AGP Executive Report

IMF Talks: Government says Kwacha devaluation is not on the table in negotiations for a new IMF programme, after the Fund’s mission reported progress on reforms. Parliamentary Oversight: Attorney General Frank Mbeta has joined Speaker Sameer Suleman’s court battle over plans for parliamentary committees to investigate public bodies, sharpening questions about executive interference and Parliament’s scrutiny role. Political Cooperation: UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe urged government and opposition to reject divisive politics and work together as fuel, forex and medicine shortages deepen. Economic Credibility: Economist Chifipa Mhango says an active sovereign credit rating could improve Malawi’s visibility to investors and borrowing prospects; the country’s last Fitch rating expired in 2007. Government Record: The National Advocacy Platform says Malawi is more stable after Mutharika’s first year in office, but households have yet to feel enough improvement and year two must deliver measurable results.

Parliamentary Oversight: Speaker Sameer Suleiman and Parliament are defending a court challenge to planned committees investigating alleged governance failures at state institutions. The High Court has paused the probes while it considers whether Parliament has authority to establish them. Fuel Crisis: The Malawi Congress of Trade Unions is urging immediate action to restore reliable fuel supplies, warning shortages are driving up costs for households and businesses. IMF Talks: Malawi’s bid for a new lending programme remains unresolved. The IMF says talks will continue and calls for tighter fiscal and monetary policy, a prescription economists warn could hinder recovery. Chieftaincy Dispute: President Peter Mutharika has removed Bongololo Gondwe as Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe, citing customary succession rules—a decision that revives a contested leadership dispute. Roads: The Roads Authority plans to award K587.1 billion in contracts to rehabilitate the pothole-ridden Chiweta–Karonga section of the M1.

Roads: The Roads Authority plans to award K587.1 billion in contracts to rehabilitate the pothole-ridden Chiweta–Karonga stretch of the M1, a key route for fuel and freight. IMF Talks: The Fund says discussions on a new lending programme have advanced, but no deal has been reached. Its call for tighter fiscal and monetary policies has raised concerns about investment and economic recovery. Traditional Leadership: President Peter Mutharika has removed Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe Bongololo Gondwe, citing a dispute over customary succession. Parliamentary Oversight: A court is set to hear a challenge to Parliament’s authority to establish 12 committees investigating public-sector governance; the case has halted their work for now. Public Funds: The Public Accounts Committee is questioning the use of US$13.9 million from Blantyre Water Board for Zambia maize imports, arguing the money could have helped address the city’s water shortages. Presidential Transparency: Mutharika’s fifth private trip to South Africa this year has renewed scrutiny, with officials not disclosing its purpose.

IMF Talks: The Fund praised Malawi’s economic reforms after its mission ended on October 6, but no new lending deal was agreed. Talks will continue to finalize a policy package for a possible Extended Credit Facility. Presidential Accountability: Peter Mutharika left for South Africa on his fifth private visit since returning to office; officials again gave no details about its purpose. Economic Debate: As Mutharika marks his first year back in power, opposition leaders say rising costs and shortages have left Malawians worse off, while the government points to lower maize prices as progress. Fuel Crisis: Shortages are pushing up bus fares and disrupting businesses, adding pressure on households already facing foreign-exchange and cost-of-living strains. Industrial Plans: Government says investors are expected to advance the delayed Magwero Industrial Park project, while it seeks greater participation from local businesses.

