AGP Executive Report

Artisanal Mining Health Risks: Malawi’s Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA) has inducted an Institutional Integrity Committee with the Anti-Corruption Bureau, aiming to curb corruption risks at a time when mineral wealth is drawing scrutiny. Mercury Under the Microscope: In parallel, unregulated mercury use in small-scale gold mining is exposing miners and nearby communities to serious health and environmental harm, with calls for safer practices and stronger oversight. Forest Protection via Honey Income: Castel Malawi donated K10 million in beekeeping equipment to Lunyangwa catchment communities, pushing a shift from deforestation to sustainable honey production. Digital Pest Surveillance: Malawi is modernizing agricultural protection by moving from paper-based pest tracking to digital surveillance under the Africa Phytosanitary Programme, targeting faster responses to climate-driven pest threats. Power Vandalism Costs: ESCOM says vandalism of electricity infrastructure is draining about K3 billion annually, undermining electrification progress. Debt Oversight Gap: A new survey warns Malawi lacks an independent fiscal institution to scrutinise public debt management, leaving Parliament reliant on government assessments. Tuition Fee Shock: Public universities doubled tuition fees, sparking fears that higher education access will shrink for poorer students. Fertilizer Trade Disrupted: Conflict around the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted urea and phosphate fertilizer trade, raising risks of price hikes and food insecurity.

Artisanal Gold Mining: Unregulated mercury use in Malawi’s small-scale gold sector is drawing scrutiny after miners in Kasungu said they handle mercury with bare hands and without masks, while association leaders point to limited awareness and push for safer practices with MEPA. Forest-Friendly Livelihoods: Castel Malawi donated K10 million in beekeeping equipment to Lunyangwa catchment communities around Mzuzu, aiming to protect forests by shifting income from charcoal and timber to honey. Agriculture Protection Upgrade: Malawi is moving from paper-based pest tracking to digital surveillance under the Africa Phytosanitary Programme, supported by FAO and IPPC, to respond faster to climate-driven pest threats. Mining Licence Watch: Sovereign Metals says it is waiting for a mining licence for its Kasiya rutile and graphite project, citing ongoing ESIA work and a need to meet environmental requirements before further site activities. Debt Oversight Gap: A new survey warns Malawi lacks an independent debt management institution, leaving Parliament reliant on government assessments and weakening scrutiny of borrowing plans. Education Access Pressure: Tuition fees at public universities doubled for 2026-27, raising fears about affordability and student welfare as Malawi already faces a desk shortage. Fertilizer Trade Shock: Conflict in the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted urea and phosphate fertilizer trade, threatening price hikes and farm yields. Power Infrastructure Vandalism: ESCOM says vandalism costs about K3 billion a year, forcing funds away from new electrification connections.

Mining & Environment: Sovereign Metals says it is waiting for Malawi to issue a mining licence for its Kasiya rutile and graphite project in Lilongwe, saying it has already been working on its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment to meet environmental requirements before construction and community relocation. Agriculture & Climate Risk: Malawi has started digital pest surveillance under the Africa Phytosanitary Programme, moving from paper records to faster tracking of crop pests as climate change worsens floods, droughts and pest spread. Sanitation & Public Health: Bahi District markets in Dodoma (reported alongside Malawi coverage) received modern sanitation facilities, including toilets and hygiene rooms, aimed at cutting disease spread at busy livestock trading points. Fertiliser Approvals: Government says it will license Dzombe’s fertiliser plant only after regulatory and environmental requirements are met, with concerns raised over health, waste and wastewater plans. Debt Oversight: A new Open Budget Survey finds Malawi lacks an independent institution to scrutinise public debt management, leaving Parliament reliant on government assessments. Higher Education Access: Tuition at public universities has doubled, prompting warnings that higher education could become unaffordable for many families. Loss & Damage Finance: Malawi-linked climate voices warn the Loss and Damage fund must raise enough money and make it accessible, or climate justice will stall.

