AGP Executive Report

Gender Equality in Sport: ZOC is hosting the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, bringing together 10 National Olympic Committees including Malawi to focus on women in leadership, coaching, safeguarding, financing and digital safety. Malawi Music & AI: Copyright Society of Malawi (Cosoma) says it does not register or pay royalties for AI-created works, as musicians debate how AI is changing production and diluting the “human touch.” Football Sponsorship: Smile Life Insurance honoured its pledge to support Mighty Wanderers, rewarding Man of the Match performers with cash prizes, while in Salima M&B increased sports sponsorship to K25 million for football and netball. Netball Camp: Malawi’s Queens and Kings are in friendly-match mode ahead of the Commonwealth Games and Africa Netball Cup, with the teams trading wins in Blantyre. Sports Spotlight: Speed eater Spanner Mw hit back at critics after asking for sponsorship for a Guinness World Record attempt, saying the earlier 20 million kwacha win “is not a lot.” Cultural Event Abroad: Prague Museum Night returns with free or discounted entry across 60+ venues, featuring performances including Malawi’s Lake Malawi indie-pop group.

Malawi Social Spotlight: The Ministry of Gender launched the Umunthu Social Index (USI) to track social impact and community-driven development, tying Malawi’s progress to the Umunthu philosophy of people being “people through other people.” Sports & Culture: Malawi’s speed eater Spanner Mw hit back at critics after asking for sponsorship for a Guinness World Record trip to Nigeria, saying his earlier 20 million kwacha win “is not a lot” and that he’s even set to feature in a movie. Women’s Football: Temwa Chawinga defended her decision to miss Scorchers’ friendly matches against Tanzania, insisting her choice was honest and not a lack of patriotism. Arts & Media: Izeki ndi Jakobo Studios warned of piracy, saying unauthorized clips of the duo’s films are being shared online without permission and that takedowns are planned. Community & Safety: Likoma District’s ambulances on the island have been grounded for over five years, limiting emergency care, while Malawi also faces renewed concern over mob violence tied to witchcraft accusations. Regional Context: Mozambique and South Africa trade claims over deaths linked to xenophobic unrest in Mossel Bay, as repatriation efforts continue.

Mission & Safeguarding: Malawi’s PMS director Fr. Madeya urged a “missionary conversion” focused on re-energising SCCs, guiding young people toward priesthood/religious life/lay service, and strengthening safeguarding and transparent stewardship of missionary resources. Electoral Commission Row: Debate rages over Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) plans to resist a presidential directive to relocate to Blantyre, with MEC chair Justice Annabel Mtalimanja saying it will wait for court determination. Women’s Football Spotlight: Temwa Chawinga hit back at critics over missing Malawi Scorchers’ Tanzania friendlies, insisting her decision was honest and not a lack of patriotism. Sports Development: First Capital Bank and Hashtag Fitness launched the K40m FCB Padel Cup in Blantyre, aiming to grow padel across Malawi and the region. Diaspora Culture: Malawians in Washington State held a community summer get-together celebrating their registered non-profit and sharing music, dance and home-style food. Entertainment & IP: Izeki ndi Jakobo Studios warned of piracy of their comic duo clips online and plans takedowns to protect copyright. Public Health Alarm: PAC raised concerns that embalming chemicals may be diverted to preserve fish for human consumption, calling for stronger oversight.

Malawi Women’s Football: Temwa Chawinga hit back at critics over missing Scorchers’ Tanzania friendly, saying she chose honesty and could have “faked an injury” instead. WAFCON Build-Up: NBM plc launched a “Waku WAFCON” promo giving away Scorchers jerseys and offering fans a chance to watch the team in Morocco. Sport & Community: World Netball backed Malawi’s “Grassroots to Queens” pathway, aiming to keep talented girls in school while feeding the next netball stars. Arts & Culture: The Royal Shakespeare Company brought “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” to London’s West End, turning William Kamkwamba’s Malawi story into a musical. Media & IP: Izeki ndi Jakobo Studios warned of piracy of their comic duo clips online and plans takedowns so viewers use official channels. Health & Safety: PAC raised alarm over alleged use of embalming chemicals to preserve fish, calling for stronger regulation and oversight. Business & Money: PayPal USD (PYUSD) is now available in Malawi for faster cross-border payments, while MEDF rolled out a K100 billion loan programme for MSMEs.

