AGP Executive Report

South Africa Migration Crackdown: President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed to act against groups fueling xenophobic violence, warning citizens not to take immigration enforcement into their own hands, while announcing tougher measures including harsher penalties for employers of undocumented migrants and faster deportation processes. Malawi Repatriation: In response to the crisis, Malawi has started a voluntary return of 150 displaced citizens from South Africa, with buses leaving the Western Cape and expected arrival via Mwanza Border Post, followed by processing in Blantyre. Anti-immigrant Protests: Anti-migrant marches continued near Johannesburg despite Ramaphosa’s address, with protesters calling for stricter action and “go home” demands. Fertiliser Accountability: Malawi’s Competition and Fair Trading Commission fined Nitro Phos Ltd K50 million over defective fertiliser claims and unfair trading practices, alongside other penalties. Education: PSLCE exams begin today with 254,486 learners nationwide, while 78 inmates sit the exams in prison facilities. Energy Woes: Nkula B Hydro’s 20MW unit remains offline, threatening continued load shedding as spare parts are awaited. Digital Skills: Malawi launched a Huawei youth ICT talent programme to close the digital skills gap.

South Africa Migration Crackdown: President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on illegal migration, promising action against groups behind xenophobic violence while warning citizens not to take the law into their own hands, as anti-foreigner protests and attacks continue. Malawi Repatriation: Malawi has started a voluntary return of 150 nationals displaced in Mossel Bay, with the first buses leaving Western Cape on June 6 and expected arrival in Malawi on June 8 for processing at Kamuzu Stadium. PSLCE Exams: 254,486 Standard Eight learners sit for Malawi’s PSLCE exams today, with MANEB saying security is backed by the Malawi Defence Force and Malawi Police at centres. Rural Power Setback: The Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP) is leaving some communities in the dark, with one Nsanje school for learners with visual impairment still without promised lights. Environment Pressure: Malawi is urged to cut biomass dependence and restore degraded land after a new State of the Environment report warns environmental losses are draining about 7% of GDP yearly. Fuel Cost Warning: UNCTAD warns Malawi’s fuel import bill could jump by about 2.2% of GDP if oil prices rise after Middle East disruptions. Health Milestone: Africa CDC welcomed approval of Coartem Baby, the first malaria treatment made for newborns and infants, trialled in Malawi. Sports—WAFCON Build-Up: Malawi’s Scorchers captain Tabitha Chawinga says the team is ready for WAFCON in Morocco after friendlies against Tanzania.

South Africa Immigration Crackdown: President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed to crack down on groups behind xenophobic violence and illegal-migration protests, saying only authorised officials can enforce immigration laws and warning against street identity checks and vigilante action. Malawi Repatriation Update: Malawi has begun voluntary repatriation from South Africa, with the first two buses carrying 150 nationals leaving Western Cape for home; they will travel via Zimbabwe and Mozambique and are expected in Malawi on Monday, with processing at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre. Cross-Border Health Security: Kenya and Uganda launched a joint Ebola preparedness assessment at the Busia border post with ECSA-HC, focusing on screening gaps and compliance with WHO-developed tools. Local Governance & Rights: In Lilongwe, civil servants’ union FOCSU alleges selective implementation of a recruitment and promotion freeze, demanding promotions and back pay for affected officers. Public Health Training: Malawi scaled up tobacco harm reduction training, with 500+ nurses and midwives completing new online CPD modules. Environment & Business: MEPA faces fresh accusations of delaying ESIA approvals, with local investors alleging corruption and stalled projects. Sports: Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa says the Flames will respond better after a 1-0 friendly defeat to Ethiopia, citing early concentration lapses.

Migration Watch (South Africa): Despite xenophobic violence and repatriation flights, international agencies say there’s no sign of a mass exodus of foreign nationals from South Africa, with IOM reporting no requests for assisted voluntary returns and UNHCR noting no rise in refugees seeking to go back. Regional Fallout: Nigeria says it plans to repatriate over 1,000 citizens from South Africa, while Ghana has already returned hundreds. US Immigration Ruling (Impact for Malawi): A US federal judge struck down Trump-era immigration restrictions, affecting asylum and other applications for people from Malawi and 38 other countries. Economy & Aid (IMF): The IMF says it is stepping up support for at least four African countries and is in accelerated talks with Malawi for a new assistance programme. Sports (Malawi): Malawi’s Flames face fresh debate after a 1-0 loss to Ethiopia, while the Scorchers’ WAFCON build-up continues after a goalless friendly with Tanzania. Business & Development: ERFA launches the 2026/27 Durata Premier Division with sponsorship up to K36 million, and Salima Sugar appoints Clement Kumbemba as CEO.