IMF Talks in Focus: Malawi’s IMF mission has praised reforms but has not agreed a new Extended Credit Facility deal yet, leaving officials waiting on a verdict as fuel and forex pressures bite. Fuel Crisis Fallout: In Zambia, police arrested 19 Malawians and five Zambians over alleged petrol smuggling into Malawi, underscoring how shortages are driving risky cross-border trade. Cost of Living Pressure: Young UDF leader Atupele Muluzi says patience is running out as forex problems fuel fuel, medicine shortages and rising prices, while the official-parallel exchange rate gap deepens the squeeze. Governance and Accountability: Mzuzu City residents back Mayor Chiyembekezo Glyn Moses’s sanitation enforcement after a resident was arrested for dumping waste on cleaned streets. Finance Regulation: Reserve Bank of Malawi Governor George Partridge urged stronger SADC cooperation to regulate cross-border financial services and protect savers. Public Services: Malawi’s medicine shortage crisis is pushing the health ministry to engage local drug manufacturers to supply hospitals via CMST. Legal/Justice: The Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed a bid by Blantyre Water Board boss Yeremiah Chihana to stop his sacking, sending the dispute to the labour court. Economy Watch: A tax justice tribunal is set to start work after panellists were sworn in, with tax disputes worth over K12 billion. Controversy: ADMARC faces fresh scrutiny over a K2.97bn tarpaulin deal, with critics demanding answers on pricing and connections.

Fuel & forex squeeze: Malawi’s fuel shortage is pushing transport fares up sharply, with commuters reporting steep hikes and resorting to hitch-hiking as black-market petrol prices soar. Tax justice: Malawi’s Revenue Appeals Tribunal is finally moving into training and operations, aiming to cut delays and restore taxpayer confidence as disputes worth over K12 billion pile up. Courts & jobs: Blantyre Water Board chief Yeremiah Chihana’s Supreme Court bid failed and he was sacked the same day, with the dispute now headed to the labour court. Traditional authority row: Government is facing controversy over the silent removal of Tumbuka Paramount Chief Bongololo Gondwe and replacement with Mtima Gondwe, despite earlier court rulings. IMF setback: Malawi has reportedly missed key IMF benchmarks, threatening immediate relief as fuel and foreign exchange shortages bite. Public services pressure: The health ministry calls medicine shortages a crisis, citing forex problems and supplier debt, and says it is engaging local manufacturers to fill gaps. Governance & participation: A study finds MPs’ absenteeism is driven by personal business interests, weak discipline, and constituency duties, raising concerns over representation. Environment & food security: UN-linked reporting warns rotting food waste drives major greenhouse gas emissions, while Malawi also tightens fishing controls with gear bans and seasonal closures. Regional developments: Zambia police detained 19 Malawians and 5 Zambians over alleged fuel smuggling into Malawi.

Fuel Crisis & Cost of Living: Bus fares in Malawi have doubled in parts of the country as fuel queues return and commuters are forced to hitch rides or skip meals; Area 25 to Lilongwe Old Town now costs K6,000 (up from K4,000) and Mponela in Dowa is K11,000 (up from K6,000), while black market pumps are reportedly charging up to K20,000 a litre. Forex Reform Debate: UDF president Atupele Muluzi says Malawi’s shortages are rooted in the forex system and calls for exchange-rate liberalisation backed by foreign currency injection. Constitutional Reform Push: A Lilongwe resident has submitted a draft bill to Parliament to end automatic vice-presidential succession, making the VP fully appointive and removable by the President. Disaster Preparedness: DoDMA unveiled a K488 billion El Niño Preparedness Plan, but says only K163.7 billion has been secured, leaving a K324.8 billion gap. Sports & Sponsorship: Standard Bank signed a K250m sponsorship deal with Blue Eagles FC, while the FDH Bank Premiership 2nd round kicks off with a tight top-four race. Pensions Regulation: RBM licensed Pro Veritas as Malawi’s first Pension Advisor, expanding independent advisory services for pension funds and members.

