AGP Executive Report

Maize & Food Security: FEWS NET reports Malawi’s main maize harvest is progressing and prices have eased about 15% (K1,025 to K892/kg between March and April), but supply still falls short of national needs, leaving hunger risk for low-income households. Human Rights & Health: Malawi’s people with albinism face deep-rooted myths driving discrimination, fear, and attacks, with many barred from school and work. Public Health: Malawi will run a polio vaccination drive from June 16–19 for all children under 10 after detection of vaccine-derived polio in environmental samples and a confirmed case in Blantyre. Pesticide Safety: PCB and police in Mzuzu arrested an agro-dealer over alleged illegal pesticide sales, including a forged label and decanting of mancozeb into unlabelled containers. Climate & Resilience Finance: WorldWise Microfinance launched a Malawi program backing women-led small businesses and sustainable farming to help households cushion droughts and floods. Biodiversity & Conservation: Kasungu Wildlife Conservation group urges better roads to Kasungu National Park to boost tourism revenue, while also flagging vandalism of a new perimeter fence. Women Farmers & Food Systems: Rural Women’s Assembly calls for governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy.

Xenophobia & Safety in South Africa: Thousands of displaced Malawians are sheltering at Sherwood Hall in Durban after threats linked to anti-illegal immigration drives, with families reporting harsh conditions, health risks, and uncertainty as repatriation timelines near June 30. Polio Response in Malawi: Malawi’s Ministry of Health launches the third nationwide polio vaccination round from June 16–19, targeting all children under 10 after detection of vaccine-derived polio in environmental samples and a confirmed case in Blantyre. Pesticide Safety Crackdown: Malawi’s Pesticides Control Board and police arrest a Mzuzu agro-dealer over alleged illegal pesticide sales, including a forged label and decanting into unlabelled containers. Maize Outlook: FEWS NET projects an average 2025/26 maize harvest for Malawi, but still below national needs, meaning deficits may persist. Women Farmers & Climate Policy: Southern Africa’s Rural Women’s Assembly calls for women smallholders to lead food and climate policy, highlighting their role in resilient food systems. Wildlife Crime Justice: Malawi CSOs condemn plans to discontinue corruption charges against convicted Chinese wildlife trafficker Lin Yinhua, warning it could weaken the fight against wildlife crime. Transport & Forest Pressure: Mozambique’s Nacala Corridor upgrades are linked by environmentalists to accelerating deforestation, raising concerns about weak protection measures.

Climate Justice & Heat Risk: A new study warns over 2 billion people in poor communities face “cooling poverty,” with hotter spells driving health risks and deaths—especially where housing, healthcare and cooling options are unaffordable. Conservation & Wildlife Crime: Malawi civil society groups have condemned the ACB and DPP for dropping corruption charges tied to Chinese national Lin Yinhua, saying it could weaken public trust in the fight against wildlife crime networks. Forestry & Trees: Greenpop’s Reforest Fest highlights community-led climate action, pairing education and planting of indigenous trees with conservation culture. Loss and Damage Funding: SADC states are meeting in Lilongwe to agree on how to access climate disaster money from the Loss and Damage Fund, with Malawi urging stronger preparedness and early action. Humanitarian Fallout: Reports say about 500 Malawians are sheltering at Sherwood Hall in Durban after being forced out of accommodation amid xenophobia fears, as Malawi continues repatriations from South Africa. Women Farmers & Land Rights: Malawi’s co-ops and rural women farmers mark the International Year of the Woman Farmer, spotlighting how limited land titles and credit keep women from fully benefiting from agriculture. Elephants & Farming: A transfrontier conservation approach in the region uses electric fencing to help farmers and elephants coexist, reducing crop raids while keeping wildlife movement possible.

