AGP Executive Report

WAFCON2026 Fallout: Cameroon’s Lionesses ended the tournament in style, beating Malawi 3-0 in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, while Malawi’s Scorchers head home as runners-up after a historic debut run. Super Falcons Shake-up: Nigeria’s NFF has ordered the Super Falcons’ technical crew to step down immediately after a disastrous WAFCON campaign that left them missing the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Lilongwe Health Crisis: Bwaila Hospital’s maternity ward is buckling under demand, delivering about 115–120 babies a day as mothers shift from pricier private options, raising fears for staffing, beds and care quality. Diplomacy & Finance: Malawi’s Second Vice President Enock Chihana held high-level talks with BADEA’s chief in Durban, aiming to unlock new development opportunities. Parliament Oversight Push: Speaker Sameer Suleman opened a new MPs training cohort and warned Parliament will intensify scrutiny to chase every kwacha of public spending. Education Relief: A stranded MUBAS student in Blantyre got his K402,000 tuition balance paid after an appeal, allowing him to register without interruption. Road to Homecoming: Malawi’s Ministry of Sports is preparing a heroes’ welcome for the Scorchers in Lilongwe, with police and defence escort planned for Wednesday’s reception.

WAFCON Aftermath: Cameroon beat Malawi 3-0 in Rabat to win their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, with Marie Ngah Manga scoring twice and Naomi Eto adding the third; Malawi’s debut run ends in silver but Temwa Chawinga takes the Golden Boot with five goals. Regional Diplomacy: Malawi’s Second Vice President Enock Chihana led high-level talks with Mozambique on the sidelines of the 46th SADC Summit in Durban, reaffirming cooperation on peace, security and socio-economic development. SADC Focus: Leaders gather in Durban for a summit agenda centred on resilient industrialisation, infrastructure, agriculture and critical minerals, while migration and regional security remain front and centre. Immigration Tensions (SA): South Africa’s push for stricter migration controls is spilling into the summit, with anti-migrant “March and March” planning a march and picket under “It’s time to fetch your people.” Economy Watch: Malawi’s inflation eases to 20.8% in July, down from 21.1% in June, though month-on-month prices rise. Rights & Justice: Activist Sylvester Namiwa was rushed to ABC Hospital while in custody, then returned to prison as the High Court reserves judgment on his bail. Local Life: Fuel shortages resurface in Blantyre as some filling stations run dry, leaving motorists and minibus operators searching for supplies.

WAFCON Final Shock: Cameroon won their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title with a dominant 3-0 victory over Malawi in Rabat. Marie Ngah Manga scored twice (20th and 45+3) and Naomi Eto added the third, as Cameroon controlled the first half and kept the Chawinga sisters quiet. Malawi’s debut run still ends with history as runners-up, after stunning wins over Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana and Algeria. WAFCON Awards: Monique Ngock was named Player of the Tournament, Temwa Chawinga finished top scorer, and Michaely Bihina took best goalkeeper. NBM Support for Scorchers: Ahead of the final, National Bank of Malawi CEO Harold Jiya and FAM president Fleetwood Haiya pledged that Scorchers’ game bonuses would be paid in full, urging the team to “finish the mission.” Education Results: MANEB released 2026 JC and Standard 8 results, with boys outperforming girls in both exams and overall pass rates above 81% for Standard 8 and JC.

WAFCON Final Fever: Malawi’s Scorchers face Cameroon in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat on Sunday, chasing a first-ever continental title after stunning Nigeria and then beating Algeria; coach Lovemore Fazili says “let the best team win” but insists Malawi are ready, with Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga driving the attack and Cameroon’s Michaely Bihina holding firm at the back. Bronze Medal Drama: Algeria made history by winning bronze after beating hosts Morocco 3-2 on penalties, setting up a final between Cameroon and Malawi. DPP Succession Tensions: Vice President Dr Jane Ansah shut down succession rumours, declaring she will remain in the Democratic Progressive Party “for the rest of my life,” while speaking during a luncheon for people with disabilities and albinism in Lilongwe. Court Move in MEC Relocation Fight: The Malawi Congress Party has withdrawn contempt proceedings against senior officials over alleged rental payment delays tied to the Electoral Commission’s proposed move to Blantyre, though an injunction on the relocation remains. Health & Inclusion: Malawi’s injectable PrEP (lenacapavir) has reached 2,000 people since rollout, and VP Ansah hosted persons with disabilities for inclusion-focused engagement. Water Woes: Malawi’s water and sanitation funding gap remains huge, with officials warning progress toward SDG 6 is far off without major investment.