Climate Disasters: Southern Africa’s floods keep worsening, with rains already affecting millions across the region and killing hundreds—another reminder that poor planning is turning storms into catastrophe. Clean Energy & Health: SolarAid highlights how solar power cuts indoor air pollution and improves safety, especially for women and girls—clean energy as a public health lifeline. Forest Protection for Livelihoods: Castel Malawi donated beekeeping equipment to communities around the Lunyangwa catchment in Mzuzu to reduce deforestation pressure and shift incomes toward honey. Malawi’s Water & Malaria Risk: Dedza’s malaria fight is being undermined by net misuse and distribution gaps, leaving children exposed even after large spending on nets. Fertiliser Project Scrutiny: Parliament ordered a joint probe into delays around Napoleon Dzombe’s fertiliser plant, with government citing missing environmental requirements and hazardous waste concerns. Debt Oversight Gap: A new survey says Malawi lacks an independent institution to scrutinise public debt management, leaving Parliament and citizens dependent on government assessments. Waste & Recycling Ideas: Youth-led reuse of plastic bottles for community projects like bus shelters is being pushed as a practical way to tackle pollution. Mental Health Funding: Musicians Union of Malawi launched a drive to raise K25m to expand its Healing Minds, Saving Lives mental health initiative. Trade Links: UK and Malawi reaffirmed plans to deepen trade and investment through business roundtables spanning agriculture, mining, energy, healthcare and technology.

Diplomacy & Regional Stability: President Cyril Ramaphosa’s three-day France visit aims to reset economic and diplomatic ties after xenophobic unrest in South Africa led Ghana to postpone a key bi-national meeting, with Malawi and other neighbours raising concerns over treatment of their nationals. Community Forest Protection: Castel Malawi donated beekeeping equipment worth about K10 million to Lunyangwa catchment communities around Mzuzu to shift livelihoods from deforestation to honey production, supporting forest restoration efforts. Environment & Food Security: Parliament remains locked in debate over Napoleon Dzombe’s fertilizer plant in Dowa as government says licensing hinges on unresolved environmental and public health issues, especially hazardous waste and wastewater management. Climate Justice Funding: Malawi-linked advocacy warns the Loss and Damage fund needs far more money to deliver climate justice, with funding risks flagged for 2027. Health & Malaria Delivery Gaps: Dedza’s malaria surge is blamed on misuse of mosquito nets and distribution gaps, leaving some households defenceless despite huge national spending since 2022. Critical Minerals Watch: Rio Tinto has stepped back from operating Malawi’s Kasiya project, leaving Sovereign Metals to pursue a U.S.-aligned critical minerals strategy. Governance & Corruption: Malawi Law Society challenges the DPP’s move to drop a corruption case involving Chinese national Lin Yunhua, warning it could damage public confidence in anti-corruption efforts. Mental Health Support: Musicians Union of Malawi launched a K25 million fundraising drive to expand its Healing Minds, Saving Lives mental health initiative for artists and communities.

Fertilizer, food security, and the environment: Malawi’s Parliament is still wrestling with Napoleon Dzombe’s fertilizer plant in Dowa/ Maulalo, with government saying a licence can only be issued once hazardous waste, pollution control and safety issues are fully clarified to protect nearby communities. Parliament in uproar: The same fertilizer debate spilled into chaos after a “Black box, keep quiet” jibe triggered a fresh standstill, reigniting anger over how the government handles sensitive public matters. Health and climate justice: Malawi is among countries pushing the UN Human Rights Council to treat neglected tropical diseases as a human rights issue, linking them to unsafe water, sanitation, housing, education and climate change. Malaria prevention gaps: In Dedza, mosquito nets are being misused as garden fencing while children’s wards face heavy malaria burdens, exposing distribution gaps despite billions spent since 2022. IMF talks and reforms: Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha met the IMF to press for progress toward a new Extended Credit Facility programme, aiming to restore stability and unlock reforms. Roads after floods: Government says 81 contractors are rehabilitating flood-damaged roads and bridges, targeting completion by end of October.

