AGP Executive Report

El Niño & Food Security: President Peter Mutharika urged stronger government-private sector partnership to cushion Malawi against El Niño impacts, citing IPC figures showing 1.9 million people in crisis acute food insecurity (Apr–Sep 2026) and another 4.4 million under food stress. Climate-Ready Agriculture: Luanar is stepping up El Niño preparedness by multiplying maize variety ZM 523 on 150 hectares in Nkhotakota, aiming to help farmers maintain yields under harsh conditions. Clean Cooking & Energy Transition: Energy Minister Jean Mathanga outlined plans to cut biomass reliance by moving 75% of households to clean cooking by 2030, including LPG and electric stoves, alongside restoring hydro units and importing 50MW from Mozambique. Water & Power Costs: Blantyre Water Board received a quiet K24 billion rescue tied to Escom arrears settlement and debt-to-equity conversion, helping slash losses and improve liquidity. Banana Value Chain Recovery: A new policy brief recommends investment in seed systems, disease control, irrigation and market links to revive Malawi’s banana sector after BBTV losses. Digital Identity: NRB plans to launch the Nzika Digital ID wallet next week to make national IDs usable via phones and reduce printing delays.

Clean Energy Push: Energy Minister Jean Mathanga says Malawi will cut biomass dependence and scale cleaner cooking, targeting 75% of households to use clean cooking by 2030 through LPG and electric stoves, alongside restoring hydro units and planned Mozambique power imports. Water Utility Rescue: Blantyre Water Board quietly received a K24bn bailout tied to Escom arrears settlement, debt-to-equity conversion and tariff cuts, helping slash losses by over 70% and improve liquidity. Workplace Safety: Workers at Haroon Company in Blantyre report unsafe conditions around hot boilers, poor protective equipment and fear of speaking up—raising questions about labour law enforcement. Climate-Smart Farming: Luanar is multiplying El Niño-resilient maize variety ZM 523 on 150 hectares to support farmers with seed, aiming to protect yields under harsh weather. Banana Recovery Plan: A new study urges investment in seed systems, disease control, irrigation and market links to revive Malawi’s banana value chain after BBTV losses, noting Malawi still imports about 15% of consumption. Digital Identity Rollout: NRB plans to launch the Nzika Digital ID Wallet next week, letting citizens store their national ID digitally to speed access to services and reduce printing burdens. Polio Response: Malawi confirmed outbreak action after cVDPV2 detection in environmental samples, running Round Zero and multiple nOPV2 campaigns reaching millions of children. Climate Media Capacity: MESHA selected six African newsrooms, including Zodiak Broadcasting Station (Malawi), for a climate solutions journalism programme running Sept 2026–March 2027. El Niño Funding Gap: Malawi’s El Niño preparedness faces a K325bn funding shortfall, underlining the urgency of early action.

El Niño Response: Malawi’s El Niño preparedness plan is short by nearly K325bn, with K163.7bn secured against a K488.5bn target, threatening gaps across agriculture, food security, health, water and logistics as the Southern Region faces the heaviest risk. Climate-Smart Farming: Luanar is multiplying ZM 523 maize on 150 hectares in Nkhotakota to help farmers cope with harsh conditions, while tobacco growers and extension partners push unified guidance for the 2026-27 season. Water Resilience: Rainwater Harvesting Association of Malawi says the country can harvest over 90 billion cubic metres of rainwater, urging faster investment as communities brace for dry spells. Forest Protection: Lands Minister Patricia Wiskes warns deforestation is weakening Malawi’s disaster shield and says enforcement will shift to stopping illegal logging at the source. Protected Areas & Livelihoods: Communities around Nyika national park complain about land shortages and poor access, as they fight to resettle in protected areas. Health & Environment Link: EDF opens gold buying centres to curb smuggling and protect foreign exchange, requiring KYC checks for sellers.

Protected Areas & Land Pressure: Communities around Nyika National Park say life is getting harder as roads stay impassable and land shortages bite, with people arguing the park once supported their livelihoods. El Niño Readiness Funding Gap: Malawi’s 2026/27 El Niño plan needs about K488.5bn but only K163.7bn is secured, leaving nearly K325bn unfunded and raising fears for food security and drought impacts. Forest Protection Under Strain: Natural Resources Minister Patricia Wiskes warns that illegal logging and encroachment are weakening Malawi’s disaster shield, pushing for stronger enforcement at the source. Rainwater Harvesting Push: Rainwater Harvesting Association of Malawi says the country can harvest over 90 billion cubic metres of rainwater, urging investment as El Niño threatens water and farming. Child Safety in Hot Weather: Zomba child-focused groups are being urged to prepare for below-normal rainfall and hotter conditions that could drive food shortages and keep children out of school. Gold Market Closer to Miners: EDF is opening gold buying centres in Karonga, Mzimba, Mangochi and Blantyre, requiring national ID for KYC checks to curb smuggling and boost foreign exchange. Tourism Growth, Still Stuck: Malawi marks National Tourism Month with WTTC data showing GDP and jobs gains, but stakeholders say structural bottlenecks still block bigger returns.