WAFCON 2026 Final Build-Up: Malawi’s Scorchers face Cameroon in Rabat on Sunday after a stunning run that has already secured a first-ever finals appearance and a 2027 World Cup spot; President Peter Mutharika says the team has “united” Malawians, while Football Legends Association declares the players “legends” and replica jerseys are selling fast as stocks run out. El Niño Preparedness: Government says it is stepping up climate plans to protect water supplies, including rehabilitating 200 boreholes and building 100 climate-resilient ones, warning drought could push people toward unsafe sources. South Africa Repatriation Cost Row: Pretoria claims it spent about $18.5m on deportations and wants reimbursement from Nigeria, Malawi and Ethiopia, but Nigeria and Ghana dispute receiving or accepting the demand. Politics and Courts: Malawi Congress Party drops a contempt case but says an injunction affecting MEC’s controversial move remains; meanwhile, police question MCP “veterans” after they shut the party secretary general’s office. Lilongwe Local Governance: Lilongwe council admits five out of six properties are off the tax books, raising fresh questions on revenue and accountability.

WAFCON Final Build-Up: Malawi’s Scorchers, powered by Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, set up a first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Cameroon in Rabat after beating Algeria 3-1; Cameroon reached the decider by edging Morocco on penalties, with goalkeeper Michaely Bihina starring. Power Sector Fallout: A K65.9bn dispute between Escom and Egenco over power purchase payments has been resolved through write-offs, tariff changes and a government bailout, sparking consumer anger over “financial gymnastics” and fears households will pay twice. Mining Devolution Watch: Civil society welcomed plans to devolve some mining functions to district councils, saying it could boost transparency and local participation, but warned reforms may fail without funding and capacity. WASH Push: Government launched a Presidential Compact on WASH aiming to raise safe water and sanitation access by 2030, bringing players under one national programme. Governance & Accountability: Speaker Sameer Suleman praised delegates at the CPA Africa conference in Lilongwe, while debate on an “open Parliament” continues to grow. Sports Beyond Football: Malawi’s tobacco production forecast was revised down to ease oversupply fears, and a separate report highlights gaps in cross-border health data for Mozambicans in Malawi.

Immigration Tensions in the Region: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa told SADC leaders he is “deeply concerned and ashamed” over attacks on foreign nationals, saying vigilante actions forced more than 178,000 African immigrants to leave, including many from Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. WAfCON Glory for Malawi: Malawi’s Scorchers booked their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final and World Cup place after a 3-1 semi-final win over Algeria, with fans celebrating at National Bank of Malawi watch parties in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu; the final is set for Sunday against Cameroon. World Cup Play-off Draw for Ghana: Ghana’s Black Queens will learn their 2027 Women’s World Cup play-off opponents on 20 August after beating Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 to keep their hopes alive. Human Trafficking Pact: Ethiopia and Malawi signed an MOU to strengthen cooperation against human trafficking and migrant smuggling along the Southern Route to South Africa. Public Health Watch: Malawi’s sanitation access remains low, with only about 40% of people using at least basic sanitation, and Kasungu stunting rising to 40.1%. Business & Finance: Malawi’s MRA says digital upgrades and a backup data centre are improving continuity and customs processing, while Old Mutual Malawi highlighted pension governance at the 2026 trustees conference.

Women’s World Cup Qualification: Malawi’s Scorchers keep the spotlight after reaching the WAFCON final and booking a 2027 Women’s World Cup place, while Nigeria’s Super Falcons were knocked out of the World Cup race for the first time in history after a 2-1 loss to South Africa in the play-in in Morocco; South Africa and Ghana also advanced to the intercontinental playoff spots after wins over Nigeria and Ivory Coast. WAFCON Final Build-Up: Cameroon’s Michaely Bihina says she’s ready for the “biggest” challenge against Malawi’s Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga in Sunday’s final after Cameroon beat Morocco on penalties. Lilongwe & Malawi Sports Development: Malawi’s Youth Games are credited with feeding talent into national and international sport, and FAM is set to review Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili’s contract after his targets were met. Energy & Jobs: Malawi coal miners are seeking financing to expand production and cut reliance on imported coal, aiming to save foreign exchange. Governance & Accountability: Malawi’s Parliament moves to bring in South African forensic pathologists for the Chilima crash inquiry, pushing for transparency as the search for answers continues. Social Protection: Malawi’s social safety net is flagged as underfunded and limited in coverage, with heavy donor reliance and gaps in who is excluded. Lilongwe Community Housing: Property owners back MHC’s Malangalanga redevelopment plan, with valuations and compensation options now the next hurdle.

