still on track for first production in Q4 2026 after major mining readiness progress. Public Health Policy: WHO updates from the World Health Assembly include recognition of primary health care champions and Tunisia’s validation for trachoma elimination, alongside continued work on pandemic pathogen access and benefit sharing. Water & Climate Resilience: Scientists report they’re mapping Africa’s underground water supplies to prepare for hotter, more erratic rainfall and drought impacts. Governance & Law: Malawi’s High Court ruled against a government ban on Leston Mulli’s business dealings, finding the directive was unlawfully targeted. Health & Youth Protection: WHO urges governments to protect young people from tobacco and nicotine addiction as flavoured products and nicotine pouches keep spreading.

Satellite Internet & Regulation: Namibia’s communications regulator rejected Starlink’s bid to reconsider its licence and spectrum denial, citing ownership/control non-compliance and a late submission—despite Starlink’s rapid rollout across several African countries including Malawi. Water & Climate Resilience: Scientists say Africa’s surface waters are becoming erratic as heat drives faster evaporation and sudden heavy rain, while groundwater is being mapped to guide safer, sustainable extraction. Malawi Court & Business Rights: Malawi’s High Court ruled against a government ban that barred public institutions from dealing with businessman Leston Mulli, describing the directive as unlawfully targeted and paving the way for damages. Public Health & Policy: Malawi’s Mental Health Act (2025) is now under review for implementation gaps, including how practitioners are defined and regulated. Regional Security & Anti-Corruption: SADC convened a Troika summit on peace and security in Lilongwe, alongside a regional anti-corruption conference focused on illicit financial flows. GMOs & Public Awareness: Malawi’s National Biosafety push is set to expand public education to tackle GMO misinformation and clarify safety and approval processes. Water Systems in Dowa: Beyond Water shared results from its Professionalized Repair and Maintenance project, boosting borehole functionality from 71% to 99% in targeted areas. Environment & Pollution: A Lilongwe investigation alleges regulators failed to act for months over coal-dust pollution near Kanengo, despite legal safeguards being required. Health Innovation Funding: Nexa, a new climate-health innovation initiative, opened a funding call for locally led projects across Africa and the Americas.

Rare Earths in Malawi: Lindian Resources says it is moving closer to first production at its Kangankunde rare earths project, with access established to the top of the site, Stage 1 pit and haul road development complete, explosives approvals secured, and front-end commissioning still targeted for October 2026. Water Systems: Beyond Water shared results from its Professionalized Repair and Maintenance (PRM) work in Dowa, saying borehole functionality rose from 71% at baseline to 99% during the project period, aiming to improve safe water access for rural communities. Public Health & GMOs: Malawi’s National Biosafety Authority is stepping up public awareness on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to tackle misinformation, with a nationwide campaign planned from July. Education & Gender: A Mangochi girl, Duwana Muhammad, defied early pregnancies and fee barriers to sit the PSLCE exam, earning praise and a scholarship after finishing despite girls dropping out. Environment Accountability: A Weekend Nation investigation alleges regulators failed to act for months over coal dust pollution in Lilongwe’s Kanengo area, only shutting down after complaints triggered action. Labour & Universities: Staff at Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) rejected a council-approved salary adjustment and declared a labour dispute, demanding a larger increase. Sports Tech: Standard Bank Be More Race in Lilongwe is set for a record turnout, with race tracking tech used to improve timing and fairness.