El Niño preparedness: Malawi’s El Niño plan needs about K324.8bn more than what’s been secured, with government warning that dry spells, drought and extreme rainfall could hit food security hard—especially in the Southern Region. Forests under pressure: Natural Resources Minister Patricia Wiskes says rampant tree cutting and encroachment are weakening Malawi’s disaster protection, pushing for tougher enforcement at the source. Water resilience: Rainwater Harvesting Association of Malawi says the country can harvest over 90 billion cubic metres of rainwater, urging investment as El Niño fears rise. Clean energy squeeze: Afrox Malawi reports forex challenges are disrupting imports of LPG and other gases, leaving queues and closed outlets—threatening progress on cleaner cooking. Wildlife & community support: African Parks’ Majete Wildlife Reserve disbursed K9.5m to schools and backed farming and fish, banana, maize and honey projects around the reserve. Tourism growth puzzle: Tourism Month coverage highlights improved GDP and jobs from travel, but notes Malawi still struggles to turn natural assets into steady earnings. Value addition push: Malawi’s export story remains dominated by a few commodities like tobacco, renewing calls to process and brand more before goods leave the country.

El Niño preparedness: Malawi’s 2026/27 plan needs about K488.5bn but has only secured K163.7bn, leaving a K324.8bn gap that could hit food security, water, health and logistics as below-normal rainfall looms. Rainwater & farming resilience: Rainwater Harvesting Association of Malawi says the country can harvest over 90 billion cubic metres of rainwater, urging more investment as El Niño fears rise. Clean cooking finance: Carbon credit financing is being highlighted as a major bet for expanding clean cooking initiatives across Africa, with Malawi also pushing climate goals. Electricity crisis & fuel: Egenco says it is producing 26MW from diesel generators while it rehabilitates existing units, as debate continues over whether generators should be a stopgap versus Mozambique power deals. Air quality pressure: A new Africa Air Quality Brief marks that more than 20 African countries miss WHO air pollution guidelines, underscoring public health urgency. Wildlife & conservation: African Parks supports Majete communities with school funding and agriculture support, while two people were arrested over alleged ivory possession in Mangochi. Lake transport upgrade: Malawi signs a $20m deal with a Chinese firm to modernise Lake Malawi shipping, including three lake vessels and a new port at Monkey Bay.

El Niño Preparedness: Malawi is racing to plug a K324.8 billion gap for its El Niño plan as forecasts point to below-normal rainfall in parts of the country, raising risks for the 2026-27 farming season. Clean Air: On the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, a new Africa Air Quality Brief says more than 20 African countries—including Malawi’s region—still miss even the WHO’s looser PM2.5 targets, underscoring the health cost of dirty air. Lake Malawi Shipping: Malawi signed a $20 million deal with HongTai Investment Group to build three lake vessels and modernise Monkey Bay port, aiming to strengthen water transport and reduce pressure on roads. Wildlife Crime: Mangochi police arrested two men for alleged illegal possession of elephant ivory, seizing seven pieces concealed in a sack. Green Industrialisation: Government says industrialisation must be environmentally sustainable, pushing “green industrialisation” to create jobs while protecting natural resources. Composting for Food Security: Women with disabilities in Lilongwe are being trained to produce compost manure for backyard gardens, turning waste into value to boost nutrition and incomes.

Lake Malawi shipping upgrade: Malawi has signed a $20m MoU with HongTai Investment Group to deliver three lake vessels and modernise Monkey Bay port/shipyard, aiming to boost water transport, logistics and connectivity. El Niño air-and-food risk: The WMO says El Niño is almost certain to persist until Feb 2027, with Malawi needing K488.5bn for preparedness but only K163.7bn mobilised so far, leaving a K324.8bn gap. Clean air push: On the UN International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, a new Africa Air Quality Brief says more than 20 African countries still miss WHO air pollution guidelines, urging better monitoring and action. Green industrialisation: Malawi is pushing green industrialisation for jobs and growth, stressing environmentally sustainable, climate-resilient manufacturing and clean energy. Compost for climate-smart farming: Lilongwe women with disabilities are being trained to make compost manure for backyard gardens, turning waste into value for food security. Wildlife crime crackdown: Police in Mangochi arrested two men for alleged illegal possession of elephant ivory. Electricity pressure: A political push is growing over blackouts and generator reliance, while the energy minister says spares and Mozambique imports should ease outages by December. Governance and accountability: Parliament has set up 12 joint committees to investigate issues including electricity, fuel transport, mining and public projects.