WAFCON & World Cup Road: Malawi’s Scorchers have booked a historic Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final after beating Algeria 3-1, with the Chawinga sisters driving the comeback and Temwa Chawinga leading the Golden Boot race heading into Sunday’s showdown with Cameroon. Regional Football Stakes: In Casablanca, Ghana edged Ivory Coast 2-1 to earn one of Africa’s last chances for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, while South Africa and Nigeria clash later as the other route to the inter-confederation playoffs. Kabaza Crackdown Turns Ugly: In Blantyre’s Limbe, police and Kabaza associations launched enforcement that led to roadblocks, motorcycle impounds and angry protests, as officials warn the motorcycle crisis continues to kill and injure many. Elections Delayed Over Warehouse: Malawi’s civil society says a “sealed warehouse” has turned into postponed elections in Nsanje South and Mangochi East, after MEC said electoral materials can’t be accessed. South Africa Repatriation Cost Fight: Pretoria is seeking reimbursement for deportation and repatriation expenses, including demands that include Malawi, while Ghana says it funded its own evacuation. Local Governance: Machinga District Council officers face internal discipline over lateness and dress-code breaches. Community & Culture: World Vision’s 15-year Chiradzulu programme has officially ended, with Minister Phiri urging residents to protect the legacy as the charity exits.

WAFCON Final Set: Malawi’s debutants the Scorchers stunned Algeria 3-1 in Rabat, with Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga combining for all three goals, and will now face Cameroon after the Indomitable Lionesses beat hosts Morocco 3-1 on penalties. Top Scorers Watch: Ahead of Sunday’s final, Temwa Chawinga and Zambia’s Barbra Banda lead the scoring with five goals each, with Tabitha Chawinga on four. Migration Tensions: South Africa has asked Malawi, Ethiopia and Nigeria to reimburse deportation costs after spending nearly $18.5m on repatriations of more than 80,000 undocumented migrants, a move that has sparked diplomatic friction. Food Security Push: Malawi’s NFRA says it has secured 22,570 tonnes of maize for El Niño lean-season preparations, with more funding expected to keep procurement moving. Cost of Living Pressure: Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) criticises government-approved water tariff hikes, warning they will hit households already under strain. Governance & Accountability: Parliament’s Speaker Sameer Suleiman urged African legislatures to renew the social contract by strengthening accountability and citizen trust.

WAFCON 2026: Malawi’s Scorchers made history on their debut, beating Algeria 3-1 in the semi-final to reach the final. Goals & drama: Tabitha Chawinga scored twice and Temwa Chawinga added one as Algeria were reduced to 10 players early after a red card, with Algeria pulling one back through Ikram Adjabi. World Cup ticket: The win also secures Malawi a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the final set for Sunday against the winner of Cameroon vs Morocco. Team support: NBS Bank announced a K245 million reward for the Scorchers, crediting K7 million to each of the 48 squad members. Ghana fallout: Ghana’s Black Queens players raised concerns over unpaid bonuses and welfare support, and coach Kim Lars Björkegren says he feels “no pressure” ahead of their World Cup play-off against Côte d’Ivoire. Migration tensions: South Africa’s Home Affairs says it spent R292 million on repatriations and is seeking reimbursement from Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia. Governance: Malawi’s Speaker Sameer Suleman urged African parliaments to renew the social contract to rebuild citizen trust.

Lean-season food support: WFP and Japan agreed a JPY 300m (about $1.9m) package to help 170,000 food-insecure people in Malawi during the October–March lean season, including 1,910 metric tonnes of rice as crisis-level hunger is projected to rise. Migration costs and diplomacy: South Africa says it has spent about R292m on deportations/repatriations and is asking Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia to reimburse costs, after budgeted funds fell short. Repatriation wrap-up: Malawi’s government-assisted voluntary repatriation from South Africa ends Wednesday, with 56,723 nationals returned, while consular help continues for those who still want to leave. Wildlife crackdown: Mangochi police arrested a traditional healer and a kabaza operator after they were found transporting a live pangolin. Power resilience: Malawi commissioned its first utility-scale battery storage system in Lilongwe to help stabilise the grid and cut reliance on diesel during climate shocks. Sports and community: Malawi’s Scorchers move into WAFCON semi-finals with fresh public watch-party celebrations in Lilongwe, as student leaders push back against proposed university fee hikes. Politics: MCP condemns the arrest of Kadzipatike, alleging political targeting.