Climate-Health Innovation Funding: Grand Challenges Canada and the Science for Africa Foundation launched Nexa, a new initiative aiming to mobilize over US$50m to scale locally led climate and health innovations, with the first funding call opening June 22 across Africa and the Americas. Migration Pressure on Malawi’s Neighbours: Anti-foreigner protests in South Africa are driving thousands of Malawians to flee, with reports of people sheltering in makeshift camps ahead of a June 30 deadline that authorities say is not official, while repatriations continue. Aid Squeeze Hits Social Protection: Malawi faces a major funding gap as donor support for social protection and humanitarian programmes declines, with UNICEF warning up to one million ultra-poor people could lose support. Water Systems Upgrade in Dowa: Beyond Water presented its post–Professionalized Repair and Maintenance strategy, boosting borehole functionality from 71% to 99% in targeted areas and pushing for district-wide WASH gains. Local Tech & Research for Agriculture: Tea researchers urged farmers to adopt improved, climate-resilient tea varieties, while FAO-China-Malawi work reports early citrus breakthroughs for smallholders. Governance & Pollution Watch: A Lilongwe coal dust case raised questions over environmental oversight, with regulators accused of delays before a facility was shut down. University Labour Tension: MUST staff unions rejected a proposed salary adjustment and declared a labour dispute, demanding a larger increase for 2026/27. Digital Banking Push: National Bank of Malawi launched BankNet 360 to modernize digital banking services. Sports Tech in Action: Standard Bank Be More Race 2026 in Lilongwe expects 4,000+ runners, using upgraded race tracking for timing and fairness.

Immigration Pressure in South Africa: Thousands of Malawians and other migrants are sheltering at Durban’s Sherwood Hall as a June 30 anti-foreigner ultimatum nears, with reports of intimidation and fears of renewed xenophobic violence. Aid Squeeze Hits Social Protection: Malawi faces shrinking donor support, with UNICEF warning that about one million ultra-poor people could lose assistance as social protection funding drops and humanitarian operations face possible suspension. Local Water Reliability Push: Beyond Water shared results from its Professionalized Repair and Maintenance programme in Dowa, boosting borehole functionality from 71% to 99% in target areas. Research for Climate-Resilient Tea: Tea farmers in Mulanje were urged to adopt improved tea varieties developed to withstand climate shocks, disease and pests. Digital Banking Upgrade: National Bank of Malawi launched BankNet 360 to modernize digital banking services. University Labour Tension: Staff at MUST rejected a council-approved salary adjustment and declared a labour dispute, demanding a larger increase. Clean-up on Lilongwe Pollution: A Weekend Nation investigation alleges regulators failed to act for months over coal dust pollution near a Lilongwe rail transit facility. Malawi’s Digital Identity Plan: Government and Huawei partnered on a K311 billion digital identity project. Sports Tech Meets Community: Standard Bank Be More Race 2026 in Lilongwe expects 4,000+ runners, using upgraded race tracking tech for fair results.

Rare Earth Push: India’s IREL is reportedly in talks with Russia’s Rosneft to process samples from the Tomtor rare-earth deposit in Siberia, aiming to cut dependence on China as export curbs tighten supply. Ebola-Era Diplomacy: The India-Africa Forum Summit IV was postponed over an emerging public health situation, with Ebola fears cited, while India’s vaccine manufacturing role is highlighted. Tea Resilience: Malawi’s tea researchers urged farmers in Mulanje to switch to improved, climate- and pest-resistant tea varieties to protect yields and quality. Water Tech for Rural Malawi: Beyond Water shared results from its Professionalized Repair and Maintenance push in Dowa, boosting borehole functionality from 71% to 99% in target areas. Local Pollution Accountability: A Lilongwe coal dust case points to regulatory failures by Mepa, Mera and the city council, with workers and vendors affected for months. Digital Banking Upgrade: National Bank of Malawi launched BankNet 360 to modernize digital banking services. Education & Skills: Airtel Africa Foundation’s annual report says it connected 3,296 schools across 13 countries and funded 257 university scholarships in Malawi and beyond. University Labour Tension: MUST staff unions rejected a council-approved salary adjustment and declared a labour dispute, demanding a larger increase. Sports Tech in Action: Standard Bank Be More Race 2026 in Lilongwe expects 4,085 runners, using race tracking tech for timing and fairness. Malawi’s Water Access Plan: Dowa District Council targets 90% water access by 2028, saying it needs stronger WASH partner support to hit the goal.