Wicknell Chivayo Mansion Fallout: New details after Zimbabwean tycoon Wicknell Chivayo’s helicopter death show the Harare “Gletwyn” mansion title stayed in former police commissioner Augustine Chihuri’s name, with Chivayo paying only US$1.4m of a US$2.5m deal and the rest linked to alleged “political services,” raising fresh questions over ownership and unpaid balances. Malawi Fuel & Forex Pressure: President Arthur Peter Mutharika marked his first year saying progress is real but recovery will be “painful,” with foreign exchange still the hardest problem; critics argue the fuel crisis is worsening due to forex gaps and depleted reserves, not just global shocks. First-Year Politics Under Fire: Opposition Malawi Congress Party’s Jessie Kabwila rejects the President’s “50 percent” scorecard as a “disaster,” accusing government of “lies” and pointing to suffering in hospitals. Governance & CDF Scrutiny: Questions continue over Constituency Development Fund spending, including a case where an MP’s election was nullified and new CDF projects face cost and process concerns. Education & Malawi 2063: Education Minister Bright Msaka marks World Teachers’ Day, saying teachers are central to the Malawi 2063 agenda and highlighting steps like the Teachers Council of Malawi and teacher training reforms. RBM Pension Move: The Reserve Bank of Malawi licenses Pro Veritas as the first pension adviser, aiming to plug gaps in independent advisory services for pension funds and members. Power Supply Update: EGENCO reports repairs are underway to restore Nkula B Unit 6 after a five-week outage, a key issue for load shedding. Regional Security Talks: Malawi is among countries attending Uganda’s inaugural conference on Military Operations Other Than War in Kampala, focusing on cyber threats, AI, terrorism and border security.

State of the Nation: President Peter Mutharika marks one year back in office with a televised address tonight, arguing he has restored freedom and made progress on food security, fuel stability and rebuilding roads, while acknowledging uneven gains and urging unity as Malawians face blackouts, water shortages and fuel scarcity. Power & Infrastructure: EGENCO says critical spare parts for Nkula B Hydropower Station Unit 6 have been sent to South Africa for repairs and the unit is expected back by end of October, after five weeks offline and renewed load shedding. Fuel & Forex Reality Check: An economic analysis says the fuel crisis is driven by foreign-exchange scarcity interacting with domestic vulnerabilities, not just a purely “global” energy shock. Medicines Shortages: Parliament’s health committee chair warns drug theft is deepening hospital shortages, while CMST points to supplier debt of over $18m as deliveries slow. Accountability & Politics: A rights coalition presses Mutharika to explain who is running the country, while HRDC and other voices demand stronger independence for prosecutors and anti-corruption bodies. Legal Pressure: Calls are growing to drop the prosecution of Archbishop Alick Banda, and regional Catholic bishops back a fair, transparent legal process. Food Insecurity: Experts warn El Niño could worsen food insecurity as households struggle with income, not just availability. Sports & Youth: Malawi’s Region 5 Youth Games torch arrives in Lilongwe as Minister Alfred Gangata links it to unity; meanwhile Temwa Chawinga helps KC Current surge in the NWSL. Business & Agriculture: SMEDCO buys surplus tomatoes to curb losses as farmers demand sustainable markets and financing.

Fuel & forex crunch: A neutral read of Malawi’s fuel queues says the “global vs domestic” blame game misses the point—Malawi’s foreign-exchange scarcity is the key vulnerability, with international shocks landing harder because of local pricing, credit and import-financing constraints. Health system under strain: Parliament’s health chair says stolen medicines are reaching markets abroad, while the Ministry warns drug diversion keeps hospital supplies at crisis levels, even as CMST faces supplier debt. Governance at one year: Independent audits rate President Peter Mutharika’s first year “Satisfactory” (62.2%), praising health and steadier state machinery but flagging weaker economy delivery and ongoing anti-corruption gaps. Presidential silence pressure: As Mutharika prepares to address the nation, rights groups and analysts urge him to break silence over blackouts, dry taps and fuel scarcity. Accountability & military case: Former MDF commander Paul Valentino Phiri’s arrest over alleged arms trafficking and procurement abuse keeps Malawi’s security accountability debate in focus. Church legal process: Regional Catholic bishops back Archbishop Alick Banda, demanding a fair, transparent court process in Zambia. Food insecurity warning: El Niño risks worsening hunger as households lack income to buy food, not just because food is unavailable. Sports & society: SMEDCO moves to buy surplus tomatoes to curb losses; meanwhile, Malawi’s Flames head to Angola for AFCON qualifier stakes.

