AGP Executive Report

Xenophobia and repatriation: Malawi is accelerating the return of nationals from South Africa as anti-immigrant violence spreads, with hundreds sheltering at Sherwood Hall in Durban and the government preparing buses for about 1,200 people; earlier, about 150 Malawians left the Western Cape with more departures expected as families fear the June 30 deadline. Community pushback in SA: In Cape Town’s Dunoon, community and faith leaders are trying to stop an anti-immigrant march, warning it could spark more violence. Labour migration rules: Kuwait has restricted domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries and banned hiring from 27 others, including Malawi, tightening options for Malawian workers. Health: Lundazi District in Zambia vaccinated over 40,800 children under five in a polio campaign, reaching 102% of the target. Governance and accountability: Malawi’s Parliament will hold public hearings next week into the Chikangawa plane crash that killed Vice President Saulos Chilima and others. Culture and leadership: Malawi’s Ngoni royal affairs continue after Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV’s burial, with a crown prince set to act until coronation.

Malawi–South Africa migration fallout: Malawi has welcomed the first batch of 150 citizens back from South Africa’s Western Cape, with government saying more repatriations are underway as xenophobic intimidation and a June 30 deadline drive people to flee. Humanitarian safety net strain: A report highlights the collapse of Malawi’s humanitarian support for vulnerable people, while Dzaleka refugee camp residents say WFP cash support has shrunk sharply, leaving families unable to buy basic food. Governance and justice pressure: The Independent Complaints Commission says most complaints against the Malawi Police Service since 2020 remain unresolved, citing shortages of staff, vehicles and funding; separately, police have arrested former State House chief of staff Prince Kapondamgaga over the Amaryllis Hotel probe. Accountability in sport and youth: FAM says it has tracked down counterfeit Malawi jerseys’ supply network in Tanzania and Malawi, warning of arrests and prosecutions. Regional cooperation: Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique have launched efforts to cut bottlenecks on transport corridors, aiming to reduce delays and rising trade costs. Economy watch: An IMF mission has arrived for talks on a possible new ECF, focusing on fiscal policy and macroeconomic stability.

Amaryllis Hotel Probe: Malawi Police have confirmed the arrest of former Chief of Staff Prince Kapondamgaga, saying he was taken in connection with investigations into the controversial Amaryllis Hotel deal, though charges and details are still not fully released. Courtroom Twist: Reports also say a magistrate court had earlier cancelled his warrant of arrest, adding to the legal drama around the case. Judicial Reform Funding: The Judicial Service Commission says its work has stalled because new commissioners have not yet been sworn in and Treasury has not disbursed funds, delaying implementation of key judicial reforms. Education Watch: PSLCE exams have started with spot-checks reporting no major disruptions, though supervisors say some centres need extra staffing to manage the workload. Police Accountability Push: Malawi’s Independent Complaints Commission says complaints against police are rising and is calling for a standalone law to strengthen its independence and enforcement powers. Regional Climate Talks: SADC states are meeting in Lilongwe to build consensus on accessing Loss and Damage Fund climate disaster money. Safety Alerts: In Mzimba, a man living with epilepsy drowned after going to wash clothes at a stream, prompting police to urge extra precautions near rivers and streams.

Xenophobia Fallout in South Africa: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed action against groups blamed for xenophobic violence, warning citizens not to take immigration enforcement into their own hands. Malawi Repatriation Update: Malawi says the first two buses carrying 150 displaced Malawians left South Africa’s Western Cape on 6 June and are expected to arrive via Mwanza on 8 June, with processing at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre. Crackdown on Illegal Migration: Ramaphosa announced tougher measures including harsher penalties for employers of undocumented migrants and faster deportation processes, as protests continue in townships near Johannesburg. Education Watch: Malawi’s PSLCE exams begin today with 254,486 Standard 8 learners, while 78 inmates sit the exams in prison facilities nationwide. Digital Skills Push: Malawi launched a Huawei youth ICT talent programme to train young people and close the digital skills gap.