Sports & Culture: KEPYR marks its 10th anniversary with the June 1–30 “Kindred Spirits” campaign, “Artists for Artists!”, spotlighting child displacement and raising funds for African Youth Artistic Poetry workshops in Malawi’s Dzaleka Refugee Camp, with a New York Poets House event on June 19 featuring live performances by young poets via immersive tech. Music: Sounds of Malawi brought Giddes Chalamanda back to the Alliance Francaise De Blantyre stage, with the 95-year-old banjo master performing classics and saying he’s still composing. Football (Women’s WAFCON): Malawi’s Scorchers face selection pressure as FAM is asked not to call up the Chawinga sisters for WAfCON 2026 to give younger players a chance; NBM also launched “Waku WAFCON” with Scorchers jersey giveaways and a Morocco trip promo. Netball & Girls’ Education: World Netball backs Malawi’s “Grassroots to Queens” pathway with funding approval to grow talent while keeping girls in school. Community Sport: First Capital Bank and Hashtag Fitness inject K40m into the FCB Padel Cup in Blantyre (June 6–13), aiming to expand padel across the region. Public Health Alarm: PAC warns embalming chemicals may be diverted to preserve fish, calling for stronger oversight.

Entrepreneurship Boost: MEDF launched a K100 billion loan disbursement drive in Lilongwe to help MSMEs access affordable capital, urging borrowers to repay on time so the fund can keep revolving. Public Health Alarm: Parliament’s PAC is demanding action after claims that embalming chemicals meant for mortuaries are being diverted and used to preserve fish for human consumption. Football & WAFCON Buzz: NBM plc handed out 20 Scorchers’ jerseys in its “Waku WAFCON” promo, while Nigeria’s Super Falcons opened camp in Ikenne for friendlies against Senegal ahead of WAFCON in Morocco. Women’s Sports & Community Support: Mzomera-Ngwira pledged food support for PSLCE candidates, and Northern basketball sponsor Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba promised floodlights for Katoto courts in Mzuzu to enable evening training. Sports Spotlight: Wanderers stormed to the top in the FDH Bank Premiership after a 4-0 win, reshuffling the title race. Music & Inspiration: Lady Aika (Malaika Chikalimba) urged girls to choose education after graduating from LUANAR. Governance Watch: PAC cleared MBC and MACRA boards over DG appointments, while AG Frank Mbeta pressed MEC to relocate from Lilongwe to Blantyre.

Basketball & Youth Sports: Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba has pledged floodlights for the Katoto Basketball Courts in Mzuzu, aiming to help players—especially women with daytime work—train in the evenings. Menstrual Hygiene: Malawi marked Menstrual Hygiene Day with officials saying water supply in schools has reached about 80%, while gaps remain in change rooms and toilets; stakeholders also highlighted stigma faced by girls, including those in prison. Agriculture & Food Security: Admarc has started maize purchases with only K5 billion released against a K60 billion budget, raising fears farmers may still struggle to get fair, reliable buying. Music & Pop Culture: Malawian Afropop star Onesimus’ album Son of Grace is making waves across Africa, with the Liema Pantsi collaboration “Someone to Love” hitting No. 1 on South African iTunes. Media & Community: MISA Malawi mourns Timveni correspondent Gerald Viyuyi, while PRSM’s Blantyre interface stressed communication as a key tool for trust and governance. Sports Governance: Football minister Alfred Gangata and Fam officials traded barbs in a heated push to settle rifts in Malawi football administration. Education & Inspiration: Musician Lady Aika (Malaika Chikalimba) urged girls to choose education after graduating from LUANAR following a return to school after dropping out. Tech/Science & Learning: Press Cane donated lab chemicals worth over K20 million to MUST to support engineering education and research.

Music Spotlight: Malawian Afropop star Onesimus’ new album Son of Grace dropped May 25, and the Liema Pantsi collaboration “Someone to Love” shot to No. 1 on South African iTunes within hours, signaling a fast-growing regional fanbase. Football & Talent Pipeline: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have shortlisted three foreign coaches and one local candidate for the head coach role, as the club looks to steady itself after a tough start to the 2026/27 season. Women’s Sports: Black Queens coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren named a 22-member squad for a three-nation tournament in Tanzania, with camp largely drawn from the Pink Ladies Cup. Arts & Culture: Lady Aika (Malaika Chikalimba) turned her graduation into a message for girls to return to education instead of early marriage, sharing her own near-dropout story. Media & Community: MISA Malawi mourns Timveni correspondent Gerald Viyuyi, remembered for community-focused reporting and steady presence across broadcast and digital platforms. Public Life & Health: Menstrual Hygiene Day was marked at Kachere Prison, with UNICEF and officials pushing to break stigma and improve access for women and girls in custody.

