AGP Executive Report

Economic Outlook: The IMF expects Malawi’s growth to slow to 2.3% in 2027, citing foreign-exchange shortages that constrain imports of fuel, food and fertiliser. World Vision says Malawians need about 20 days’ work to afford a basic food basket. Daily Hardships: Fuel shortages have left motorists sleeping at filling stations, while Lilongwe residents in some areas have gone up to seven days without running water. Farmers also face uncertainty over fertiliser distribution, despite officials reporting 62,000 tonnes in stock. Health: Vice-President Jane Ansah donated food worth K15 million to cancer patients and guardians at Kamuzu Central Hospital, urging early testing. Sport: The Scorchers thrashed Zimbabwe 9-0 on aggregate to advance in the 2028 Olympic qualifiers. Justice: Malawi’s High Court has blocked Prophet Shepherd Bushiri’s extradition to South Africa. Development: The EU pledged €260 million to support Malawi’s agriculture, education and food security.

Fuel and Forex: Motorists are sleeping at petrol stations as fuel shortages return, with the government blaming a lack of foreign currency and global energy pressures. Water Crisis: Some Lilongwe townships have gone up to seven days without running water; consumer and health advocates warn that unsafe sources could raise disease risks. Farm Inputs: Farmers say they still lack a clear timetable for subsidised fertiliser, despite officials reporting 62,000 tonnes in stock. Scorchers: Malawi’s women have advanced in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifiers after a 9-0 aggregate win over Zimbabwe; Kenya await in the next round. FAM says players were not abandoned on their return, disputing concerns after some were seen using minibuses. Housing and Refugees: The Malawi Housing Corporation estimates its 250,000-home plan could cost up to K25 trillion, while advocates urge Parliament to fast-track a bill allowing refugees to work and trade.

Justice: Malawi’s High Court has overturned the extradition order against Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, citing serious legal and procedural flaws, including denial of their right to be heard. The State can appeal. Fuel Crisis: The government has launched a nationwide crackdown on fuel hoarding and illegal sales as shortages leave motorists queuing for days and fares rising. Energy: ESCOM has signed agreements for 125 megawatts of new power from projects in Salima and Mzimba. Public Finances: Government is seeking about K26.2 billion from AUM Sugar in a counterclaim over alleged mismanagement and improper payments at Salima Sugar. Agriculture and Aid: The EU has pledged €260 million for Malawi’s agriculture, education and food security. Football: Malawi’s Scorchers thrashed Zimbabwe 9-0 on aggregate to advance in the 2028 Olympic qualifiers.

Fuel Crisis: Motorists are sleeping at petrol stations as shortages leave taxi drivers idle and households facing higher transport costs. Government blames foreign-currency constraints, while a nationwide crackdown targets illegal fuel trading. Scorchers’ Run: Malawi’s women stormed into the next round of the 2028 Olympic qualifiers, crushing Zimbabwe 7-0 in Harare to seal a 9-0 aggregate win. Temwa Chawinga scored a hat-trick. Drug Supply Probe: MPs are investigating alleged medicine theft and falsified drugs as hospital stocks reportedly fall to 18%; lawmakers sent Victoria Pharmaceuticals away to return with detailed information. Bushiri Ruling: The High Court’s final reasons confirm it set aside the extradition order against Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, citing procedural and legal flaws, including denial of their right to be heard. Malawians’ Losses in Durban: A fire destroyed a warehouse used by Malawian traders and travellers to store goods. The owner is opening an arson case, but the cause has not been confirmed.

Fuel Crisis: Motorists are sleeping at petrol stations as shortages leave taxi and motorcycle operators without work. The government cites scarce foreign currency, while President Peter Mutharika is counting on a pending IMF loan to help stabilise the economy. Scorchers: Malawi swept past Zimbabwe 7-0 in Harare to win their Olympic qualifying tie 9-0 on aggregate. Temwa Chawinga scored a hat-trick; Kenya await in the next round. Medicine Probe: MPs sent Victoria Pharmaceuticals back to prepare for a parliamentary inquiry into alleged drug theft and substandard medicines, demanding details of its licensing, operations and supply chain. Bushiri Case: The High Court has issued its full ruling ending the extradition order against Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife; they cannot be extradited under that order unless the State appeals. Civil Society: HRDC is seeking answers over arrest warrants for activists Timothy Mtambo, Gift Trapence and McDonald Sembereka, who say the 2020 case against them was discontinued.

