AGP Executive Report

Food Security: Malawi’s growers face record input costs and low maize prices, while an IMF official warns further shocks and El Niño could worsen food insecurity and push up prices. Corruption Row: Speaker Sameer Suleman alleges fertiliser funds for poor households are being stolen. Information Minister Shadric Namalomba says Parliament cannot prosecute suspects, while retired judge Dunstain Mwaungulu says MPs can investigate suspected wrongdoing but must leave guilt and prosecution to the courts and law-enforcement agencies. Presidential Accountability: Government says it will not disclose details of President Peter Mutharika’s private trips to South Africa. A political science lecturer argues the public needs information because the President exercises public power; separate media reports say senior officials travelled to Johannesburg, but the claims remain unconfirmed. Fuel Shortages: Consumer advocate John Kapito is urging government to allow private companies to import fuel, as motorists face long queues and some spend hours waiting without being served.**

Corruption and Oversight: A dispute over Parliament’s role is intensifying: retired judge Dunstain Mwaungulu says MPs can investigate suspected corruption but cannot decide guilt or prosecute, while Information Minister Shadric Namalomba says criminal allegations belong with law-enforcement agencies. Speaker Sameer Suleman has alleged that fertiliser funds meant for poor households are being stolen. Presidential Transparency: President Peter Mutharika remains in South Africa on what government calls a private visit, and Chief Secretary Justin Saidi says its details will not be disclosed. A report that senior ministers and DPP officials have also travelled to Johannesburg has fuelled questions, but the gathering has not been officially confirmed. Fuel Shortages: Consumer advocate John Kapito is urging government to open fuel imports to private firms as queues persist and motorists struggle to find supplies. Prison Reform: Malawi plans community-corrections pilots to ease overcrowding: prisons hold up to 18,000 people against capacity of about 9,000, with 100 officers in training.

Minerals and Development: Malawi is among eight countries setting priorities under a World Bank initiative to expand critical-minerals investment, with reforms covering licensing, environmental oversight, infrastructure and local skills. Anti-Corruption: Speaker Sameer Suleman says he is prepared to lose his post as he calls for action against alleged theft of public funds, including money intended for fertiliser. MCP Leadership: Debate is growing over a possible constitutional change to let Lazarus Chakwera lead the party into 2030, amid calls for renewal after its election defeat. Public Accountability: Questions over state spending persist: the Anti-Corruption Bureau halted Admarc’s proposed K2.97 billion purchase of 100 tarpaulins pending an audit, while fertiliser distribution delays draw concern. Legal Reform: The Law Commission is consulting on a standalone child-marriage law to address gaps in existing legislation. Fuel Supply: Transporters say more than 250 tankers are loading fuel in Tanzania and Mozambique, offering some relief amid shortages and long queues.

Refugee Law: The Law Commission is consulting on changes to Malawi’s 1988 Refugee Act, including allowing refugees to work, trade and move more freely. Child Protection: A commission is seeking views on a standalone child-marriage law, saying gaps in existing legislation complicate enforcement. Executive Accountability: UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe wants clarity on who is running state affairs while President Mutharika is in South Africa; a legal analysis says presidential duties can be delegated. Fuel and Forex: Transporters say more than 250 trucks loading in Tanzania and Mozambique should ease fuel shortages, while the EU is urging Malawi to use tourism to boost foreign exchange. Public Spending: The Anti-Corruption Bureau halted Admarc’s proposed K3 billion tarpaulin purchase pending an audit, amid wider questions about public spending and delayed farm-input distribution. Party Politics: MCP is weighing rule changes that could allow Lazarus Chakwera to lead it into 2030, prompting concerns about internal democracy. Justice: Financial-crime cases at the High Court rose sharply, while completed cases barely increased, adding to pressure on the courts.

Presidential Accountability: UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe is demanding clarity on who runs Malawi while President Arthur Peter Mutharika is in South Africa. The government says constitutional arrangements ensure state affairs continue during his absence. MCP Leadership: The opposition party is considering changing its constitution to let former president Lazarus Chakwera lead it into the 2030 election, raising concerns about rules being rewritten for an individual. Economic Pressure: Fuel shortages are disrupting travel, and the Human Rights Consultative Committee says the government should consider raising prices as import costs rise. Parliamentary Oversight: MPs are questioning how foreign currency is allocated to pharmaceutical firms, as local manufacturers seek support to supply medicines and medical equipment. Lilongwe Infrastructure: Government has launched a road-and-bridge project to ease congestion, while the city council chief says the capital’s roads and public facilities do not meet its status.

