AGP Executive Report

Fuel Crisis: Malawi has launched a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed fuel sellers as shortages enter a second week, leaving motorists sleeping in queues and pushing some to the black market. MCP Infighting: Former Chakwera ally Vitumbiko Mumba says the party cannot return to power without an overhaul, while MP Ayuba James rejects calls for critics to leave. Chakwera is travelling to Ghana for a church congress, bringing his ties to the Assemblies of God back into focus. Mutharika’s First Year: The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace gave the administration 3.75 out of six, citing gains in food availability, education and local development, but warning that forex shortages continue to hamper recovery and public services. Amaryllis Deal: Pressure is mounting over the K128 billion hotel acquisition after the pension fund’s statutory manager called for the deal to be reversed; courts have frozen K90.1 billion in related accounts. Breast Cancer: Vice-President Jane Ansah urged women to seek medical care early and challenged beliefs that cancer is a curse.

Fuel Crisis: Malawi’s fuel shortage has entered its second week, disrupting travel and business as motorists queue for days and fares rise. The crisis is compounded by the country’s reliance on imports and scarce foreign currency. Health: Tanzania’s High Commissioner says Malawi could secure cheaper medicines through joint procurement with Tanzania’s Medical Stores Department; the two governments are also working on agreements for medical referrals. Vice-President Jane Ansah urged women to seek prompt care for breast changes and challenged beliefs that cancer is caused by witchcraft. Public Spending: Parliament will reconvene on November 9 for a five-week review of the 2026/27 budget, with MPs set to scrutinise government spending and progress on key programmes. Sports: The Scorchers take a 2-0 lead into Tuesday’s Olympic qualifier return leg against Zimbabwe in Harare, but coach Lovemore Fazili has warned the team not to relax. Lake Malawi: The MV Chambo caught fire and was destroyed; one passenger has been reported dead and more than 40 rescued. MCP: Vitumbiko Mumba is calling for a leadership overhaul after the party’s 2025 election defeat, while senior figures have defended Lazarus Chakwera and urged critics to leave.

Lake Malawi Disaster: Three people died and more than 40 were rescued after the MV Chambo caught fire on Lake Nyasa. The dead included a Malawian woman; authorities say the vessel was carrying 44 passengers. Fuel Crisis: Lilongwe motorists are queuing for days, with some sleeping in their cars as shortages disrupt travel, schools and businesses. Forex Pressure: UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe is urging an open debate on foreign-exchange shortages and their impact on families, businesses and access to medicines. Health: Medicine availability at public facilities has reportedly fallen to about 40 percent, as suppliers await payments and hospitals struggle to maintain stocks. Political Tensions: MCP figure Jessie Kabwila rebuked Vitumbiko Mumba for calling for new party leadership, saying those unhappy with Lazarus Chakwera’s direction can leave. Public Spending: The Anti-Corruption Bureau has halted ADMARC’s proposed K2.97 billion purchase of 100 tarpaulins pending scrutiny of the deal.

Lake Malawi: MV Chambo caught fire in Tanzanian waters while travelling towards Mozambique. Some passengers reportedly escaped in small boats, but deaths have not been confirmed and the number aboard remains unclear. 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. Gold Trade: State-owned Mamico says its buying centres are ready to open, pending Reserve Bank documentation and final agreements. The plan aims to give miners a formal market and curb smuggling, which drains foreign exchange. Food Security: Malawi has about 148,000 tonnes of fertiliser in stock against annual needs of up to 475,000 tonnes. Farmers face steep prices and a shortfall of more than 300,000 tonnes as the rainy season approaches. Women’s Football: The Scorchers beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in their Olympic qualifier, with Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga scoring. The government says it will establish girls’ football teams in schools to build on the team’s success.

Fuel Crisis: Motorists in Lilongwe are waiting up to three days for petrol as Malawi’s shortage enters a second week, disrupting work, school runs and business. Mining and Forex: Rare-earth extraction has begun at Kangankunde in Balaka, with government hoping local processing will bring more value home. Meanwhile, state-backed Mamico is preparing gold-buying centres to give small-scale miners a formal market and curb smuggling, but says it still needs funding and a Reserve Bank agreement. Public Accountability: The High Court has frozen K90.125 billion in accounts linked to the Amaryllis Hotel deal while legal proceedings continue over the controversial acquisition. Scorchers: Malawi’s women beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in the first leg of their Olympic qualifier, with Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga scoring. The team also climbed 34 places to 119 in FIFA’s latest rankings.

Gold and Forex: Malawi is preparing to open three gold-buying centres to give small-scale miners a formal market and curb smuggling. MAMICO says it has identified more than 100 mining sites across 26 districts, but purchases await Reserve Bank approval. The centres aim to keep more mineral revenue in Malawi as forex shortages persist. Scorchers: Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga gave Malawi a 2-0 first-leg win over Zimbabwe in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifiers. The return match is in Harare on Tuesday, with CAF allowing up to 10,000 fans at the stadium. Public Services: Government has distributed 152 printers to health facilities and registration offices, bringing birth, death and marriage certificates closer to communities. Power Supply: ESCOM signed agreements enabling a 50MW solar plant in Mzimba to connect to the grid, a step towards easing blackouts. Hotel Deal: The High Court has frozen K90.125 billion in accounts linked to the disputed Amaryllis Hotel purchase while legal proceedings continue.