Climate Finance & Resilience: SADC states are meeting in Lilongwe to agree a unified position for accessing Loss and Damage money, with Malawi pushing for better disaster preparedness and early action as cyclones and floods keep eroding development gains. Wildlife & Farming Coexistence: A transfrontier conservation push is using electric fencing to help elephants move across borders without destroying crops, aiming to protect both livelihoods and biodiversity. Wetlands Under Pressure: Malawi’s Elephant Marsh—vital for thousands of jobs in fishing and trade—is facing shrinking from settlement expansion, farming pressure and deforestation, while community groups are being backed to conserve it. Women Farmers & Land Rights: Malawi’s International Year of the Woman Farmer spotlight highlights how women do most farm work but still face barriers to land titles, credit, inputs and extension services. Fuel Shock & Household Strain: A fuel-price surge linked to the Iran war is hitting families across Africa, with Malawi among countries reporting steep increases that threaten food and schooling. Procurement & Power Sector: PPDA has halted Escom’s K8.1 billion transformer bid after finding the process didn’t follow evaluation rules, raising questions for reliability and costs. Refugees & Safety: Reports from South Africa describe Malawians displaced by xenophobia living in harsh conditions at Sherwood Hall, while Malawi begins repatriating 150 citizens.

Climate Finance for SADC: Malawi is hosting SADC talks in Lilongwe to build a unified Loss and Damage position and push for better access to climate disaster funding, as the region faces repeated floods, droughts and cyclones. Environment Under Pressure: A new Malawi State of the Environment and Outlook report warns environmental losses are costing nearly 7% of GDP each year, driven by deforestation, land degradation, water stress and heavy reliance on biomass—urging an energy transition and restoration of degraded landscapes. Pollution and Accountability: Communities in Chikwawa have given PressCane a three-day ultimatum to halt ethanol production until full compensation for waste-spill damage, after MEPA lifted a ban. Conservation and Livelihoods: Elephant Marsh is highlighted as a key wetland and fishing hub, but shrinking wetland conditions from settlement growth, farming and deforestation threaten thousands of livelihoods. Rural Energy Gap: The Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (Marep) is failing to deliver promised power to rural schools and villages, leaving learners in the dark and exposing communities to safety risks. Governance and Permits: Fresh allegations accuse MEPA of delaying ESIA approvals for local investors—while some foreign firms allegedly proceed without proper clearance—deepening concerns about corruption and stalled development. Humanitarian Strain: Dzaleka refugee camp coverage shows cash support shrinking sharply, leaving families struggling to meet basic food needs. IMF Talks in Malawi: An IMF mission is in-country to discuss a possible new Extended Credit Facility, focusing on macro stability, fiscal policy and reforms amid FX shortages and high inflation. Youth and Jobs: Malawi’s youth unemployment crisis is worsening as graduates struggle to find enough jobs, pushing many into informal work.

SADC Climate Finance Push: Malawi is hosting SADC talks in Lilongwe to build a unified position for accessing Loss and Damage Fund money, with officials warning disasters are eroding development gains and stressing better data for funders. Humanitarian Safety Net Collapse: In Malawi’s Dzaleka refugee camp, WFP cash support has reportedly shrunk from about $100 to $7 per month, leaving families unable to buy basic food as funding runs out by end-June. Elephant Marsh Under Pressure: Elephant Marsh’s wetland fisheries—supporting thousands of jobs—are facing shrinking habitat from deforestation, farming expansion and settlements, even as community groups take on conservation roles. Energy Access Gap: Malawi’s rural electrification programme (Marep) is failing to deliver promised power, with rural schools and villages still in darkness and the pace far too slow to meet SDG targets. Environment Accountability at MEPA: Local investors accuse MEPA of sitting on ESIA approvals for months or years, while they claim some foreign firms operate without proper clearance—adding fuel to wider environmental governance concerns. Women Farmers’ Land Rights: Rural women across Southern Africa are pushing agroecology, but lack of land titles and capital keeps them from fully controlling farming decisions.