Afropop Spotlight: Malawian star Onesimus’ new album Son of Grace (released May 25) is already making waves across borders, with the Liema Pantsi collaboration “Someone to Love” hitting No. 1 on South African iTunes and the album climbing Apple Music Malawi charts. Football Governance: Sports Minister Alfred Gangata and Fam executive member Patrick Kapanga traded sharp words in a heated Lilongwe meeting over women’s football representation, with accusations of sidelining the NWFA. Coaching Buzz: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have shortlisted three foreign coaches and one local candidate for their head coach role, as the club looks to steady its 2026/27 Premiership start. Football Development: Malawi’s planned Reserve League from 2027/28 is being hailed as a potential game-changer for youth-to-senior player pathways. Culture & Events: The Umthetho Cultural Festival gets a push to “put Malawi on the map” ahead of August, with expectations of regional delegations. Health & Media: MISA Malawi mourns Timveni correspondent Gerald Viyuyi, while PRSM highlights the role of strategic communication in governance. Science & Learning: Press Cane donates lab chemicals worth over K20 million to MUST to strengthen engineering education and research. Sports & Entertainment (Campus): Mo626 Northern Region Intercollege Social Weekend in Mzuzu delivered costumes, music and surprise performances, including Fredokiss. Public Life: Malawi marks Menstrual Hygiene Day at Kachere Prison, tackling stigma and access gaps for women and girls.

Military & Diplomacy: Debate flared after a British High Commissioner received military honours during a courtesy visit to Malawi Defence Force leadership, with critics asking why such symbolism isn’t reciprocated. Education & Values: MEC chair Justice Annabel Mtalimanja urged CUNIMA graduands to reject “rapidification” and corruption, calling for ethical, disciplined leadership. Women’s Football: Black Queens coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren named a 22-member squad for a three-nation tournament in Tanzania. Media & Community: MISA Malawi mourned Timveni correspondent Gerald Viyuyi, remembering him for community-focused reporting. Public Health Corruption: Parliament heard admissions of bribery, fake receipts, drug theft and illegal charges in public hospitals, including cases of patients paying for “free” treatment. Sports & Culture: Inkosi M’mbelwa V challenged Umthetho festival organisers to raise standards for wider tourism impact, while Phyzix teased his return with album “Mthunzi.” Arts & Entertainment: A viral Lilongwe catfight at Bwandilo sparked online reactions as identities and cause remain unclear. Tech & Business: First Capital Bank launched a digital account opening platform, “Take the First Step,” enabling instant onboarding via verification. Health & Dignity: Menstrual Hygiene Day activities at Kachere Prison pushed back against stigma and highlighted product and infrastructure gaps for women and girls in custody. Regional Security: Malawi-linked drug smuggling cases around Beitbridge continued, including a postponed court appearance after a major methaqualone seizure.

Health Corruption Probe: Malawi MPs say public hospitals are charging for “free” care, with alleged bribes, fake receipts, stolen drugs and extortion surfacing at Kamuzu Central Hospital and beyond. Economy & Jobs: AfDB warns Malawi’s manufacturing employment fell from 4.3% (2010) to 3.9% (2024), blaming weak capacity, electricity woes and low-value production. Debt Pressure: AfDB says Malawi is shifting toward “grant-only” financing as debt distress and forex shortages bite. Stock Market Shock: The Malawi Stock Exchange has lost nearly K5 trillion in five months, as investors offload shares amid economic uncertainty. Tobacco Quality Crackdown: The Tobacco Commission warns farmers against mixing grades and tampering with moisture, citing rising rejections and falling prices. Business Reform: Government launches CRIPC to streamline company registration and intellectual property services. Arts & Culture: Hip-hop artist Phyzix teases his comeback album “Mthunzi,” while Inkosi M’mbelwa V pushes for higher standards at the Umthetho Cultural Festival. Student Entertainment: Mo626 Northern Region Intercollege Social Weekend lights up Mzuzu with themed costumes and live performances.

AfCON Qualifiers: Egypt edged Russia 1-0 in a World Cup warm-up, with the result setting the tone for Group B AfCON Pamoja 2027 qualifiers that include Malawi and Angola. Politics & Media: Bakili Muluzi TV urged VP Jane Ansah to work with her appointing boss, while PUNCH journalist Hannah Johnson and 40 other African media professionals won INMA’s Africa Elevate 2026 scholarship. Sports & Culture: SEVENTEEN confirmed its V8 subunit album release for June 29 and a joint tour, while Malawi’s NBM plc celebrated Africa Day with a participatory artwork in Blantyre. Arts & Entertainment: Malawi’s Mo626 Northern Region Intercollege Social Weekend in Mzuzu turned into a themed fashion-and-music marathon. Local Justice: Limbe police arrested a goat farm owner accused of assaulting workers after a viral video. Health & Accountability: Parliament pledged reforms after a media probe exposed bribery in public hospitals, with the hospital ombudsman’s office flagged for weak independence.