Mental Health for Men: A Blantyre team is set to host “Man in the Mirror” on July 3, pushing men to speak openly about stress, failing marriages, financial fragility and suicide risk. Pollution Watch (Lilongwe): A Weekend Nation investigation says regulators delayed action as a coal dust-emitting Cear facility operated near Kanengo without proper safeguards, affecting workers and nearby food vendors. University Labour Tensions: MUST staff unions reject a council-approved salary adjustment and accuse management of bypassing negotiations, calling for a 60% increase. Digital Banking: National Bank of Malawi launches BankNet 360 to modernize digital banking services. Education & Tech Access: Airtel Africa Foundation’s annual report highlights $6.2m in FEED programmes, including internet connectivity for thousands of schools and STEM scholarships reaching Malawi. Water Planning (Dowa): Dowa District Council targets 90% water access by 2028 through a District Systems Investment Plan, stressing stronger WASH partner support. Food Prices (Maize): Ifpri reports maize prices have fallen below the government minimum farm-gate price, squeezing farmers’ margins. Innovation Policy (Malawi 2063): Malawi moves to align with an innovation-led transformation agenda via a draft Science, Technology and Innovation Policy. Sport Tech in Action: Standard Bank Be More Race 2026 in Lilongwe expects 4,000+ runners, using upgraded tracking tech for fair results.

Labour at MUST: Staff unions at Malawi University of Science and Technology rejected a council-approved salary adjustment, saying management bypassed negotiations and offered only 5–25% instead of the 60% they want, with demonstrations planned. Donor squeeze on social protection: Malawi’s social protection budget was cut from K217bn to K123bn in 2026/27, leaving a K94bn gap; UNICEF warns about support for around one million ultra-poor people and notes sharp drops in cash transfers and public works. Citrus breakthrough for smallholders: FAO-China-Malawi work reports successful domestication of high-quality citrus varieties and a “11215” framework for training and demonstrations, aiming to boost incomes for farmers. Water push in Dowa: Dowa District Council targets 90% water access by 2028 via a District Systems Investment Plan, stressing stronger WASH partnerships to meet SDG 6. Digital banking upgrade: National Bank of Malawi launched BankNet 360, an online platform for faster, safer internet banking via phones, tablets and computers. AI and fake news: Experts warn AI misuse is driving convincing false stories on social media, urging the public to verify before sharing. Wildlife under mining pressure: Conservationists say illegal gold panning is threatening wildlife reserves, from Nkhotakota to Nyika, as rangers report rising activity. Malawi innovation policy: Government is aligning Malawi 2063 with a draft Science, Technology and Innovation Policy to commercialise research, grow innovation hubs and link universities to industry. Maize prices fall: An IFPRI study says maize prices dropped to about K736/kg, below the government minimum farm-gate price of K900, raising risks for farmers.

Digital Banking Boost: National Bank of Malawi has launched BankNet 360, a new online platform aimed at faster, safer access to banking via phones, tablets and computers. AI & Media Integrity: Malawi is grappling with AI misuse spreading fake news, with police urging the public to verify stories before sharing. Ebola Preparedness: WHO-backed support is strengthening Malawi’s readiness, including medical supplies to improve response capacity. Mining vs Nature: In Karonga, residents say coal mining promises are not matched by results, while wildlife officials warn illegal gold panning is threatening sanctuaries. Innovation Policy Push: Malawi is aligning its Science, Technology and Innovation agenda with Malawi 2063, focusing on turning research into businesses and jobs for young people. Food Prices Watch: Ifpri reports maize prices have fallen below the government minimum farm-gate price, squeezing farmers’ returns. Education & Tech Access: Airtel Africa Foundation’s annual report highlights major education and digital inclusion investment, including scholarships and school connectivity. Sports Tech & Community: Standard Bank Be More Race 2026 in Lilongwe is set for a record turnout of 4,085 runners, using race tracking tech to improve fairness.