Fraud Crackdown in Mzuzu: Police arrested 34-year-old Warning Banda for allegedly posing as an RBM official to steal cement and lime worth K480,000 from shops in Sonda Market, Mzuzu, after shop owners were tricked into releasing the materials without verification. Court Stops MEC Move: Malawi’s High Court granted the MCP and three MPs a stay order halting the relocation of the Malawi Electoral Commission from Lilongwe to Blantyre, with government saying it will challenge the ruling. Football Governance Fight: Coaches accuse the Football Association of Malawi of unlawful purging of affiliates and political exclusion ahead of the June 27 AGM, escalating a bitter dispute over representation and statutes. Economy Watch: Economists warn the National Economic Recovery Plan may fall short unless government fixes forex generation, export diversification, public spending priorities and implementation capacity. Digital Push: MUBAS research and innovation conference plans are underway, while ICT firms like Sparc Systems highlight growing digital exports and cloud/cyber readiness amid concerns about gaps. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: Buses continue carrying displaced people back to Malawi after attacks in the Western Cape, with families reporting fear and uncertainty as repatriation proceeds.

ACB Accountability: Malawi’s government defended Anti-Corruption Bureau director Gabriel Chembezi’s contract extension to November 2026, saying it was done legally to avoid a leadership vacuum while recruitment for a substantive director is still ongoing. Electoral Commission Clash: The High Court has halted President Peter Mutharika’s order to relocate MEC from Lilongwe to Blantyre, setting up a constitutional fight over presidential powers and the independence of election management. Immigration Scrutiny: ACB arrested former Immigration permits boss Alexander Maseko over alleged permit fee irregularities, as Malawi faces renewed pressure to tighten controls in its immigration system. US Visa Pressure: Malawi challenged planned US visa restrictions that could affect Malawians seeking education, healthcare and business opportunities, while reports also point to possible changes in US visa processing operations. Forex & Digital Exports: ICT services exports are said to be bringing in billions of kwacha, with industry leaders urging faster scaling to ease the country’s foreign exchange crunch. Environment Warning: A new national environment report warns Malawi is degrading its natural capital faster than it can replenish it, threatening food security and long-term development. Security Woes: Armed robberies are driving public fear and calls for tougher action as residents report repeated break-ins with weak follow-up.

MEC Relocation Court Battle: Malawi’s High Court has granted an injunction stopping President Peter Mutharika’s executive order to relocate the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) from Lilongwe to Blantyre, with the MCP and legislators challenging the move and seeking judicial and constitutional review. Catholic Church Pushback: The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace says Malawi is facing governance, justice, economy and security failures, including substandard medicines and witchcraft-related killings; government says it has taken note. Transport Costs Bite: Transporters warn that rising fuel, maintenance, insurance, tolls and foreign exchange are pushing up the cost of goods, with transport costs cited as up to 55% of prices. Chikwawa PressCane Row: Villagers and civil society demand a halt to PressCane vinasse compensation payments, alleging short-changes and unclear documents. Health and Money: US pledges up to $792m for Malawi’s health sector over five years, while banks cut the reference lending rate to 20.4%. U.S. Visa Pressure: Malawi warns tightening US visa rules are already affecting students, patients and business travel.

Critical Minerals Push: Malawi’s rare-earth and niobium race heats up as Chilwa Minerals reports niobium mineralisation at Nakombe and AuKing’s Tundulu survey points to a much larger carbonatite system, with drilling set to ramp up. Refugee Strain: Dzaleka camp in Dowa is now hosting over 60,000 people—far beyond capacity—while a planned relocation to Kayilizi faces a major funding gap. Forex Worries: CCJP warns Malawi risks treating the foreign exchange crunch as “normal,” saying dollar shortages are disrupting supply chains and driving up costs. US Visa Pressure: Foreign Affairs Minister George Chaponda says tighter US visa processing is hurting Malawians seeking study, medical care and business travel. South Africa Repatriation: Malawi has started voluntary repatriation of nationals affected by anti-foreigner violence, as mobs continue door-to-door attacks. Sports—Mighty Warriors Link: Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors use a Zambia tournament to prepare for Olympic qualifiers against Malawi, with captain Msipa returning to camp.