Neglected Tropical Diseases & Rights: The UN Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution led by Malawi and other African states, framing neglected tropical diseases as a human rights issue tied to safe water, sanitation, housing, education and climate change. Rainwater Harvesting Push: An engineering and Afrobeats collaboration is promoting rainwater harvesting, while a Malawi-focused SURG-Water project backs solar disinfection to supply cleaner water to rural health facilities. Dzombe Fertilizer Plant Oversight: Parliament erupted over Napoleon Dzombe’s stalled fertilizer project, with ministers saying licensing will only proceed after regulatory and environmental requirements—especially hazardous waste management—are met, and MPs demanding transparency. Flood-Damaged Roads: Government says 81 contractors are already rehabilitating flood-affected roads and bridges, targeting completion by end of October. El Niño Warning for Malawi: UN agencies warn El Niño could hit Malawi with drought and other extreme weather, urging funding for seeds, livestock protection, flood control and support for vulnerable communities. Ecofeminist Energy Transition: African ecofeminists call for a just, feminist clean energy shift that protects communities, women’s rights and ecosystems as demand for transition minerals rises.

Fertilizer & Environment Oversight: Parliament erupted after Environment Minister Patricia Wisikesi told opposition MPs “Black box, keep quiet” during scrutiny of a deal for Napoleon Dzombe’s fertilizer plant, with government saying it will boost local supply while critics demand full transparency. Hazardous Waste Safety: In the same debate, Agriculture Minister Roza Mbilizi said the licence path is open only after outstanding issues are clarified, especially how hazardous chemical waste will be managed and disposed of to protect public health and the environment. Ecofeminist Energy Debate: African ecofeminists meeting in Harare urged a just, feminist energy transition that protects communities, women’s rights and ecosystems, warning that “transition minerals” must not repeat extractive harm. Climate Risk for Malawi: UN agencies renewed calls for over $200m to protect 8.8 million people across 22 high-risk countries from El Niño impacts, with Malawi listed among those facing worsening extreme weather. Trade & Investment Push: The UK-Malawi Chamber of Commerce announced plans for its first permanent office in Malawi, aiming to deepen UK-Malawi business ties across sectors including agriculture and mining. Education Pressure Point: Opposition leaders renewed calls to restore free student meals and reverse a 100% university fee hike, arguing costs are pricing out low-income learners.

Deep-sea mining pause: Malawi, Kenya and Madagascar backed a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining at the Our Ocean Conference, warning that international seabeds hold irreplaceable ecosystems and biodiversity support that are still barely mapped. El Niño preparedness: UN agencies are urging over $200m to protect 8.8 million people across 22 African countries, with Malawi listed among those most at risk as drought and floods could intensify. University food and fees fight: UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe renewed calls to restore free student meals and reverse the 100% tuition hike, saying costs are pricing out low-income learners. Local development staffing: Parliament hears about recruitment of 680 constituency development personnel to strengthen planning, procurement and oversight under reformed CDF. Power and environment: ESCOM says it is replacing ageing wooden poles with prestressed concrete on key transmission lines to cut outages and maintenance needs. Climate-smart learning: Kamuzu University of Health Sciences is moving toward digital/hybrid teaching after Standard Bank donated ICT servers. Corruption alarm: Concerned Citizens Malawi warns cartels and weak accountability are strangling economic progress as the country marks 62 years of independence.

El Niño Alert: UN agencies say El Niño is forecast to strengthen fast, putting 8.8 million people in 22 African countries—including Malawi—at higher risk of drought, floods and food shocks, with FAO and WFP calling for over $200m for climate-resilient seeds, livestock protection, cash support and flood control. Parliament Oversight: Malawi’s Parliament resumes in Lilongwe for July 7–31, with lawmakers set to focus on the welfare of Malawians returning from South Africa after xenophobic violence, plus inland water transport, committee reports and new Bills. Power Reliability: ESCOM says it is replacing ageing wooden poles with prestressed concrete on two transmission lines to cut outages and maintenance, but critics warn this won’t fix Malawi’s deeper power crisis. Forests Under Pressure: Global Forest Watch reports 25.5m hectares of tree cover loss in 2025, driven mainly by fires, with Africa’s forests still facing heavy pressure from small-scale farming and charcoal. Climate Communication Gap: A regional study led by MESHA finds climate information often fails rural communities because it’s delivered in English or poorly localized languages. Urban Planning: Chitipa DC plans to enforce 2026 building by-laws to improve planning in Chitipa Boma and curb dilapidated, poorly maintained development.