Human-Wildlife Coexistence: IFAW and Zambia’s parks authority are using polywire electric fencing to help elephants cross from Malawi’s Kasungu National Park into Zambia while reducing crop raids, offering farmers like Esnart Banda a thin but effective barrier. Climate-Smart Agriculture: IMIC-Africa is strengthening maize breeding partnerships to deliver resilient, locally adapted seed as droughts, shifting rains and pests reshape farming across the region. Wetlands Under Pressure: Malawi’s Elephant Marsh remains a key livelihood hub for thousands of fishers and traders, but deforestation, settlement growth and farming are shrinking the wetland and threatening jobs. Clean Energy Access: Malawi’s rural electrification push is still failing communities—Marep’s slow rollout leaves schools and villages without power, despite national targets. Environment Report Warning: Malawi’s first major State of the Environment and Outlook report in 15+ years warns of disappearing forests, dying soils and rising disaster risks, urging a shift away from biomass and better land restoration. Water Safety Woes: A global drinking-water quality assessment highlights how unsafe water continues to drive major health risks across much of Africa, with rural communities hit hardest. Accountability at MEPA: Local investors accuse Malawi’s environment regulator of delaying ESIA approvals—allegations that could stall projects and deepen environmental governance concerns. Elephant Marsh & Youth Jobs: With youth unemployment rising and livelihoods tied to land and water, environmental stress is adding pressure to already fragile economic prospects.

Elephant Marsh in Malawi: A spotlight on Elephant Marsh’s shrinking wetland and what it means for thousands of fishers and traders, as settlements, farming and deforestation squeeze the habitat. Malawi environment warning: A landmark National State of the Environment and Outlook Report warns Malawi is on a “Pendapenda” path—forests, soils and water are deteriorating fast, costing the economy and raising disaster risk. Energy and rural electrification: Marep’s stalled rollout leaves rural learners and communities in the dark, with calls to speed up clean, affordable power access. Biomass energy push: Malawi is urged to shift away from biomass, restore degraded landscapes and protect farmland productivity to slow environmental losses. Water crisis: Reports highlight how unsafe drinking water remains a major public health risk across Africa, with Malawi’s rural communities still relying on unprotected sources. PressCane pollution fight (Chikwawa): Villagers and civil society demand a halt to compensation over alleged undervaluing and transparency gaps tied to long-running vinasse waste impacts. MEPA under fire: Accusations grow that MEPA is delaying ESIA approvals and blocking local investors, while disputes continue around a Dowa fertilizer plant. Wildlife corridors: Conservation efforts aim to reconnect habitats for elephants across Malawi and Zambia, protecting migration routes as land use fragments ecosystems. South Africa xenophobia ripple: Malawi begins repatriating 150 displaced citizens from South Africa, while more Malawians face uncertainty and fear.

World Environment Day & Climate Action: CISONECC says Malawi must move from promises to real climate action as droughts, floods, biodiversity loss and erratic rains already hit food security and livelihoods. Water Crisis: A new global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water risks across many African countries, while Malawi continues to struggle with clean water access in rural areas. Environment Report Warning: A landmark Malawi environment report warns of disappearing forests, dying soils and a worsening “Pendapenda” path where natural capital is being consumed faster than it can recover. Pollution & Community Compensation Fight: Chikwawa villagers and civil society demand PressCane halt ethanol operations and stop low, allegedly non-transparent compensation over vinasse waste spills affecting land, air and water. MEPA Under Fire: Local investors accuse MEPA of sitting on ESIA approvals for months or years, alleging delays and possible kickbacks, while MEPA disputes blame in the Dzombe fertilizer plant approval row. Wildlife & Habitats: Conservation efforts aim to reconnect wildlife corridors across Malawi and Zambia, including elephant habitat links threatened by settlement and poaching. Climate Forecast: Officials prepare for a possible Super El Niño, urging local analysis and anticipatory planning for Malawi’s next season.