Health: Parliament has opened an inquiry into alleged theft and circulation of unsafe medicines, as availability reportedly falls to 18% at major referral hospitals and 41% nationwide. Food Security: The UN warns El Niño could cut Malawi’s 2026–27 cereal harvest by 30%, leaving at least four million people needing assistance; it says early action and farm inputs must reach communities before planting. Fuel Crisis: Authorities are cracking down on hoarding and illegal fuel sales as shortages keep motorists queuing and push prices higher on the black market. Politics: 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. Government meanwhile says President Peter Mutharika remains in South Africa on a private visit, denying reports he travelled to India. Development: Lands Minister Chimwemwe Chipungu has launched a five-year plan focused on land administration, affordable housing and urban growth.

Fuel Crisis: As shortages enter a second week, MERA and police have launched a nationwide crackdown on illegal fuel sales. Motorists are sleeping in queues, while black-market prices have reportedly reached K20,000 a litre against the regulated K5,619. Economy and Services: A Catholic Commission assessment gave President Mutharika’s first year 3.75 out of six, citing gains in food availability, free education and local development, but warning that foreign-exchange shortages still hamper recovery. Political Tensions: MCP divisions deepened as Vitumbiko Mumba declared the party unfit to return to power, while MP Ayuba James rejected calls for critics to leave, insisting the party belongs to no family or faction. Public Accountability: The K128 billion Amaryllis Hotel takeover faces mounting pressure: a statutory manager wants the deal reversed, while courts have frozen K90.1 billion linked to the transaction. Parliament will return on 9 November to review government spending. Health Cooperation: Tanzania has offered Malawi cheaper medicine supplies and proposed joint procurement to help ease shortages in public facilities. Beach Soccer: Malawi’s team moved closer to a third straight Afcon finals appearance with a 6-2 win over Seychelles.

Fuel Crisis: Malawi’s fuel shortage has entered its second week, with motorists sleeping in queues and transport fares rising as commuters struggle to get to work. Lake Malawi Tragedy: One woman was reported dead after the MV Chambo caught fire and was destroyed; more than 40 people were rescued. Women’s Football: The Scorchers take a 2-0 lead into Tuesday’s Olympic qualifier return leg against Zimbabwe in Harare, while Malawi’s beach soccer team beat Seychelles 6-2 and are close to a third straight Afcon qualification. Public Spending: Parliament will reconvene on 9 November for five weeks of scrutiny of the 2026/27 budget, amid pressure over living costs and public services. Health Cooperation: Tanzania has offered Malawi access to lower-cost medicines through joint procurement, while Vice-President Jane Ansah urged women to seek early breast cancer checks. Amaryllis Deal: A court freeze on K90.1 billion linked to the hotel acquisition deepens scrutiny of the K128 billion pension fund transaction.

Lake Disaster: At least three people, including a Malawian woman, died when the MV Chambo caught fire on Lake Nyasa; more than 40 passengers were rescued. Authorities say the vessel was carrying heavy cargo as they investigate the cause. Fuel Crisis: Lilongwe motorists are sleeping in queues for petrol, with shortages disrupting travel, schools and businesses as the crisis enters its second week. Forex and Economy: UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe is urging an open debate on foreign-currency shortages and their effects on families, businesses and access to medicines. Public Spending: The Anti-Corruption Bureau has blocked ADMARC’s proposed K2.97 billion purchase of 100 tarpaulins pending scrutiny of the deal. Health: Malawi’s essential-medicine availability has fallen, with hospitals facing depleted stocks amid forex constraints and supplier debts. Football: Big Bullets beat Blue Eagles 2-0 to move top of the FDH Bank Premiership, while Malawi’s beach soccer team take a 6-2 lead into their AFCON qualifier return leg.

Lake Malawi Disaster: MV Chambo caught fire in Tanzanian waters while travelling to Mozambique. Some passengers were reportedly rescued, but claims of deaths remain unconfirmed as authorities have yet to establish the toll or cause. Fuel Crisis: Motorists in Lilongwe are waiting up to three days for petrol, disrupting commutes and hurting businesses as the shortage enters its second week. Scorchers: Malawi’s women beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in a Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifier, with Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga scoring. The government wants every school to form a girls’ football team to develop future stars. Farmers Under Pressure: Malawi faces a fertiliser shortfall of more than 300,000 tonnes ahead of the rainy season, while prices have surged and supplies remain scarce. Gold and Forex: State-owned Mamico is preparing gold-buying centres and hopes to begin mining and processing next year, aiming to curb smuggling and boost foreign exchange earnings. IMF and Economy: Ahmed Dassu has urged President Peter Mutharika to be candid about the government’s promised IMF deal, as officials insist kwacha devaluation is not part of negotiations.