Digital Banking Upgrade: National Bank of Malawi has launched BankNet 360, a new online banking platform aimed at making services faster, safer and easier to access from phones, tablets and computers. AI & Media Trust: Malawi is grappling with rising AI misuse to spread fake news on social media, with police urging the public to verify before sharing. Innovation Policy Push: Malawi is aligning its Science, Technology and Innovation agenda with Malawi 2063, aiming to turn research and ideas into businesses, jobs and innovation hubs. Food Prices Watch: An Ifpri study says maize prices have fallen to about K736 per kg—below the government minimum farm-gate price of K900—raising pressure on farmers’ incomes. Mining vs Wildlife: Illegal gold panning is threatening Malawi’s wildlife sanctuaries, with reports of activity reaching reserves from Nkhotakota to Nyika. Education & Skills: Mubas graduates were urged to use their skills to solve national problems, while the ACB says universities must train integrity-focused graduates to curb corruption. Sports & Community: Standard Bank Be More Race 2026 in Lilongwe is set for Saturday with a record 4,085 participants, with fees supporting a local school sports facility.

Digital Transformation: Malawi’s ICT ministry says a four-year $180m Huawei plan will make the Boma Lathu data platform “real-time,” linking ministries so citizens stop resubmitting documents via paper and emails. Public Health Preparedness: WHO says Malawi is moving fast on Ebola readiness after airport screening upgrades and new lab capacity to test locally, plus a K127m donation of PPE and outbreak supplies. Energy & Infrastructure: ESCOM warns of planned Sunday and Monday power cuts in southern districts as it upgrades the Mapanga–Fundis 66kV line, replacing wooden poles with concrete to cut faults. Mining & Environment: Residents in Karonga’s Kasantha area say a coal mine’s promises have not matched outcomes, citing coal dust and polluted rivers, after regulators fined the operator for environmental violations. Social Protection Data: Malawi is transitioning the Social Registry into a “living” database to improve targeting and respond to household changes, starting with Dowa and Balaka. AI & Media Trust: Experts warn Malawi is seeing AI misuse to spread fake news, urging the public to verify before sharing. Telecom Regulation: MACRA’s new board toured Airtel Malawi, praising network investment and discussing collaboration to support digital inclusion. Women’s Economic Empowerment: Standard Bank and UN Women renew support for 20,000 women with capital access and digital/fintech skills. Anti-Corruption Education: ACB urges universities to produce corruption-free graduates, stressing integrity training for future public-sector leaders.

AI & Media Trust: Malawi is seeing rising misuse of AI to spread fake news on Facebook and WhatsApp, with false stories using fake quotes and manipulated images—Balaka Police have urged the public to verify before sharing. Digital Governance: Malawi’s Social Registry is set to shift from a static system to a “living, real-time” database to improve targeting and decision-making, with pilots in Dowa and Balaka. Public Health Readiness: WHO says Malawi is moving fast on Ebola preparedness after airport screening inspections, and has donated K127 million in medical supplies for Ebola and cholera response. ICT Modernisation: Government is banking on a four-year $180m Huawei plan to make the Boma Lathu data platform work better, linking ministries so citizens don’t keep re-submitting documents. Telecom Regulation: MACRA’s new board toured Airtel Malawi, praising network and digital investments aimed at bridging the digital divide. Trade & Security: Malawi Revenue Authority warns smuggling is being fuelled by porous borders and smarter fraud networks, calling for scanners, drones, surveillance and stronger regional data sharing. Women’s Economic Power: Standard Bank and UN Women renew a partnership to support 20,000 women with capital, enterprise skills, and digital/fintech literacy. Elections & Aid Context: A wider debate is growing over how aid cuts and austerity are reshaping education and health support across countries, with Malawi highlighted as a key place to study what comes next.