MEPA ESIA Row: Fresh allegations of corruption and “systematic” delays are swirling around Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), as local investors accuse it of sitting on ESIA reports for months—while some foreign firms allegedly operate without approvals—adding fuel to the ongoing fertilizer-plant controversy in Dowa linked to Napoleon Dzombe. Water Woes: A new global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the worst affected—mirroring Malawi’s own rural struggles where people still queue for distant or unprotected sources. Environment Warning: Malawi’s 2026 National State of the Environment and Outlook Report warns the country is on a “Pendapenda” path—shrinking forests, dying soils, rising pollution and climate shocks—consuming natural capital faster than it can recover. Climate Preparedness: Officials are preparing for a possible Super El Niño after forecasts raised the likelihood of severe drought conditions, urging local analysis and anticipatory action. World Environment Day Push: CISONECC calls on Malawi to move from climate promises to tangible action as droughts, floods and biodiversity loss intensify. Wildlife Corridors: Conservation groups highlight efforts to reconnect wildlife habitats across Malawi and Zambia, aiming to protect elephant routes and reduce habitat fragmentation. Chikwawa Pollution Fallout: Villagers and civil society demand a halt to PressCane vinasse compensation payments, accusing the company of short-charging victims and continuing operations amid unresolved environmental harm.

Safe Water Watch: A new Environmental Performance Index review flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—linked to weak infrastructure, sanitation gaps, pollution and climate pressure. National Environment Alarm: Malawi’s 2026 National State of the Environment and Outlook Report warns the country is on a “Pendapenda” path—shrinking forests, dying soils, rising pollution and climate shocks are outpacing natural recovery. Climate Risk Ahead: Officials are preparing for a possible Super El Niño, with local analysis urged as drought and extreme weather could hit hard. World Environment Day Push: CISONECC calls for climate action that moves beyond promises—more adaptation and mitigation funding, and faster protection for vulnerable communities. Fertiliser Factory Fight (Dowa): MEPA and Napoleon Dzombe’s project are trading blame over environmental approval delays, while communities and civil society also continue to scrutinize pollution and compensation issues tied to ethanol waste in Chikwawa. Vinasse Compensation Row: Villagers in Chikwawa demand compensation payments stop over alleged underpayment and documents signed under duress, after years of toxic waste dumping claims. Conservation Spotlight: Malawi’s Mpatamanga Wildlife Ranch in Neno is highlighted as a nature-based restoration lesson showing how individual action can protect ecosystems.

Environment Report Warning: Malawi’s 2026 National State of the Environment and Outlook Report says the country is on a “Pendapenda” path—forests shrinking, soils degrading, pollution rising and climate shocks worsening food security as population growth accelerates. Climate Action Push: World Environment Day coverage from CISONECC urges Malawi to move from promises to action—more funding for adaptation and mitigation, and stronger protection for vulnerable communities. Super El Niño Prep: Meteorology officials say a possible Super El Niño is on the way, with local risk analysis still needed as planners prepare for drought and other climate impacts. Pollution Fight in Chikwawa: Villagers and civil society demand a halt to PressCane compensation after claims of “mockery” payouts as low as MK1,171.85 and allegations of toxic vinasse dumping for decades. Fertiliser Approval Row: MEPA and fertilizer project backers trade blame over delays in the environmental review for Napoleon Dzombe’s Dowa plant, with MEPA pointing to omissions and late revised submissions. Sanitation Update: Mulanje district leaders say hygiene is improving in trading centres, including waste management steps and hand-washing facilities. Humanitarian Logistics Training: DHL launches the DHL Academy of Humanitarian Logistics to help local responders move aid faster during climate-related emergencies.

Environment Watch: Malawi’s 2026 National State of the Environment and Outlook Report warns the country is on a “Pendapenda” path—forests keep shrinking, soils keep degrading, pollution is rising and climate shocks are intensifying, while the population grows fast (from 13.1m in 2008 to 20.7m in 2024). Climate Action Push: On World Environment Day, CISONECC urged government and partners to move from promises to real climate action—more adaptation and mitigation funding, and stronger protection for vulnerable communities. Conservation Spotlight: Mpatamanga Wildlife Ranch in Neno is highlighted as a nature-based restoration lesson, showing how local leadership can help ecosystems recover. Regulation & Fertiliser: Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) says it followed timelines on Napoleon Dzombe’s Mulalo/Dzombe fertiliser plant review, but delays were driven by the developer’s late revised ESIA submissions—while the factory remains idle awaiting clearance. Humanitarian Logistics: DHL launched the DHL Academy of Humanitarian Logistics (DAHL) in Sub-Saharan Africa, offering free training to help local responders deliver aid faster during climate-linked emergencies. Food Security & Social Safety Net: Cuts to Malawi’s social protection budget threaten about one million beneficiaries, with steep reductions to key programmes including climate-smart public works. Community Voices: Chikwawa villagers and civil society are demanding a halt to PressCane vinasse compensation payments, alleging undervaluation and ongoing harm.