Forex & Fuel Pressure: Malawi’s fuel and forex squeeze is again biting hard, with NOCMA seeking alternative payment terms and currencies for fuel imports while analysts warn the deeper forex constraint remains. Public Accountability: UTM president Dalitso Kabambe demands an independent audit of forex allocations, saying cartels and opaque distribution are worsening shortages for hospitals and businesses. Health & Medicines: Government has directed CMST to prioritise locally manufactured medicines to cut import reliance, as drug shortages persist in public facilities. Early Childhood Development: ECD centres are struggling for basic learning materials, pushing government to seek partners as funding gaps widen and caregiver allowances remain inadequate. Governance & Oversight: CfSC urges performance-based conditions on State-owned enterprises’ support, arguing taxpayers need measurable service and financial improvements. Legal & Security: Former MDF commander Paul Valentino Phiri secures bail in an ACB case over alleged illegal arms trafficking linked to Sudan routes. Sports & Institutions: SULOM explores e-ticketing for FDH Bank Premiership matches to improve gate accountability, while sports council tightens compliance rules for non-compliant associations. Regional & Church Solidarity: Catholic bishops across Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe rally behind Archbishop Alick Banda after his arrest and detention in Zambia. Infrastructure Disruption: Blantyre Water Board restores a vandalised 600mm pipeline after days of dry taps, warning supply will return gradually.

Fuel, forex and public services under strain: Malawi’s forex squeeze is again hitting fuel availability, with NOCMA seeking alternative payment terms and currencies to keep imports flowing as diesel and petrol shortages stall activity. Local governance and infrastructure: Blantyre City taps ran dry for three days after vandalism burst a key transmission pipeline; repairs are complete but supply restoration is gradual. Corruption and accountability: Ex-MDF commander Paul Valentino Phiri was granted bail in an ACB case over alleged abuse of office and dealing in terrorist property linked to a suspected arms route. Early childhood development push: Government says ECD centres lack basic materials and is turning to partners; caregivers’ allowances remain a major funding concern. Sports governance and match-day revenue: Non-compliant sports associations face new compliance measures, while SULOM explores e-ticketing to improve accountability after gate revenue and club shares shifted in the first round. Health policy: Parliament’s Health Committee is set to consider safe abortion law reforms after unsafe abortions are linked to 18% of maternal deaths. Business and tourism regulation: Malawi Tourism Authority operationalisation is expected to tighten licensing and inspections to attract investment, while the Golden Sands Hotel at Cape Maclear still awaits a suitable investor due to heritage and environmental requirements. Politics and election finance: Campaign spending rules are weak, with research showing candidates spent far more in 2025 than in 2019 despite limited legal tracking of campaign-specific money.

Health & FX Crisis Response: Malawi has directed CMST to prioritise locally manufactured medicines to ease persistent drug shortages in public facilities as foreign exchange remains constrained. Fuel Shortage Pressure: NOCMA told Parliament fuel scarcity is tied to weak foreign exchange, with demand put at about two million litres a day and estimated import needs of US$49 million. Parliament on Reproductive Rights: The Parliamentary Health Committee says it will push safe abortion law reforms after unsafe abortions are linked to 18% of maternal deaths. Justice System Trust: Malawi’s Chief Justice urged the public to keep faith in the judiciary as delays in justice delivery continue, with funding constraints cited. Court & Elections: The High Court suspended proceedings in the Lilongwe City Mtandire-Mtsiriza election dispute pending an appeal. Corruption & Security: A former Malawi Defence Force commander, General Paul Valentino Phiri, was arrested by the ACB over alleged illegal arms trafficking linked to Sudan. Public Order & Crime: ESCOM welcomed 10-year hard labour sentences for two people convicted of vandalising power infrastructure. Governance & Cities: MALGA convened a first national urban governance symposium to help councils tackle shared city and municipal challenges. Sports & Society: NBS Bank sponsored the Chiwanja Ch’a Yao festival, backing a theme focused on heritage and educating girls.