Fuel Crisis: Motorists in Lilongwe are waiting up to three days for petrol as Malawi’s shortage disrupts work, school runs and business. Scorchers: Malawi beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in the first leg of their Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifier, with Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga scoring; the return match is Tuesday in Harare. Mining and Forex: Rare-earth extraction has begun at Kangankunde in Balaka, while state-backed Mamico is preparing gold trading centres to give small-scale miners a formal market and curb smuggling. Amaryllis Hotel: The High Court has frozen K90.125 billion in accounts linked to the hotel deal as legal proceedings continue over the controversial acquisition. Girls’ Football: Local Government Minister Ben Phiri wants every school to have a girls’ football team, with support from sports funding in the Constituency Development Fund.

Gold Trade: Malawi plans to open three formal buying centres after identifying more than 100 mining sites in 26 districts. The state-backed miner says the centres could curb smuggling and bring more foreign currency into the country; operations await an agreement with the Reserve Bank. Economic Strain: Local Government Minister Ben Phiri acknowledged hardship and urged patience as fuel shortages, forex scarcity and rising business costs continue to weigh on households and companies. Scorchers: Malawi beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in the first leg of their Olympic qualifier, with goals from Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga. Up to 10,000 fans may attend Tuesday’s return match in Harare under CAF conditions. Amaryllis Hotel: The High Court has frozen MK90.1 billion in accounts linked to the controversial hotel purchase while legal proceedings continue. Civil Registration: Government is distributing 152 printers to health facilities and registration offices to bring birth, death and marriage certificate services closer to communities. Power Supply: ESCOM signed an agreement to connect a planned 50MW solar plant in Mzimba to the grid, a step toward boosting electricity supply.

Scorchers: Malawi beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in the first leg of their Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifier, with Temwa and captain Tabitha Chawinga scoring. The return leg is next week in Harare. Power Supply: ESCOM signed connection agreements for a 75-megawatt power project in Salima, which it says could boost baseload generation and reduce unserved energy. Fuel Crisis: Shortages have entered a second week, disrupting transport as CAMA warns black-market prices have reached K20,000 per litre. Public Procurement: The Anti-Corruption Bureau has blocked ADMARC from awarding a proposed K3 billion contract for 100 tarpaulins while it investigates suspected corruption; the move does not establish wrongdoing. Registration Services: UNDP has donated 152 printers to help bring birth, marriage and death registration closer to communities.

Amaryllis Probe: A court has frozen K90.125 billion in accounts linked to the controversial hotel purchase. Separately, writer Onjezani Kenani condemned footage reportedly showing cash moved in vehicles with police security; investigations continue. Economy: Government says Kwacha devaluation is not part of IMF talks, while the Fund says progress has been made toward a possible new lending programme. Fuel shortages continue to drive up transport costs. South Africa Violence: After cars were torched and shops looted during anti-migrant clashes, South Africa withdrew its asylum-processing directive. The unrest has renewed concern for Malawians living there. Food and Farming: Blantyre has received 25,067 Farm Inputs Subsidy coupons, while Nsanje farmers are adopting water-saving methods amid El Niño concerns. Sports: Eight Malawian referees have been appointed to FIFA and CAF women’s Olympic qualifying and Confederation Cup matches. Veterans’ Welfare: The Malawi Defence Force says work is underway on a Veterans Act to provide a lasting framework for healthcare, housing and other support.

Economy: Government says devaluing the kwacha is not part of IMF talks, after the Fund’s mission reported progress toward a possible new lending programme. Economist Chifipa Mhango says an active sovereign credit rating could improve Malawi’s visibility to investors and lower borrowing costs; the country’s last rating expired in 2007. Parliamentary Oversight: Attorney General Frank Mbeta’s entry into Speaker Sameer Suleman’s court battle has sharpened a dispute over parliamentary committees investigating public institutions and the Legislature’s oversight powers. Scorchers: Malawi’s women prepare to face Zimbabwe in an Olympic qualifier, with premium tickets sold out after their landmark WAFCON run. Malawians in South Africa: Fresh anti-migrant violence, including arson and looting, has renewed concern for Malawians caught up in the unrest.

Scorchers: Malawi face Zimbabwe in Friday’s first-leg Olympic qualifier at Bingu National Stadium, but midfielder Faith Chimzimu is out injured. Airtel has given the team 5G routers and a year of data after its historic WAFCON run. Power Project: Mpatamanga’s resettlement programme has completed 28 of 48 homes, with relocation expected to begin in December. Fuel Crisis: Shortages are driving up transport costs and bus fares. The Malawi Congress of Trade Unions is urging immediate action to restore reliable supply and curb illegal trading. IMF Talks: Discussions on a new lending programme have advanced, but no staff-level agreement was reached. The Fund says tighter fiscal and monetary policies are needed, raising concern among economists about investment and recovery. Roads: The Roads Authority plans to award K587.1 billion in contracts to rehabilitate the Chiweta–Karonga section of the M1. Wildlife Safety: Incomplete fencing around Vwaza Marsh has left nearby communities exposed; a lion believed to have strayed from the reserve killed a man last month.