Investment Climate: World Bank data shows Malawi’s gross investment slid to 11.1% of GDP in 2024 (from 20%+ in 2017–2019), with private investment averaging just 9%—a drag economists link to weaker jobs and growth. El Niño Preparedness: FAO and WFP are urging $200m+ to protect 8.8 million people in high-risk countries, including Malawi, with climate-resilient seeds, cash support, and flood-control plans. Energy & Environment: ESCOM says it’s replacing ageing wooden poles with prestressed concrete on two transmission lines to cut outages and maintenance—though critics warn this won’t fix Malawi’s deeper power crisis. Forest Loss: Global Forest Watch reports 25.5m hectares of tree cover loss in 2025, driven mainly by fires; Africa’s forest pressures remain severe. Climate Communication: A MESHA-led study finds climate info often fails rural communities because it’s not shared in languages people understand. Airtel Sustainability: Airtel Africa says it saved 9.1m litres of diesel, converted 390 sites to on-grid power, and recycled 94% of waste.

Climate Communication: A regional study led by MESHA warns that many Africans miss critical climate information because it’s shared mainly in English or national languages that don’t fit local realities, even as journalists and scientists step up reporting. El Niño Preparedness: FAO and WFP are appealing for over $200m to protect 8.8 million people in high-risk countries, including Malawi, with plans like climate-resilient seeds, cash support, and flood control as a stronger El Niño is forecast. Independence Day Austerity: President Arthur Peter Mutharika says Independence Day celebrations will be prayers only, redirecting public funds to economically productive sectors to cut poverty; the Muslim Association of Malawi backs the move. Corruption Alarm: Concerned Citizens Malawi says corruption is strangling economic progress, calling for tougher action and justice reform. Power & Environment: ESCOM says it’s replacing ageing wooden poles with concrete alternatives to reduce outages, while Airtel Africa reports saving 9.1 million litres of diesel through more on-grid power and recycling. Rare Earths: Lindian Resources reports its first production blast at the Kangankunde rare earths project in Malawi, marking a shift toward active mining. Education & Health: Experts urge mandatory counselling in schools and universities as suicide cases rise, and a new adult learning campaign, “Kuphunzira Sikumatha,” pushes lifelong education beyond literacy. Migration Pressure: Musina repatriation operations intensify as undocumented migrants flee xenophobic violence fears, with humanitarian groups warning about hunger and safety.

Independence Day Austerity: Malawi’s Muslim Association of Malawi backs the government’s decision to swap state-funded Independence Day celebrations for national prayers and reflection, saying it’s a responsible response to economic strain. Climate & Health Reporting: Regional journalism awards spotlight reporting on how climate change is hitting public health across East and Southern Africa, with Malawi-linked entries among finalists. Super El Niño Warning: Malawi’s Natural Resources Ministry warns of a likely Super El Niño dry spell, especially in the South, with risks to farming, water levels, health and disaster preparedness. Tuition Fee Pressure: Citizens for Justice and Equity urges government to suspend a 100% public university tuition hike, warning it could price out poor but capable students. Mobile Data Costs: CAMA demands Airtel and TNM reverse mobile data tariff hikes, accusing MACRA of violating notice rules and ignoring poor network quality. Wildlife Crime Court Fight: Malawi’s High Court faces a fresh controversy as the DPP seeks to discontinue a corruption case tied to convicted Chinese wildlife trafficker Yunhua Lin, raising questions on prosecutorial independence. Rare Earths Start-Up: Lindian Resources reports its first production blast at the Kangankunde rare earths project in Malawi, marking a shift toward active mining. Humanitarian Crisis at Musina: As xenophobia fears drive repatriations, thousands of undocumented migrants are processed at Musina centres, with reports of hunger and uncertainty on the ground.