MCP Leadership: The party says it may amend its rules to let former president Lazarus Chakwera lead it into the 2030 election, despite provisions barring him after his 2025 defeat. Pension Dispute: Blantyre District Council has invited civil servants planning a November 3 protest over the contributory pension scheme to discuss their concerns, including alleged failures to remit government contributions. Public Finance: Germany says its support helped the Malawi Revenue Authority raise more than K40 billion through tax audits in 2025–26, and has committed €68.8 million for development programmes. Government Accountability: The government will not join a civil society-led assessment of its first year in office, citing concerns about the dialogue’s methodology and representation. Mining Policy: Malawi’s plan to channel artisanal gold through state-backed buying centres faces questions over unverified estimates of illegal trade and the lack of a completed sales agreement. Extradition Ruling: The High Court has published its reasons for blocking the order to extradite Shepherd Bushiri and his wife to South Africa, citing procedural shortcomings, including the couple not being heard.

Economic Outlook: The IMF projects Malawi’s growth will slow to 2.3% in 2027, citing foreign-exchange shortages that constrain fuel, food and fertiliser imports. Farmers also say they still lack a clear FISP distribution timetable, despite officials reporting 62,000 tonnes of fertiliser in stock. Presidential Scrutiny: Government officials dismissed as fake a viral notice claiming President Peter Mutharika would return to Malawi on Friday, saying he remains in South Africa on a private visit. Government and Courts: The Industrial Relations Court lifted an order blocking the recall of former ambassador Younos Abdul Karim, allowing the move to proceed while his legal challenge continues. Accountability: Parliament is set to probe medicine theft as hospital stocks reportedly fall to 18%. Umodzi Holdings’ board suspended CEO Kamlepo Kalua, who disputes the decision and says the company is performing well. Justice and Rights: Malawi’s High Court blocked Shepherd Bushiri’s extradition to South Africa. Refugee advocates are urging government to bring forward a bill that would allow refugees to work and trade.

Economic Pressure: Government says recovery is “encouraging” and points to food, fuel, fertiliser and foreign exchange as priorities, but its reply to CCAP offered no figures to show when shortages or hardship might ease. Fuel queues are again disrupting work, while the government has launched a crackdown on black-market sales; an IMF deal remains unresolved. Farm Support: Farmers say they still lack a timetable for subsidised fertiliser, three weeks after the programme began. The supplier says 62,000 tonnes are in stock and distribution will start in seven districts, but has not set dates. Diplomatic Dispute: The Industrial Relations Court lifted an order stopping the government from recalling former Kuwait envoy Younos Abdul Karim. His challenge to the recall continues, but the government can proceed for now. Refugee Rights: Advocates are urging ministers to bring a proposed law to Parliament, saying it would let refugees work and trade and reduce reliance on aid. Court Ruling: Malawi’s High Court has blocked the extradition of Shepherd Bushiri to South Africa, ending the case. Election Oversight: The Malawi Electoral Commission has won a two-year seat on the Association of World Election Bodies’ executive board.

Economic Recovery: Government says the recovery is “encouraging” in response to CCAP criticism, citing efforts on food, fuel, fertiliser and foreign exchange as households continue to face hardship. Fuel Crisis: Authorities have launched a crackdown on hoarding and black-market sales as shortages leave motorists queuing for days and foreign-currency constraints hamper imports. Bushiri Ruling: The High Court overturned the extradition order for Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, citing serious legal flaws; the State can pursue the matter only by appealing. Public Accountability: CAMA urged merit-based appointments and stronger parliamentary oversight of State-owned enterprises, citing a World Bank estimate of K188 billion in potential government losses. Salima Sugar Dispute: Government has filed a $15 million counterclaim against AUM Sugar over alleged mismanagement and improper payments; an arbitration hearing is expected next year. Party Politics: Disputes over MCP leadership continue, with lawyer Khumbo Soko warning that Chakwera’s removal faces hurdles in the party’s delegate system.

Bushiri Extradition: Malawi’s High Court has issued its 175-page final ruling setting aside the order to extradite Shepherd Bushiri and his wife to South Africa, citing procedural flaws including denial of their right to be heard. The State could appeal. Fuel Crisis: As motorists sleep in queues and shortages disrupt work, the government has launched a crackdown on hoarding and black-market sales. The crisis is linked to shortages of foreign currency. State-Owned Enterprises: CAMA is urging merit-based appointments and tougher parliamentary oversight, warning that weak controls and political interference threaten service delivery and expose government to potential losses of K188 billion. Housing Plan: The Lands Ministry’s K8.135 trillion five-year strategy targets 135,000 affordable homes by 2031, but delivery depends on predictable public funding and private investment. Party Politics: Analysts warn that leadership feuds in the MCP, DPP and UTM could weaken their preparations for the 2030 election, and urge parties to resolve disputes through internal processes.