Digital Transformation: Malawi’s ICT ministry says it’s banking on a four-year $180m (about K311bn) Huawei-backed plan to make the Boma Lathu data platform actually serve citizens—moving away from emails, flash drives and paper toward MDAs sharing data through a national portal and data centre. Ebola Preparedness: WHO has praised Malawi’s readiness after inspecting Ebola screening at Kamuzu International Airport, and it has donated K127m in medical supplies (PPE, isolation items and lab materials) to strengthen response for any suspected case. Telecom Regulation & Connectivity: Airtel Malawi hosted the newly appointed MACRA board in Lilongwe, with both sides discussing network expansion, digital innovation and regulatory collaboration to support Malawi’s digital transformation goals. Women’s Economic Power: Standard Bank renewed its UN Women partnership to support 20,000 women with capital, enterprise skills, and digital/fintech literacy through Phuka, targeting entrepreneurship, trade and agriculture cooperatives. Power Reliability: ESCOM warned of planned Sunday and Monday outages along the Mapanga–Fundis 66kV line upgrade as it replaces wooden poles with concrete to cut faults. Food & Health Policy Spillover: A regional debate on maize prices and GMO safety continues to shape food security discussions across East Africa.

Digital Identity Push: Malawi’s ICT ministry is working with Huawei on a four-year $180m (K311bn) digital identity plan using the Boma Lathu platform to cut repeated paperwork and speed up public services. Ebola Readiness: WHO says Malawi is moving fast on Ebola preparedness, including airport screening at Kamuzu International Airport, trained health workers, isolation units, and new lab capacity to test locally. Public Health Supplies: WHO also donated K127m in Ebola and cholera medical supplies (PPE, disinfectants, specimen materials) to strengthen response capability. Telecom Regulation & Connectivity: MACRA’s new board toured Airtel Malawi to align on network expansion, digital innovation, and customer experience as Malawi targets a more digitally inclusive future. Women’s Economic Empowerment: Standard Bank renewed its UN Women partnership to support 20,000 women with capital, enterprise skills, and digital/fintech literacy. Education Support: CAMFED received government praise for scholarship support to girls, including an orientation for 205 new scholarship beneficiaries. Agriculture & Food Losses: AGRA is scaling post-harvest technologies in Malawi to reduce losses, promoting tools like hermetic storage bags, shellers, threshers, and tarpaulins. Power Disruptions: ESCOM warned of planned Sunday and Monday outages for upgrades on the Mapanga–Fundis 66kV line affecting Thyolo, Mulanje, Phalombe and Chiradzulu. Integrity in Universities: Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau urged universities to produce corruption-free graduates, stressing institutional integrity committees and ethical training.

Xenophobia & Migration in South Africa: Fresh waves of attacks between April and June 2026 targeted foreign nationals in cities like Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Mossel Bay, with anti-immigrant groups pushing harder enforcement—raising alarms about regional solidarity and constitutional governance. Malawi Digital Identity: Malawi and Huawei are partnering on a four-year, $180m (MK311bn) digital identity push under Boma Lathu to cut repeated paperwork and link verified citizen data across government. Ebola Preparedness: Malawi’s Ministry of Health and WHO stepped up screening at Kamuzu International Airport and strengthened border entry protocols, with supplies and lab reagents readied for rapid response. AI for Child Health: IMPALA, an AI patient monitoring system, is helping reduce child deaths in Malawi’s paediatric wards, with participating hospitals reporting major drops in mortality. Roads Governance Debate: Malawi’s proposed K245.78bn road rehabilitation plan sparked scrutiny over value for money and procurement transparency, even as engineers defend the scale needed to fix failing corridors. Education Dropout Focus: The education ministry plans community engagement in Mangochi after concerns that school-age children—especially girls—may be dropping out before upper primary. Weather Radar Upgrade: Construction of a new weather radar at Kasamba Hills (Mdeka, Blantyre) aims to improve flood and cyclone forecasting within 250km for earlier warnings. Post-Harvest Tech for Farmers: AGRA is scaling post-harvest tools in Malawi to cut losses, including hermetic storage bags and improved drying and processing equipment. Human Rights for Albinism: HRW urged Malawi to fund and implement its National Action Plan on Albinism after documenting attacks, discrimination and barriers to education and work.