Musina Repatriation Crisis: Thousands of undocumented migrants, including many Malawians, are being processed and repatriated at Musina centres as families report hunger, exhaustion and delays, with fears of xenophobic violence driving the rush. Climate Warning for Malawi: The Ministry of Natural Resources says Super El Niño conditions are likely, bringing a higher chance of below-normal rainfall in the Southern Region from October to March, raising risks for crops, water levels and health. Mobile Data Cost Fight: CAMA is demanding Airtel Malawi and TNM reverse mobile data tariff hikes, accusing MACRA of breaking notice rules and ignoring poor network quality. Wildlife Crime & Corruption Courtroom Clash: Malawi’s High Court is set for a major test as the DPP seeks to discontinue the Yunhua Lin corruption case, sparking outrage over prosecutorial independence. Rare Earths Mining Starts: Lindian Resources reports its first production blast at Kangankunde, marking a shift toward active rare earth mining in Malawi. Humanitarian Health Support: Partners in Health Malawi appeals for support after rescuing twins affected by maternal death complications. WASH/Water Risk Research: New findings call for wider testing for female genital schistosomiasis, linking neglected freshwater disease to HIV and cervical cancer risk. Road Resilience Investment: FDH Bank backs Golomoti–Monkey Bay Road rehabilitation with a K100bn credit facility, aiming to cut transport bottlenecks and improve flood-ready infrastructure.

Rare Earths Mining: Lindian Resources has fired its first production blast at the Kangankunde rare earths project in Malawi, kicking off active mining and moving fragmented ore to stockpiles ahead of plant commissioning. Climate & Food Security: Malawi’s Natural Resources ministry warns of a Super El Niño-linked dry spell, with below-normal rainfall expected from October to March, raising risks for agriculture, water levels, health and disaster planning. Water & Health Access: National Bank of Malawi (NBM) handed over a solar-powered water system to Mikate Health Post in Thyolo, aiming to improve clean water access for patients and staff. Agroecology & Inputs: Agroecologists say fertilizer supply disruptions and rising costs are a chance to refocus on manure, compost and crop diversification to cut dependence on synthetic inputs. Governance & Accountability: The High Court is at the centre of a tense dispute after Malawi’s DPP moved to discontinue the corruption case involving former client Yunhua Lin, sparking outrage over prosecutorial independence. Wildlife Crime: Conservationists are alarmed that the Lin case—once seen as a major test against transnational wildlife crime—may be withdrawn without DNPW consultation.

Super El Niño warning: Malawi’s Natural Resources Ministry says there’s a 62–80% chance of Super El Niño bringing below-normal rainfall from October to March, with knock-on risks for farming, water levels, health and disaster preparedness. Wildlife crime court fight: Malawi’s High Court is under pressure after the DPP moved to discontinue a corruption case tied to former client and convicted Chinese wildlife trafficker Yunhua Lin—sparking calls for transparency and prosecutorial independence. Plane crash inquiry: Parliament’s Chikangawa plane crash committee has wrapped phase one on planning and authorisation, with phase two on the flight expected in August; MDF leaders also urged the public to stop unsubstantiated claims. Water and health access: National Bank of Malawi handed over a solar-powered water system to Mikate Health Post in Thyolo, while new research urges integrating testing for female genital schistosomiasis into sexual and reproductive health services. Governance and jobs: A World Bank diagnostic says corruption is now the top business obstacle, and a separate report highlights a graduate–jobs mismatch as formal work remains scarce. Debt relief push: The AU unveiled a common position calling for faster African debt restructuring and more concessional financing, with case-by-case forgiveness where repayment is impossible. Humanitarian fallout in parks: A Kasungu National Park fence has left 200+ displaced households hungry and without compensation or relief for two years.