Safe Abortion Reform Push: Parliament’s Health Committee says it will take up safe abortion law reforms after warnings that unsafe abortions drive 18% of maternal deaths, with Paramount Chief Kawinga urging an end to colonial-era restrictions. Fuel Crisis Fallout: Economists and MPs are escalating pressure on Energy Minister Jean Mathanga to explain her “silence” as fuel shortages keep paralysing businesses and driving up transport costs. Chikangawa Crash Probe Under Fire: A CID officer told a parliamentary inquiry that the crash scene was tampered with, including bodies reportedly moved before investigators arrived, while questions continue over the handling of phones and the wreckage timeline. Judiciary Credibility Call: Malawi’s Chief Justice urged the public to trust the courts despite delays, as the judiciary cites funding constraints behind slow justice delivery. Legal Battles in Elections & Tax: The High Court suspended proceedings in the Gangata vs Zulu election dispute pending appeal, while it refused to halt MRA’s electronic invoicing rollout. Governance Appointments: President Mutharika appointed a new Malawi Human Rights Commission cohort, but youth groups criticised the lack of representation under age 35. Arms Trafficking Case: A former Malawi Defence Force commander, General Paul Valentino Phiri, was arrested by the ACB over alleged illegal arms trafficking linked to Sudan. Urban & Agrifood Investment Forums: Councils gathered for a national urban governance symposium, and government hosted an agrifood investment symposium to unlock private sector value chains.

Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested former Malawi Defence Force commander General Paul Valentino Phiri on five counts over alleged abuse of office and “terrorist property,” linked to alleged illegal arms trafficking in 2025; his court hearing was abruptly postponed and he’s expected to be held in police custody overnight. Opposition Under Fire: Leader of Opposition Simplex Chithyola Banda faces criticism over perceived silence on fuel shortages, forex problems, medicine shortages, rising prices and insecurity, with calls for stronger scrutiny of public spending and CDF-related issues. Military Cooperation Beyond War: Uganda will host an inaugural conference on Military Operations Other Than War, with Malawi among confirmed participants, focusing on transnational threats, cybersecurity and AI, peace support operations, climate and legal accountability. Human Rights Watchdog: President Peter Mutharika has appointed nine commissioners to the Malawi Human Rights Commission, with the cohort’s three-year term starting September 20. Local Development Pressure: Civil society groups warn Constituency Development Fund disbursements are too slow against a K1.3 trillion plan, urging a clear, time-bound roadmap; meanwhile, communities in Kasungu are pushing for faster CDF implementation and monitoring. Health Workforce Push: Vice President Jane Ansah urged African health professionals to drive local research and innovation, improve working conditions, and support clinicians’ mental health. Migration Management: Malawi repatriated 50 Ethiopian nationals with EU and IOM support to decongest correctional facilities. Kasasile Resettlement: Government’s plan to relocate Kasasile displaced families to Maji Estate faces resistance over compensation and consultation gaps.

Arrest & Security: Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested retired General Paul Valentino Phiri on five counts tied to alleged illegal arms trafficking and “terrorist property,” after months of controversy over claims that Malawi military personnel may have helped Sudanese rebels. Courtroom Drama: Phiri’s scheduled court hearing in Lilongwe was abruptly postponed, with the ex-MDF chief reportedly held in police custody overnight. Human Rights Appointments: President Peter Mutharika named nine new commissioners to the Malawi Human Rights Commission, with the cohort’s three-year term starting September 20. Energy & Economy: Energy Minister Jean Mathanga warned that foreign exchange shortages are worsening power outages by blocking imports of fuel and critical inputs. Fuel Crisis: Malawi’s fuel queues are back, with diesel supply reported at about 30% in cities and near zero in remote areas, pushing prices far above official rates. Local Development: Mzuzu City Council rolled out K8.087bn road rehabilitation projects, while contractors in Kasungu warned fuel shortages could delay RCDF-funded works. Health & Rights: UNFPA warned of a looming contraception funding shortfall that could cut access for young women, and Copua urged youth to use reproductive health services to prevent unsafe abortions.