IMF Support Talks: The IMF says it is stepping up funding for Ethiopia, The Gambia and Burkina Faso, while also holding “accelerated” talks with Malawi on a new assistance programme amid fallout from the US-Israel war on Iran. Xenophobia Fallout in the Region: Anti-foreigner violence in South Africa continues to drive Malawians and other Africans into hiding and repatriation, with Mozambique again disputing casualty figures and South Africa’s leaders pushing for African-led solutions. Malawi Social Protection Cuts: Malawi’s 2026/27 budget slashes social protection from K217bn to K123bn, threatening support for about one million beneficiaries and cutting key programmes like cash transfers and public works. Medicine Tariffs Concern: Government’s new import duties on essential medicines risk pushing up drug prices, with health advocates calling for clear explanations and consumer protection. Fertiliser Factory Still Stalled: Dzombe’s Dowa fertiliser plant remains idle as it awaits environmental approval and an operating licence from MEPA. Diplomatic Cost-Cutting: Malawi reduces diplomats from 193 to 139, aiming to cut salary and mission running costs by 54 positions. Sports & Local Football: Creck Sporting appoints Chisomo Nkhoma as coach, focusing first on understanding why the team has struggled in the FDH Bank Premiership.

Anti-migrant violence and repatriation: Malawi says it will repatriate citizens from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks and vigilante threats, as hundreds of foreigners—mostly Malawians and Mozambicans—take shelter in community halls on the south coast. Border enforcement update: South Africa’s Border Management Authority reports a major Mozambican repatriation operation through Lebombo, processing 933 people and confirming 926 successfully departed, with minors handled with social workers. Economic recovery plan: Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha unveiled the National Economic Recovery Plan 2025–2030, promising a shift from subsidies to mega farms, contract farming, solar irrigation corridors and agro-processing to stabilise the economy and boost growth. Health costs pressure: Malawi Health Equity Network warns a new 25% tariff on essential medicines could raise prices and worsen access as public facilities face drug shortages. Energy access gains: The German-funded EnDev demand-side subsidies programme is credited with reaching over 112,000 people with improved cookstoves and more than 58,000 with solar products. Infrastructure and safety: Blantyre residents raise alarm over widening cracks on Kamba Bridge, calling for urgent assessment and repairs. Sports: Creck Sporting’s interim coach Chisomo Nkhoma takes charge as the club seeks a turnaround; meanwhile Malawi’s football fans also track the Airtel Top 8 quarterfinal draw.

Education & Exams: Geanalflo Executive Schools urged parents and guardians to back learners with study time and revision, warning that idling after school can derail PSLCE results; the awards programme in Chimutu Zone recognised top Standard 8 performers after mock exams. Xenophobia & Safety: Malawi has started a voluntary repatriation programme for citizens in South Africa after reports of vigilante action and attacks on African migrants; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it will only assist those who request help, with consular and logistical support arranged through missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg. Health: Isoka District launched the second round of the nOPV2 polio vaccination campaign, targeting children under five over four days, after strong first-round coverage in Muchinga. Governance & Finance: Treasury has frozen payments on government contracts signed between Sept 2023 and Sept 2025 pending a review, raising transparency concerns over public spending. Social Development: The Umunthu Social Index was unveiled to measure Malawi’s social impact and development progress, linking policy to community-driven outcomes. Sports: The Super Falcons’ Ikenne camp swelled to 17 players ahead of Senegal friendlies, as preparations intensify for WAFCON 2026.

Xenophobia Crisis: Malawi says it is monitoring vigilante violence in South Africa and has started diplomatic and consular steps to support affected Malawians, with a voluntary repatriation exercise planned for those who want to return. Regional Security: Mozambique accused South Africa of failing to protect its citizens after reports of Mozambicans killed in Mossel Bay, while South African police confirmed only two deaths and said investigations are ongoing. Justice Watch: One year after Malawi’s judicial reform recommendations, questions remain over whether reforms are being implemented, as public debate continues to circle corruption, backlogs and access to justice. Prison Education: Malawi Prisons Service says 101 inmates are sitting for JCE exams, highlighting rehabilitation and reintegration efforts. Health at Borders: Malawi introduces mandatory health screening for travellers entering through airports and land borders amid heightened Ebola prevention measures. Sports (WAFCON): Malawi’s Scorchers get a boost as Chawinga and Chimzimu return to camp ahead of WAFCON preparations. Business & Regulation: Insurance players back stronger enforcement under Malawi’s new Insurance Act, including mandatory policies and tougher penalties for fraud. Mining & Economy: Sovereign Metals reports high-value rare earth minerals at Kasiya, adding dysprosium, terbium and yttrium to rutile and graphite.