South Africa–Malawi Migration Fallout: Malawi has started a voluntary repatriation of citizens displaced by xenophobic violence in South Africa, with the first two buses carrying 150 Malawians leaving Mossel Bay (Western Cape) on June 6 and expected to arrive at Mwanza Border Post on June 8 before processing at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre. Education: 254,486 Standard Eight learners begin PSLCE exams nationwide under MANEB, with security support from the Malawi Defence Force and Malawi Police to protect exam materials and centres. Energy Access: The Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP) is leaving some rural schools and villages in the dark, with Matundu’s learners with visual impairment describing how missing electricity affects safety and learning. Environment & Economy: Malawi is urged to accelerate the shift away from biomass energy and restore degraded landscapes as environmental losses are estimated at nearly 7% of GDP annually. Fuel Costs Risk: UNCTAD warns Malawi’s fuel import bill could jump by about 2.2% of GDP if oil prices rise after Middle East disruptions. Health: Africa CDC welcomes the approval of Coartem Baby, a malaria treatment designed for newborns and infants, trialed in Malawi among other countries.

South Africa Immigration Crackdown: President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed to crack down on groups behind xenophobic violence and illegal-migration protests, warning citizens not to take the law into their own hands and saying enforcement will be handled by authorised officials. Malawi Repatriation From SA: Malawi has begun voluntary repatriation of nationals displaced in South Africa; the first two buses carrying 150 people left Western Cape on June 6 and are expected to enter Malawi via Mwanza on June 8, with processing at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre. Regional Health Security: Kenya and Uganda launched a joint Ebola preparedness assessment at the Busia border post with ECSA-HC, focusing on screening gaps and standard operating procedures. Local Governance & Rights: In Malawi, FOCSU alleges selective implementation of a civil service recruitment and promotion freeze, while tobacco harm-reduction training for 500+ nurses and midwives moves online via the Nurses and Midwives Council platform. Accountability & Business Climate: MEPA faces fresh accusations of delaying ESIA approvals, with investors alleging possible kickbacks and paralysis of projects. Sports: Malawi’s Flames coach Kalisto Pasuwa says the team will respond better after a 1-0 friendly loss to Ethiopia.

South Africa Migration Update: As anti-immigrant groups press for departures by June 30, international agencies say there’s no sign of a mass exodus of foreign nationals—no surge in assisted voluntary return requests to IOM and no increase in refugees seeking to go home to UNHCR—while regional governments keep arranging repatriations, including Nigeria’s plan for over 1,000 citizens and Ghana’s earlier returns. Malawi Electoral Commission Court Fight: Malawi’s High Court has halted government’s plan to relocate the Malawi Electoral Commission to Blantyre, setting up a constitutional showdown over executive authority and MEC independence. Eastern Region Football Boost: ERFA launched the 2026/27 Durata Premier Division with sponsorship rising to K36 million, promising stronger grassroots development. Food Safety Crackdown: Malawi Bureau of Standards destroyed about 300 bales of expired soya chunks and fined a wholesaler K2 million after market surveillance found products expired since March. Sports—Malawi Teams: Flames lost 1-0 to Ethiopia, reigniting long-running questions about performance at this level, while the Scorchers drew 0-0 with Tanzania as they fine-tune for WAFCON.

Fraud Crackdown in Mzuzu: Police arrested 34-year-old Warning Banda for allegedly posing as a Reserve Bank of Malawi official to steal cement and lime worth K480,000 from shops in Mzuzu, after shop owners failed to verify the claim. Migration Shock in South Africa: Malawi-linked displaced families in Western Cape began voluntary return trips after xenophobic violence; buses carried Mozambicans and Malawians from Kleinmond and nearby areas, with officials saying many were undocumented. Court vs MEC Relocation: Malawi’s High Court blocked government’s plan to move the Malawi Electoral Commission from Lilongwe to Blantyre until the main case is heard, keeping the relocation fight alive. Digital Push Under Scrutiny: As firms accelerate cloud, cybersecurity and AI, Malawi’s digital readiness is questioned, even as Sparc Systems wins ICTAM recognition and promotes ICT exports. Economy Watch: Economists warn the National Economic Recovery Plan may miss the mark on forex, spending priorities and implementation unless deeper structural reforms are tackled. Football & Sports: Japan donated 36 second-hand footballs to FAM for grassroots development, while Malawi’s MUBAS gears up for a research and innovation conference.