Green Industrialisation Push: Malawi says it is driving environmentally sustainable, climate-resilient industrialisation to create jobs and exports, with priorities ranging from greener manufacturing and clean energy to stronger university–private sector partnerships. Lake Malawi Shipping Upgrade: Government signed a $20m deal with Hongtai Investment Group to deliver two vessels and modernise Monkey Bay Shipyard, aiming to boost inland water transport and tourism. El Niño Alarm: The World Meteorological Organisation confirms near-100% El Niño likelihood to Feb 2027, while Malawi’s El Niño preparedness needs K488.5bn but has only mobilised K163.7bn, leaving a K324.8bn gap. Power Crisis Watch: Energy Minister Jean Mathanga says blackouts should ease by December as spares arrive and Mozambique electricity is expected to flow, but consumer groups urge caution. Clean Cooking Finance: Carbon credit financing is helping households switch from charcoal and firewood to cleaner cooking, cutting smoke and costs while reducing pressure on forests. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Mangochi police arrested two men for illegal possession of seven pieces of elephant ivory. Governance Spotlight: Parliament has set up 12 joint committees to investigate issues including NOCMA fuel procurement and suspected fraud, electricity, mining, prisons and major public projects. Shire Valley Demands: Nsanje and Chikwawa leaders issued the Nchalo Declaration calling for dated, binding targets on flood-resilient classrooms, hospitals, roads and irrigation.

Lake Malawi Shipping Upgrade: Malawi has signed a $20mn deal with Chinese firm Hongtai Investment Group to deliver two vessels and modernise the Monkey Bay Shipyard, aiming to boost transport and tourism on the lake. El Niño Funding Crunch: The World Meteorological Organisation confirms near-100% El Niño odds until February 2027, while Malawi says it needs K488.5bn for preparedness but has mobilised only K163.7bn, leaving a K324.8bn gap. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Mangochi police arrested two men for allegedly possessing seven pieces of elephant ivory, seized from a lodge and set for court. Clean Cooking Finance: Carbon credit financing is helping households switch from charcoal to cleaner cookstoves, cutting smoke and fuel costs while easing pressure on forests. Shire Valley Development Push: Nsanje and Chikwawa communities met in Nchalo and demanded dated, funded infrastructure targets, including flood-resilient classrooms and progress on key regional projects. School Meals at Risk: WFP warns 611,800 primary learners could lose school meals from September 2026 without urgent donor support.

Clean Cooking Finance: Carbon credit financing is helping households switch from charcoal to cleaner induction cooking, cutting smoke and costs while tackling the health toll of household air pollution across Africa. Wildlife Crime: Mangochi police arrested two men after finding seven pieces of elephant ivory hidden in a lodge sack, with suspects expected to face court over illegal possession. Energy & Environment: Malawi’s power blackouts may ease by December as spare parts are expected and Mozambique electricity supply is set to start, though consumer watchdogs warn the crisis could last longer. El Niño Preparedness: Malawi says it needs K488.5bn for 2026/27 El Niño response but has mobilised only K163.7bn, leaving a K324.8bn gap that could hit food, water, energy and health. School Meals at Risk: WFP warns 611,800 primary learners could lose school meals from September 2026 without urgent donor funding. Vulture Conservation: Southern African groups launched a Vulture Safe Zone Alliance to curb poisoning, habitat loss and powerline deaths threatening vultures. Water Resilience: Rainwater harvesting advocates say Malawi can capture over 90 billion cubic metres, pushing campaigns to boost climate-ready water supplies. Shire Valley Push: Nsanje and Chikwawa communities issued a declaration demanding dated, funded infrastructure and service delivery targets for the flood-prone Shire Valley. Wildlife & Food Safety Abroad: US authorities seized dried rodents and raw beef from a Malawi passenger at Chicago’s O’Hare, destroying the items under biosecurity rules.

El Niño preparedness gap: Malawi says it needs K488.5bn for 2026/27 El Niño risks, but has mobilised only K163.7bn, leaving a K324.8bn shortfall that could hit food, water, energy and health. Rainwater push: Rainwater harvesting groups and Mubas are urging communities to capture the rains, with RHAM saying Malawi can harvest over 90bn cubic metres. School meals at risk: WFP warns 611,800 primary learners could lose meals from September 2026 without urgent donor support. Wildlife and food safety: US authorities seized dead African mice and beef from a Malawi traveller at Chicago O’Hare, citing import rules to prevent disease. Vulture conservation: Southern African groups launched the Vulture Safe Zone Alliance to cut poisoning, electrocution and habitat loss driving steep vulture declines. Lake Malawi sand mining: Reports show sand extraction along the lakeshore, raising fears for beaches, riverbanks and the UNESCO-listed lake’s biodiversity. Shire Valley development demands: Nsanje and Chikwawa leaders issued the Nchalo Declaration calling for dated, binding targets on flood-prone infrastructure and services.