World Environment Day push: Malawi’s Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) says the climate crisis is already hitting droughts, floods, biodiversity loss and food security, urging government to fund adaptation and mitigation and turn pledges into action. Conservation spotlight: Neno’s Mpatamanga Wildlife Ranch is highlighted as a nature-based restoration lesson, showing how one committed individual can drive long-term ecosystem recovery. Heat risk beyond Malawi: A new analysis warns over 2 billion people face “cooling poverty,” where extreme heat becomes deadly due to weak housing, healthcare and protection. Pollution dispute in Chikwawa: Villagers and civil society demand PressCane halt vinasse compensation payments, alleging low offers and continued operations despite environmental harm. Fertiliser approvals stall: MEPA and project developer Napoleon Dzombe trade blame over delays to the Mulalo/Dowa fertiliser plant licence, keeping production plans on hold. Aid delivery capacity: DHL launches the DHL Academy of Humanitarian Logistics to train local and regional responders in customs, safety and dangerous goods handling. Social safety net under pressure: Malawi’s social protection budget is cut sharply, threatening support for about one million beneficiaries as donor funding declines. Youth climate justice: Eco-feminist circles in Zimbabwe reframe climate justice around healing, women’s leadership and energy poverty.

Overcrowding Crisis at Dzaleka: Malawi’s Dzaleka refugee camp in Dowa is now hosting over 60,000 people against a 12,000 capacity, straining housing, sanitation, health and education. Relocation Funding Gap: Government plans to move the camp to Kayilizi Village in Chitipa, with land already approved, but the project is still stuck at financing—estimated at about US$90m—raising fears of worsening conditions. Fertilizer Approval Standoff: MEPA has defended its handling of Napoleon Dzombe’s Mulalo granular fertilizer plant in Dowa, saying delays mainly came from the developer’s late resubmission of environmental documents, while the factory remains idle awaiting licensing. Social Protection Cuts: Malawi’s safety net is under pressure as the 2026/27 budget drops social protection from K217bn to K123bn, hitting 1m beneficiaries and reducing cash transfers and climate-smart public works. Clean Energy Push: A German-funded EnDev demand-side subsidy programme is expanding clean energy access, reaching over 112,000 with improved cookstoves and 58,000 with solar products. Youth for Renewables: African Climate Alliance urges young Malawians to drive renewable energy solutions and green jobs.

Social Protection Crunch: Malawi’s social protection budget is cut from K217bn to K123bn, putting about one million beneficiaries at risk as the Social Cash Transfer Programme drops 14% and climate-smart public works (Mtukula pa Khomo) falls 57%, raising fresh questions about how targeting and funds are managed. Fertiliser Factory Stalls: Dzombe’s fertiliser mega-plant in Dowa stays idle because MEPA environmental approval and the operating licence are still pending, delaying a hoped-for April start and prolonging reliance on imported fertiliser. Clean Energy Push: Germany’s EnDev demand-side subsidies are reported to have reached 112,000 people with improved cookstoves and 58,000 with solar products across seven districts, showing how targeted support can speed clean energy uptake. Maternal Health Spotlight: WHO praises Malawi’s progress in polio eradication, HIV treatment, maternal and newborn care, while WaterAid highlights maternal health inequality through what women carry into delivery rooms, including in Mangochi. Infrastructure Safety Alert: Cracks on Blantyre’s Kamba Bridge are widening, sparking fears of a serious safety hazard without urgent repair. Women, Mining & Finance: ZASWMA backs women miners’ empowerment through regional exchange, while a German-backed Growth Accelerator project supports women entrepreneurs facing high borrowing costs and limited collateral.