ACB Crackdown: Malawi’s government defended Anti-Corruption Bureau DG Gabriel Chembezi’s contract extension to avoid a leadership vacuum, as scrutiny grows over why a substantive director is still pending. Immigration Corruption: The ACB arrested former Immigration permits boss Alexander Maseko over alleged neglect of duty tied to a US$2,000 work-permit fee, renewing calls for tighter controls. MEC Constitutional Fight: Malawi’s High Court halted the planned relocation of the Electoral Commission from Lilongwe to Blantyre, setting up a major legal showdown over presidential authority and institutional independence. US Visa Pressure: Malawi challenged proposed US visa restrictions that could disrupt education, healthcare and business access, while the US says it reviews operations but has not announced immediate changes. Forex & Digital Exports: ICT exports are reported to have surged to K270 billion as firms push digital services to ease the foreign exchange squeeze. Environment Warning: A new national environment report warns Malawi is consuming natural capital faster than it can replenish, with forests shrinking and soils degrading. Crime & Insecurity: Armed robberies are driving fear nationwide, with renewed calls for tougher security measures.

Electoral Showdown: Malawi’s High Court has stopped President Peter Mutharika’s executive order to relocate the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) from Lilongwe to Blantyre, granting an injunction to the MCP and legislators while judicial and constitutional review proceedings begin. Governance Pressure: The Catholic Church’s CCJP says Malawi is becoming dangerously desensitised to repeated crises; government says it has taken note and will address key concerns. Economy & Costs: Transporters warn that rising operating costs and poor infrastructure are pushing up prices, with transport costs cited as up to 55% of goods’ prices. Finance Signal: Commercial banks cut the reference lending rate to 20.4% for June, down from 20.6% in May. US Visa Uncertainty: Malawi says tighter US visa rules are already affecting students, patients and business travel, raising worries about Malawi’s international standing. Public Health Boost: The US pledged up to $792m for Malawi’s health sector over five years. Xenophobia Fallout (Regional): South Africa’s anti-migrant violence is driving Mozambicans and Malawians into hiding and shelters, with repatriation efforts underway. Environment & Justice: Chikwawa villagers and civil society demand a halt to PressCane compensation payments over alleged underpayment and ongoing pollution harms. Energy Theft Crackdown: A police officer was reportedly arrested in Chikwawa for transporting charcoal in a Malawi Police Service vehicle.

US Visa Pressure on Malawians: Malawi’s foreign affairs minister says tighter US visa rules are hurting Malawians seeking study, medical care and business travel. Refugee System Under Strain: Dzaleka camp in Dowa is now holding over 60,000 people against a 12,000 capacity, with a planned relocation to Kayilizi still short of about US$90m. Forex Worries: CCJP warns Malawi risks treating the foreign exchange crunch as “normal,” as shortages disrupt supplies and push up costs. Diplomacy Cost Questions: Government says it cut diplomats abroad from 193 to 139, but critics question how MCP-era missions were heavily staffed. South Africa Repatriation: Malawi has started voluntary repatriation of nationals affected by anti-foreigner violence, as mobs target foreigners door-to-door. Legal Fallout: A homicide bail ruling sparked debate after a judge repeatedly used “unruly boys” language. Critical Minerals Push: ASX-linked Chilwa Minerals reports new niobium results in southern Malawi, while AuKing advances rare-earth exploration at Tundulu.

IMF & Malawi Economy: The IMF says it is in “accelerated” talks with Malawi for a new financial assistance programme, as it steps up support to Ethiopia, The Gambia and Burkina Faso amid fallout from the Middle East conflict and fertilizer supply disruptions. Fertiliser Factory Stalls: Malawi’s much-hyped Dzombe fertiliser plant in Dowa remains idle because it is still awaiting environmental approval and an operating licence from MEPA, pushing back production plans. Social Protection Cuts: Malawi’s social protection budget for 2026/27 has been slashed from K217bn to K123bn, threatening about one million beneficiaries, with major cuts to cash transfers and public works programmes. Diplomatic Cost-Cutting: Government reduced diplomats in foreign missions from 193 to 139, cutting 54 posts to lower salary and operating costs. Regional Xenophobia Fallout: Anti-migrant violence in South Africa continues to drive refugees and repatriation efforts, with Malawi announcing voluntary returns for citizens seeking help. Business & Tech: FDH Bank says its Mozambique expansion via Ecobank Mozambique strengthens regional trade finance, while Datacom donates MK10m to support ICTAM’s ICT Expo 2026.