Vulture Protection: Southern African conservation groups launched the Vulture Safe Zone Alliance and guidelines, pushing “safe zones” across protected and managed landscapes to cut poisoning, collisions and habitat loss as vulture numbers have fallen sharply. El Niño Preparedness: Malawi’s El Niño plan needs K324.8bn more than it has, with government targeting early warning, food and water security, and maize reserves as below-normal rains threaten 2026/27. School Feeding at Risk: WFP warns 611,800 primary learners could lose meals from September 2026 without about K34.1bn in donor support, risking hunger and harmful coping. Water & Climate Resilience: Rainwater harvesting is getting fresh momentum, with Malawi urged to capture huge rainfall volumes and campaigns launched to help households and schools store water. Biodiversity Pressure: Lake Malawi sand mining is stripping shorelines and raising fears for the UNESCO lake’s freshwater biodiversity. Community Conservation: Tourism minister calls for community-led natural resource management, arguing conservation must be funded at the grassroots. Cost of Living: Malawi’s cost-of-living squeeze is pushing families toward survival mode, with essentials becoming harder to afford.

El Niño preparedness: Malawi is stepping up national measures for the 2026/27 rainy season after forecasts point to below-normal rainfall and dry spells in the Southern Region, with a MK488.5bn response plan (MK163.7bn already mobilised) covering agriculture, food security, water, energy, health and early warning. Rainwater resilience: Mubas is launching “Catch the Rain Campaign” to push rainwater harvesting in homes, schools and communities, using youth-led awareness and practical guidance on storing water for sanitation, gardening and livestock. Community-led conservation: Tourism Minister Simon Itaye urged grassroots investment through community-based natural resource management to tackle biodiversity loss, climate change and rural poverty. Lake Malawi sand mining: Sand extraction along Lake Malawi’s shores is damaging beaches and freshwater habitats, raising alarms for the UNESCO World Heritage site and local livelihoods. Charcoal-driven floods: Reports from Mangochi link severe flooding to deforestation from aggressive charcoal trade, with calls to plant and protect trees. Social protection financing: Government unveiled a sustainable financing strategy to reduce donor dependence in social protection, aiming for predictable funding to protect vulnerable households. Electricity transparency: CAMA demands full disclosure of EGENCO/ESCOM diesel generator rental contracts, warning consumers could face higher costs if the deals don’t deliver lasting power. Women’s economic empowerment: Her Liberty and partners handed tailoring certificates to rural women in Zomba, pushing vocational skills to break economic dependence.

El Niño preparedness: Malawi is stepping up national measures for the 2026/27 rainy season after forecasts point to below-normal rainfall and dry spells in the South, with a K488.5bn response plan (K163.7bn already mobilised) covering early warning, food and water security, agriculture, energy and social protection. Rainwater harvesting push: Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) is launching “Catch the Rain” to get households, schools and communities capturing and storing rainwater for sanitation, gardening and livestock. Lake Malawi under pressure: Sand mining along the lake’s shoreline is damaging beaches and riverbanks around the UNESCO World Heritage site, raising fears for freshwater biodiversity and tourism. Charcoal-driven flood risk: Communities in Mangochi describe how deforestation for charcoal left landscapes less able to absorb heavy rains, worsening floods and crop losses. Community conservation: Tourism minister Simon Itaye calls for more investment in community-led natural resource management to tackle biodiversity loss and climate change at the grassroots. Health and environment link: WHO-linked reporting says non-communicable diseases now drive about 40% of deaths, with tobacco, diet and other social and environmental factors flagged as key drivers.

El Niño preparedness: Malawi’s government has launched a 2026/27 National El Niño Preparedness Plan, built on early-warning and rapid-response pillars, as forecasts point to below-normal rainfall risk in southern and central regions. UK climate support: The UK has pledged about K5.3bn (US$3m) for anticipatory action, including better forecast-to-action work with the UK Met Office and DCCMS, plus drought-resistant crops and market monitoring. Rainwater push: Mubas is set to launch a “Catch the Rain” campaign in Blantyre, using music and youth-led outreach to promote household and school rainwater harvesting. Conservation with communities: Tourism Minister Simon Itaye urged investment in community-led natural resource management to tackle biodiversity loss and climate change, warning against top-down approaches. Lake Malawi under pressure: Sand miners are extracting along Lake Malawi’s shores, raising fears for UNESCO-listed biodiversity and shoreline stability. Electricity transparency: CAMA is demanding full disclosure of EGENCO and ESCOM diesel generator rental contracts, warning costs could hit consumers. Health and environment links: A WHO-backed Malawi report says NCDs now drive about 40% of deaths, with tobacco, diet and other social and environmental factors flagged.