Xenophobia Fallout: Malawi says it is closely monitoring vigilante attacks on African migrants in South Africa and has started diplomatic and consular steps through its Pretoria and Johannesburg missions, including high-level engagement with South African authorities. Regional Security: South Africa police are investigating killings of Mozambican nationals amid anti-immigrant protests in the Western Cape, where hundreds of people fled homes and some sought refuge in community halls. Elections & Governance: The MEC relocation dispute to Blantyre continues to stir debate, with MEC arguing the directive is administrative and awaiting court action on the executive order’s legality. Health: A four-day polio vaccination campaign begins in Bulawayo, targeting children under five, linked to a CVDPV2 outbreak confirmed in Malawi. Business & Payments: PayPal launches PYUSD “digital dollar” in Malawi and 26 other African countries to speed up cross-border payments. Environment: Malawi launches major biodiversity and ecosystem protection frameworks, pairing science with indigenous knowledge to tackle ecological loss. Energy & Safety: ESCOM warns that vandalism of power infrastructure is disrupting services and calls for public protection of transformers and cables.

WAFCON Prep Shake-Up: Ghana’s Black Queens have withdrawn from a three-nation women’s tournament in Dar es Salaam that was set to include Tanzania and Malawi, leaving Ghana to continue preparations in Accra with friendlies. Health Access Worry: Two Likoma Island ambulances have been grounded for over five years, despite being in generally good condition, as the district says repairs are now in procurement. Sports Spotlight: Nigeria’s Super Falcons opened camp in Ikenne for friendlies against Senegal, with Malawi in their WAFCON group. Digital Payments: PayPal has launched its digital dollar (PYUSD) in Malawi and 26 other African countries, aiming to speed up cross-border transfers. Food Security Pressure: Government released only K5 billion to Admarc out of a K60 billion maize-buying allocation, raising fears over how long maize procurement can run. Governance & Justice: Zomba High Court dismissed Senior Chief Malemia’s bid for bail and a DNA test in a case involving alleged sexual relations with a minor and pregnancy termination. Business & Jobs: MEDF launched a K100 billion loan disbursement push for MSMEs, urging timely repayments to keep the fund revolving.

Food Security & Farming: Malawi’s maize safety net is under pressure as Admarc gets only K5 billion out of a K60 billion maize-buying allocation, raising fears the buying push may not last and farmers could be squeezed by low vendor prices. Parliament & Public Health: The PAC is alarmed by claims that embalming chemicals meant for mortuaries are being diverted and allegedly used to preserve fish, warning of serious public health risks from weak oversight. Economy & IMF: Economists and former central bank leadership warn that a new IMF deal won’t fix Malawi unless policy discipline and implementation improve ahead of an IMF mission from June 9–18. Governance & Politics: The OPC has denied social media claims that President Arthur Peter Mutharika delegated a Cabinet meeting, saying the rumours are fabricated and meant to undermine governance. Business & Jobs: MEDF launches a K100 billion loan disbursement drive to support MSMEs, stressing repayment discipline for the fund to keep revolving. Sports (Women’s Football): Malawi’s WAFCON preparations get a shake-up as Ghana’s Black Queens withdraw from a June 1–9 three-nation tournament in Tanzania, leaving Malawi to adjust plans. Regional Crime: South Africa’s Beitbridge bust intercepted 713kg of methaqualone (ABBA) worth nearly R1 billion, with two Malawians among those arrested.

Food Security & ADMARC: Malawi’s maize-buying push starts with only K5bn released out of a K60bn budget, leaving Admarc with limited purchasing power as farmers seek fair prices at depots nationwide. Roads & Infrastructure: Demolitions have begun for the Liwonde–Matawale road rebuild, funded by a World Bank K106bn loan, with completion targeted for July 30, 2027. Governance & Elections Tech: The Malawi Electoral Commission’s Election Management Device (EMD) tablet has been nominated for the ICTAM ‘Digital Public Service Award’, alongside other national digital systems. Economy & Youth Jobs: Mzimba youths say strict lending rules and limited opportunities are blocking them from turning business ideas into jobs. Health & Rights: Calls are growing to speed up implementation of amended post-abortion care guidelines after a High Court ruling left clinicians facing legal uncertainty. Public Safety & Crime: Immigration says it arrested and detained 104 foreign nationals in May over immigration offences, with deportations underway. Sports: Goshen City finally ended their goal drought with a 1-0 win over Kamuzu Barracks, while Nigeria’s Super Falcons named a 23-player squad for Senegal friendlies ahead of WAFCON.