Kwanza Cocoa UK launch: Malawian-crafted chocolate bar Kwanza Cocoa has reached the UK market, with the British High Commission in Malawi praising the brand’s sustainable, single-origin story from Nkhata Bay. Student culture in Mzuzu: NBM plc hosted Mo626 Northern Region Intercollege Social Weekend, turning Mzuzu into a fashion-and-music hub with themed costumes, cash prizes, and a dance marathon into sunrise. Hospital bribery probe: Parliament’s Health Committee says a media investigation found patients allegedly being charged for “free” services, and MPs pledge reforms including strengthening the hospital ombudsman’s office. Workplace abuse case: Limbe police arrested goat farm owner Asifu Chothiya after a viral video alleged assault of workers; he’s remanded pending further court action. Digital push: NBM plc pledged K25 million to support Malawi’s 2026 International ICT Expo in Lilongwe, focusing on trusted payments and fraud resilience. Music spotlight: SEVENTEEN’s subunit V8 confirmed a June 29 debut album release and summer tour dates, while the group also marked its 11th anniversary with education support via UNESCO in Laos.

Music & Wellness: Mother Earth International™ has accredited the Touch Mother Earth™ EarthVibes™ Music & Wellness Festival, pitching whole-person wellness, youth empowerment and environmental education through inclusive performances and workshops. Education & Pop Culture: Malawi’s music scene gets a boost as Onesimus’ “Son of Grace” album (released May 25) climbs to No. 2 on Apple Music Malawi, featuring cross-regional collaborations and multilingual Afrobeats/Afropop. K-pop Philanthropy: SEVENTEEN marks its 11th anniversary with UNESCO support for disadvantaged students in Laos, and notes it has already backed education programmes in Malawi. Sports Sponsorship: MAGLA signs a K40m MoU with SULOM to sponsor the “Goal and Save of the Month” awards in the FDH Bank Premiership, with a push for responsible gambling. Football Development: Finca Malawi and SRFA launch the 2026/27 Southern Region Premier League “Mpira Uyake,” backed by a K100m sponsorship and entertainment in Mwanza. Local Governance & Media: Parliament’s Public Appointments Committee summons the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation board over the recruitment of MBC Director General Brian Banda, amid transparency questions.

Education & Pay Dispute: Maranatha International Academy boss Dr. Ernest Kaonga says rumours about teachers’ “meager salaries” are false, insisting staff earn better than public university lecturers, and he also announced a MK5m reward for this year’s MSCE top performer plus a 20% salary increment for teachers. Music & Cross-Border Collaboration: Onesimus’ album Son of Grace (released May 25) is climbing on Apple Music Malawi, featuring continent-wide collaborations including Liema Pantsi, with multilingual Afrobeats/Afropop tracks aimed at a “borderless Africa.” K-pop Philanthropy: SEVENTEEN marks its 11th anniversary with a UNESCO-backed donation to help disadvantaged students in Laos move from primary to secondary school, extending its #GoingTogether campaign that has also supported Malawi. Public Order & Safety: Police arrested Sajeni Wibess in Lilongwe over a social media video allegedly promoting violence and hate speech, with officials urging Malawians to avoid inflammatory content and promote unity. Football Business: MAGLA signs a K40m MoU with SULOM to sponsor monthly “Goal and Save” awards in the FDH Bank Premiership, pairing performance incentives with responsible gambling messaging. Media Governance: Malawi’s Parliamentary Public Appointments Committee has summoned the MBC board over the recruitment of Director General Brian Banda, with the hearing moved to Salima amid transparency concerns. Sports Fans vs Police: Arsenal supporters in Lilongwe say police blocked their planned victory parade due to security constraints tied to upcoming regional police meetings.

Rare Earths Rush: Western governments are pushing floor prices and funding to build ex-China rare earth supply chains, sparking fresh investor heat for Australia’s ASX explorers and Lynas after its market value jumped fast—while China still dominates mining, refining and magnet production. Bulawayo Revival: Zimbabwe’s “Mother of All Revivals” drew 10,000+ worshippers to White City Arena, with hundreds reporting spiritual breakthroughs and local trade getting a boost. Malawi in the Spotlight: Malawi’s Parliament committee has moved the MBC DG recruitment hearing for Brian Banda to Salima, as transparency questions linger. Football & Culture: Finca Malawi and SRFA launched the Mpira Uyake Southern Region Premier League, while MAGLA backs monthly goal-and-save awards in the FDH Bank Premiership. Regional Tensions: South Africa’s crackdown on undocumented migrants in Durban netted 20+ foreign nationals, including Malawians, amid renewed xenophobia worries. Humanitarian Pressure: UN agencies in Malawi brace for major staff cuts as funding drops.