Women’s Football: Malawi’s Copper Queens skipper Barbra Banda says Zambia’s Four Nations Tournament (June 6–9) should deliver tough matches ahead of WAFCON, with Zambia hosting Kenya, Zimbabwe and Lesotho at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. Migration & Safety: Malawi says it is preparing to repatriate citizens from South Africa as anti-foreigner violence spreads, with reports of Malawians and Mozambicans fleeing to community centres after mobs go door-to-door. Economy & Agriculture: Government unveiled the National Economic Recovery Plan 2025–2030, shifting from subsidies to mega farms, contract farming, solar irrigation corridors and agro-processing to boost growth and exports. Health Costs: Malawi health advocates oppose a new 25% tariff on essential medicines like paracetamol and amoxicillin, warning it will raise healthcare prices. Infrastructure: Blantyre residents fear for safety as cracks widen on Kamba Bridge, a busy link between Kamba and Mount Pleasant. Sports (Local): Creck Sporting’s interim coach Chisomo Nkhoma takes charge as the club seeks a turnaround. Business/Trade: The U.S. proposes forced-labour-linked tariffs on dozens of trading partners, a move that could ripple through regional supply chains.

Education & Exams: Geanalflo Executive Schools urged parents and guardians to back learners with study time and revision ahead of PSLCE, warning that idling after school can lead to harmful habits; the school also honoured top Standard 8 performers from Chimutu Zone after strong mock results. Xenophobia & Repatriation: Malawi has started a voluntary repatriation programme for citizens in South Africa affected by anti-migrant violence, with consular and logistical support for those who request help; the move follows reports of sheltering, attacks, and other countries evacuating nationals. Health: Malawi launched the second round of the nOPV2 polio vaccination campaign in Isoka District, targeting children under five over four days after a successful first round in Muchinga. Governance & Social Impact: The Ministry of Gender launched the Umunthu Social Index to measure social impact and development progress, while Finance Minister Mwanamvekha challenged the private sector to help drive economic recovery. Sports: Nigeria’s Super Falcons camp in Ikenne swelled to 17 players as preparations intensify for friendlies against Senegal ahead of WAFCON. Trade Policy: The US proposed new tariffs tied to forced-labour concerns, with Malawi-linked tobacco cited among goods under scrutiny.

Xenophobia and repatriation: Malawi says it is monitoring vigilante violence against African migrants in South Africa and has started diplomatic and consular steps through its High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate in Johannesburg, with a voluntary repatriation exercise planned for Malawians who request help returning home. Regional fisheries governance: SADC has reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre board, keeping momentum on tackling illegal fishing and improving vessel registers. Health at borders: Malawi has introduced mandatory health screening for all travellers entering via airports and land borders to strengthen Ebola prevention. Prison rehabilitation: 101 inmates are sitting for Junior Certificate of Education exams in Malawi prisons, as the Prisons Service pushes reintegration through education. Food security watch: The maize export ban remains in force, while Admarc depot failures and funding constraints have left some farmers waiting to sell maize. Sports—WAFCON build-up: Malawi’s Scorchers get a boost as Tabitha Chawinga and Faith Chimzimu return to camp ahead of WAFCON preparations.

Xenophobia Watch: Malawi says it is monitoring reports of vigilante attacks on African migrants in South Africa and has started diplomatic and consular steps through its missions, including high-level engagement with Pretoria. Regional Fallout: Anti-immigrant protests in South Africa’s Western Cape have driven hundreds of Malawians and Mozambicans to flee, with Mozambique claiming deaths while South African police confirm only two Mozambican fatalities. Health Alert: A four-day polio vaccination drive begins in Bulawayo, targeting children under five, after Malawi reported a circulating vaccine-derived polio type 2 outbreak. Food Security: Malawi’s maize export ban remains in force as authorities say exports are being done illegally while they await updated food balance figures. Energy & Safety: ESCOM warns that vandalism is increasingly causing power outages, while Nacala Logistics plans spikes at Chirimba railway crossing from June 8 to stop dangerous misuse. Finance & Trade: PayPal launches PYUSD “digital dollar” services in Malawi, promising faster cross-border payments. Environment: Malawi unveils biodiversity and ecosystem protection frameworks to curb natural resource loss.