Immigration Update: Malawi has retained visa-free or simplified entry for travellers from 160 countries, while 47 others must get visas or prior authorisation before departure, with the rules framed around reciprocity and security. Health & Training: Malawi will host the COSECSA surgical AGM and scientific conference at Bingu International Convention Centre from Nov 27 to Dec 4, drawing over 1,500 practitioners under a theme focused on surgery amid antimicrobial resistance. Economy & Jobs: Tobacco earnings have fallen sharply, with about $260.8m (K456.6bn) earned in 16 weeks and the average price dropping to $2 per kg, raising fresh foreign exchange worries. Sports (WAFCON): Malawi’s Scorchers head into the WAFCON semi-final against Algeria with coach Lovemore Fazili warning against complacency as the team chases a first-ever final and keeps World Cup momentum alive. Local Development (Lilongwe): Malangalanga property owners have approved Malawi Housing Corporation’s redevelopment plan to upgrade staff quarters, including better drainage, roads, lighting and green spaces. Politics & Courts: The High Court moved CDEDI executive director Sylvester Namiwa’s bail hearing to Thursday, while MCP says the arrest of its legal affairs director George Kadzipatike is politically motivated. Regional Migration Costs: South Africa says deportation and repatriation spending hit about R292m and has asked Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia to reimburse repatriation costs.

WAFCON & World Cup Push: Malawi’s Scorchers kept their historic run alive in Morocco, earning a FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 berth and a FIFA-backed boost after reaching the semi-finals; captain Tabitha Chawinga and coach Lovemore Fazili say the prize money is motivating but the focus stays on winning the next matches. Football Shockwaves: Ghana’s Black Queens were knocked out of automatic World Cup qualification after losing 2-1 to Malawi, leaving them to fight through a play-in route against Côte d’Ivoire; coach Kim Lars Björkegren called it the worst feeling in 20 years. Sports Spotlight: FIFA boss Gianni Infantino praised the Scorchers, while Nigeria’s Super Falcons’ exit to Cameroon has them facing a playoff against South Africa. Politics & Justice: Malawi Congress Party lawyer George Kadzipatike handed himself to police over a tax warrant after raids on his offices, with party leaders rushing to his station. Crime: A hotel cleaner at Liwonde Sun Hotel was arrested over alleged theft of K2.7m from a US tourist, with police saying the full amount was recovered. Energy & Economy: Malawi commissioned the first 10MW phase of the Salima-Nanjoka solar plant, as the country pushes to ease power shortages. Business & Markets: Continental Holdings became the 17th firm to list on the Malawi Stock Exchange, signaling growing investor confidence. Governance & Land: A pilot land ownership audit in Lilongwe is set for a major briefing, with claims of irregular plot allocations involving senior public figures.

WAFCON & World Cup Qualification: Malawi’s Scorchers stunned Ghana 2-1 in Rabat to reach the semi-finals and book the country’s first-ever 2027 Women’s World Cup spot in Brazil. Ghana took an early lead, but Temwa Chawinga equalised and Rose Kadzere scored the winner in the 79th minute. Malawi now face Algeria in Casablanca, while hosts Morocco play Cameroon. Sports Reaction: Ghana’s Black Queens’ exit has been branded the “worst feeling” for coach Kim Lars Björkegren, while Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili says his side never underestimated Ghana. Public Health: Malawi’s community HIV programme reported a sharp drop in HIV positivity among HIV-exposed infants, with the “default” rate falling from 39% to 13% and only 12 positives out of more than 7,000 tested. Energy & Power: Malawi commissioned its first battery storage system in Kanengo, Lilongwe, a 20MW/40MWh project aimed at stabilising the grid and unlocking more renewables. Governance & Justice: Activist Sylvester Namiwa has spent two weeks on remand on a treason charge, with lawyers preparing a High Court bail bid. Media: Malawi Broadcasting Corporation Director General Brian Banda was laid to rest in Chileka, Blantyre, after tributes highlighted his push to reshape public broadcasting.

WAFCON Shock to World Cup: Malawi’s Scorchers stunned Ghana 2-1 in Rabat to reach the semi-finals and qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup for the first time, with Temwa Chawinga equalising and Rose Kadzere scoring the winner in the 79th minute. Black Queens’ Road to Brazil: Ghana’s quarter-final exit ends automatic qualification hopes, but they still face Côte d’Ivoire in a play-in for another route to the World Cup. Super Falcons Knocked Out: Nigeria were eliminated 1-0 by Cameroon after Myriam Nyadjou’s free-kick, sending the Falcons into the playoff route. Fuel Sector Fraud Warning: A Malawian fuel importer warns of “chaos” risk after an attempted licence forgery to illegally import fuel, calling for tighter checks across regulators and borders. Rare Earths Clarity: Lindian Resources says Malawi inspections found no evidence of unauthorised extraction at Kangankunde, while it also moved to full ownership of its Kazakhstan processing facility to control production and marketing. Court Limits Total Rebate: Malawi’s High Court restricted Total Malawi’s $480m tax rebate dispute to a six-year period. Mourning Brian Banda: The late MBC Director General Brian Banda will be laid to rest today in Chileka, Blantyre.