Court Ruling: Malawi’s High Court has issued its final reasons for overturning the extradition order against Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, citing procedural flaws including denial of their right to be heard. The state could appeal. Fuel Crisis: Motorists are sleeping at petrol stations and transport workers say they have been unable to earn a living as shortages return. Government blames foreign-currency scarcity; an IMF deal remains pending. Political Tensions: Government spokesperson Shadreck Namalomba dismissed UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe’s claims of corruption and mismanagement as unsubstantiated. Analysts are also urging MCP, DPP and UTM to settle internal leadership disputes and strengthen their parties ahead of 2030. Civil Society: HRDC says reported arrest warrants for Timothy Mtambo, Gift Trapence and Macdonald Sembereka raise concerns about democratic space; the three have asked a court to cancel the warrants, arguing their 2020 case was discontinued. Local Governance: At the launch of a 10-year decentralisation strategy, Local Government Minister Ben Phiri warned that corrupt officials would face arrest and dismissal, and urged councils to ensure public funds deliver services.

Legal Showdown: Human rights activists Timothy Mtambo, Gift Trapence and McDonald Sembereka have asked a Lilongwe court to cancel arrest warrants, arguing their 2020 case was discontinued. Their application is due to be heard Friday. Presidential Transparency: Government says President Peter Mutharika remains in South Africa on a private visit, rejecting reports that he travelled to India. Officials have given no return date. Parliamentary Oversight: MPs are investigating alleged theft of medicines from public hospitals, where supplies are reportedly critically low; the Health Committee plans to question officials, suppliers, police and the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Government Delivery: Lands Minister Chimwemwe Chipungu launched a five-year plan for land administration, housing and urban development, while calling for transparent implementation. A separate Catholic Commission assessment gave Mutharika’s first year 3.75 out of six, praising gains in education and decentralised funding but flagging foreign-exchange shortages and weak public services. Food Security: The UN warns El Niño could cut Malawi’s cereal harvest by 30% and leave four million people needing aid; it says plans exist, but early action has not yet been activated.

Fuel Crisis: With shortages entering a second week, police and energy regulators have launched nationwide operations against unlicensed fuel sellers as motorists endure overnight queues and transport costs rise. Government Scorecard: The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace gave President Peter Mutharika’s first year 3.75 out of six, praising gains in education, food availability and local development while flagging foreign-exchange shortages and unreliable energy. MCP Turmoil: Vitumbiko Mumba says the party cannot return to power without an overhaul, while Secretary General Richard Chimwendo has urged critics to leave; MP Ayuba James says he is staying. Parliamentary Oversight: MPs return on 9 November for a five-week review of 2026/27 spending, with ministers expected to report on programmes and budget delivery. Amaryllis Deal: Pressure is mounting over the K128 billion hotel acquisition: a court freeze covers K90.125 billion in linked accounts, and the pension fund’s statutory manager wants the deal reversed.

MCP Infighting: Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda told critics of Lazarus Chakwera to leave the party; lawmaker Sylvester Ayuba rejected the demand, as Vitumbiko Mumba calls for a leadership overhaul after the 2025 defeat. Parliamentary Oversight: MPs return on November 9 for a five-week review of 2026/27 spending, with ministers expected to account for progress and public funds amid economic strain. Amaryllis Deal: Pension fund statutory manager Stain Singo wants the K128 billion hotel purchase reversed, while court orders have frozen K90.1 billion in related accounts. Civic Space: A new report rates Malawi’s civic space “obstructed,” with a score of 4.85 out of 10 and seven of nine areas rated obstructed. Fuel Crisis: A shortage entering its second week is disrupting transport and business, with motorists queuing for supplies and fares rising. Public Procurement: The Anti-Corruption Bureau blocked ADMARC’s K3 billion tarpaulin deal over suspected corruption, while lawmakers have questioned the procurement.

Economic Pressure: UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe is calling for an evidence-based debate on forex shortages and their effects on businesses, families and access to medicines. In Lilongwe, motorists are reportedly waiting days for fuel, disrupting work, schools and transport. MCP Tensions: Jessie Kabwila has rebuked Vitumbiko Mumba for urging a leadership change, as the party prepares fresh regional and district elections under a court order. Public Procurement: The Anti-Corruption Bureau has stopped ADMARC’s proposed K2.97 billion deal for 100 tarpaulins pending scrutiny, amid questions over cost and value for money. Presidential Authority: Government spokesperson Shadric Namalomba says President Peter Mutharika remains in control and dismisses claims that others are making decisions on his behalf.

Fuel Crisis: Lilongwe motorists are reportedly waiting up to three days for petrol as a shortage enters its second week, disrupting travel, schools and businesses. Public Accountability: The Anti-Corruption Bureau has halted ADMARC’s proposed K2.97 billion purchase of 100 tarpaulins while it examines the deal, which would cost nearly K29.7 million per tarpaulin. Presidential Leadership: Government spokesperson Shadric Namalomba says President Peter Mutharika remains in control and rejects claims that people around him make decisions on his behalf. Agriculture: Fertiliser stocks stand at about 148,000 tonnes against estimated national needs of 450,000 to 475,000 tonnes, leaving farmers facing a major supply gap and rising prices. Mining and Foreign Exchange: State-owned Mamico says it plans to begin gold mining and processing next year, while preparations for formal gold buying await funding and final agreements.