Scorchers: Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga scored as Malawi beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in the first leg of their Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifier, taking a two-goal cushion to Harare. Fuel Crisis: Shortages have entered a second week, with black-market prices reportedly reaching K20,000 a litre. NOCMA is seeking bids for 440,000 tonnes of fuel. Public Funds: The Anti-Corruption Bureau has blocked ADMARC’s proposed K3 billion contract for 100 tarpaulins while it investigates suspected corruption; no wrongdoing has been established. Power Supply: ESCOM signed connection agreements for new generation projects, including a 75-megawatt plant expected to boost grid capacity. Public Services: UNDP donated printers to bring birth and death registration closer to communities, including at health facilities and local registration offices. Regional Safety: Anti-migrant violence in Durban has renewed concern for Malawians in South Africa, where shops have been looted and homes set alight.

Amaryllis Probe: The RBM and Public Service Pension Trust Fund have secured court orders freezing K90.125 billion in accounts linked to the controversial hotel purchase. The move follows public anger over the deal, while the ACB investigates about K5.5 billion in suspicious withdrawals. Economy: Government says Kwacha devaluation is not part of IMF talks, despite mounting pressure over forex and living costs; the IMF has cited progress on reforms towards a possible new lending programme. Regional Safety: South Africa withdrew an asylum-processing directive after fresh xenophobic clashes, with vehicles torched and foreign-owned shops looted. Malawians have also been among those fleeing anti-migrant violence. Food Security: Blantyre has received 25,067 Farm Input Subsidy Programme coupons, with officials warned they will face the law for mismanagement. In Nsanje, farmers are adopting water-saving methods ahead of El Niño. Football: Eight Malawian referees have been selected for FIFA and CAF women’s Olympic qualifying and Confederation Cup matches.

IMF Talks: Government says kwacha devaluation is not on the negotiating table, while the IMF has recognised reform progress towards a possible new lending programme. Economic Pressure: Malawi still faces fuel and forex shortages, blackouts and medicine gaps. Economist Chifipa Mhango says an active sovereign credit rating could help attract investment and lower borrowing costs; opposition leader Dalitso Kabambe urges government and opposition to put the country first. Parliamentary Oversight: Attorney General Frank Mbeta has joined the court fight over committees investigating public institutions, sharpening a dispute over Parliament’s ability to hold government bodies accountable. Scorchers: Malawi prepare to host Zimbabwe in the first leg of their Olympic qualifier, buoyed by their historic WAFCON run; midfielder Faith Chimzimu is injured, and premium tickets have sold out. Regional Safety: Anti-migrant protests in South Africa turned violent, with vehicles torched and foreign-owned shops looted, renewing concerns for Malawians living there.

Economic Pressure: IMF talks have advanced, but no staff-level agreement has been reached. The Fund is calling for tighter fiscal and monetary policy, while economists warn further tightening could hinder investment and recovery. Fuel shortages are also driving up transport costs, prompting the Malawi Congress of Trade Unions to demand urgent action. Mpatamanga Project: Developers say 28 of 48 resettlement homes are complete, with relocation expected to begin in December. Access roads, boreholes and a school are planned for the new sites. Scorchers: Malawi host Zimbabwe on Friday in the first leg of their Olympic qualifier, but midfielder Faith Chimzimu is out injured. Food Security: Forecasters expect a strong El Niño through February 2027, raising risks to southern Africa’s harvests; experts urge governments to act early to protect farmers and vulnerable households.

Economic Pressure: The IMF says talks with Malawi have made progress towards a new lending programme, but no deal is confirmed. A possible kwacha devaluation remains a concern, while fuel shortages are driving up transport costs and squeezing households. Public Accountability: The Public Accounts Committee is questioning the use of nearly US$13.9 million from Blantyre Water Board for maize imports from Zambia, saying the money could have helped address the city’s water shortages. Presidential Scrutiny: President Peter Mutharika has left for his fifth private trip to South Africa this year, renewing calls for greater transparency. UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe says opposition parties should offer solutions, not wish the country harm. Food Security: Experts warn that possible El Niño conditions could threaten the next harvest, with fuel shortages also disrupting maize transport and adding to high prices. Football: Rose Kadzere has joined the Scorchers ahead of Friday’s home Olympic qualifier against Zimbabwe. Malawi’s Under-23 side, meanwhile, is out of the qualifiers after losing 2-1 on aggregate to Eswatini.

Economic Recovery: The IMF says Malawi has made progress on reforms during talks on a possible new lending programme, but no deal has been finalised. Economist Paul Gadama urged coordinated fiscal, monetary, trade and regulatory reforms to tackle forex shortages and weak exports. AFCON Qualifiers: Malawi’s Flames lost 3-1 to Angola, leaving them third in Group B with three points. Coach Kalisto Pasuwa says the campaign is not over, with two games against Egypt next month. Public Safety: Police arrested seven people over the arson of five tourist buildings and theft at Kuti Forest Reserve in Salima. Presidential Travel: Peter Mutharika has made his fifth private trip to South Africa in a year, with officials again giving no details of its purpose.

AFCON Qualifiers: Malawi’s Flames suffered a 3-1 defeat away to Angola in Luanda, with Angola taking an early lead and adding goals through Mabululu and Miro, while Malawi’s only response came from an own goal—leaving coach Kalisto Pasuwa under fresh pressure as qualification hopes tighten. IMF Watch: An IMF mission concluded two weeks of talks in Lilongwe without a final deal, though it praised Malawi’s reform progress on fiscal discipline and market reforms; officials now await the Fund’s verdict on a possible Extended Credit Facility. Fuel Crisis: Fuel shortages are biting hard, with reports of sharp bus fare hikes and long queues, while Zambian police arrested 19 Malawians over alleged petrol smuggling destined for Lilongwe. Youth & Economy: UDF leader Atupele Muluzi warned young Malawians are losing patience over scarce jobs, forex problems, fuel and medicine shortages, and a widening gap between official and parallel exchange rates. Women’s Football: Airtel Malawi rewarded the Scorchers with 5G routers and a year of data after their historic WAFCON run, as they turn to the Olympic qualifier against Zimbabwe. Sports Setback: Malawi’s U-23 Junior Flames were eliminated from CAF U-23 AFCON qualifiers after a 1-1 draw with Eswatini, despite a late equaliser.

Fuel Crisis: Malawi’s fuel shortage is hitting hard. Commuters say bus fares have doubled on some routes, with Area 25–Old Town now about MWK6,000 (up from MWK4,000) and Mponela in Dowa around MWK11,000 (up from MWK6,000), as queues return and some drivers hunt for petrol on the black market. Humanitarian Response: MSF says thousands of migrants are leaving South Africa after anti-migrant pressure, and it has expanded emergency support in Zimbabwe, including at Nyamapanda. Food & Climate: UN warns rotting food waste can emit up to 10% of global greenhouse gases—about five times aviation—pushing methane from landfills. Justice & Accountability: Supreme Court of Appeal refused to reinstate Yeremiah Chihana as Blantyre Water Board chief, and he was sacked the same day. Governance: Malawi’s fishing sector faces tighter controls, with seasonal bans and gear restrictions across major lakes and lagoons. Health: Malawi’s medicine shortage is described as a crisis worsened by forex gaps and supplier debt, with government turning to local manufacturers. Sports: TESSAM Games Top 8 line-up is set, and Scorchers host Zimbabwe in the first leg of the Olympic qualifier.

Women’s Football: Malawi Scorchers play their first home game since WAFCON silver, hosting Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors in the Olympic qualifier at Bingu National Stadium on Friday, 9 October, with the Chawinga sisters leading the squad and tickets priced from K4,000 online/K5,000 at the gate. Sports & Business: Standard Bank signs a K250 million sponsorship deal giving naming rights to Blue Eagles FC as Standard Bank Blue Eagles FC, while Castel Malawi launches “Tikwere Under the Crown” with price cuts and prizes including a Nissan Navara and 24 motorbikes. Economy & Energy: DoDMA unveils a K488 billion El Niño Preparedness Plan but says it has only secured about a quarter of the needed funds, leaving a K324.8 billion gap. Finance Regulation: Pro Veritas becomes Malawi’s first licensed Pension Advisor after RBM issues the new category to plug an advisory gap in the pension market. Agribusiness & Jobs: SMEDCO opens applications for its Phalombe Manufacturing & Value Addition Academy (January 2027 intake), offering a 3-month training and support to access business loans for successful trainees. Governance & Rights: A Lilongwe resident submits a draft Constitutional Amendment Bill to Parliament seeking to end automatic Vice-President succession and make the post appointive and removable by the President.

Fuel and forex squeeze: A political commentator says Malawi’s fuel crisis is really a forex problem, not “international shocks,” as queues return and NOCMA points to a foreign-currency gap. Presidential scorecard debate: President Peter Mutharika says his first year delivered about 50% of targets under the “4Fs,” citing cheaper maize and steadier fuel, but opposition and rights groups argue citizens are paying for failures and unanswered questions. Power supply update: EGENCO reports repairs are underway on Nkula B Unit 6, aiming to restore 20MW by end of October after weeks of load shedding. Security and accountability: HRDC accuses government of shielding the powerful and weakening institutions, while Uganda hosts an African defence chiefs conference on “military operations other than war,” with Malawi among participants. Sports and community: The Malawi Scorchers’ Limited Edition jerseys are back for sale at Bingu Stadium ahead of the Oct 9 qualifier vs Zimbabwe; Mzimba Queens win the Northern netball league; and police launch a manhunt after a watchman was murdered in Machinga. Faith and society: A report says over 500 million Christians worldwide face Bible access restrictions, and Malawi’s Catholic Church marks 125 years of evangelisation.