AGP Executive Report

Women’s Leadership: Sports official Mary Waya urged women to volunteer with associations to gain experience and move into leadership. The call came as 51 women graduated from a sports leadership programme in Lilongwe. Arts for Health: Theatre artists took kidney-health messages to Blantyre streets, encouraging regular check-ups and early screening. Resilience and Education: Mwayi Mpinganjira’s journey from financial hardship and interrupted studies to leading a charity and pursuing a master’s degree is a reminder that a difficult start need not define the future. Children’s Learning: A new initiative plans to establish early childhood development centres in Zomba’s Senior Chief Mwambo area, helping prepare children for primary school. Youth Football: Malawi’s Under-15 team finished 79th among 189 countries at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival. The tournament exposed gaps in coaching, facilities and grassroots development, while striker Takutzwa Maluwe’s eight goals showed the promise in the squad.

Arts for Health: Theatre Association of Malawi performers took kidney-health messages to Blantyre’s streets, urging early screening and regular check-ups. Women’s Safety: A call to treat gender-based violence as a national crisis highlights persistent gaps in enforcement, survivor services and prevention. Cultural Exchange: A Malawian journalist joined media representatives from 10 other countries for broadcast journalism training in Kolkata, India. Children & Learning: Plans for new early childhood centres in Senior Chief Mwambo’s area aim to give Zomba children a stronger start before primary school. Music Weekend: Lilongwe’s line-up features Skeffa Chimoto, gospel singer Adah Ehi, Pompi and South African duo Jazzworx and Thukuthela. Sport for All: A young footballer’s boot appeal has already brought 75 pairs to children’s teams in Mulanje, and he is collecting again.

Children’s Football: After sending 75 pairs of boots to children in Mulanje last year, 10-year-old Elliot Windsor-Okore is appealing for another donation to help young players get on the pitch. Women’s Rights: A new commentary calls gender-based violence a national crisis, citing gaps in funding, rural services and accountability despite Malawi’s existing laws and support programmes. Early Learning: Drop of Compassion plans to open early childhood development centres in Zomba, giving more children a chance to build learning and social skills before primary school. Community Safety: Six people have been arrested over the destruction of a teacher’s house in Nkhata Bay after witchcraft rumours spread among pupils; authorities found no basis for the claims. Live Music: Lilongwe’s weekend line-up features Skeffa Chimoto, gospel artists Adah Ehi and Pompi, and South African duo Jazzworx and Thukuthela.

Disability and Inclusion: Stories from Malawi spotlight the difference support can make: World Vision is helping a boy born without lower limbs access school, while Blantyre Secondary student Chiyambi Katunga helps his classmate Talandira with daily tasks and schoolwork. Early Learning: Drop of Compassion plans to establish early childhood centres in Senior Chief Mwambo’s area of Zomba, where many children start primary school without early-learning support. Music and Nightlife: Lilongwe has a packed weekend of live shows, featuring Skeffa Chimoto, gospel singers Adah Ehi and Pompi, and South African duo Jazzworx and Thukuthela. Belief and Safety: Six people were arrested after a deputy headteacher’s home in Nkhata Bay was allegedly destroyed over witchcraft rumours; an inspection found no basis for the claims. Culture and Tourism: Miss Tourism Malawi Maureen Keira Zimba is preparing to represent the country in the Philippines in December, showcasing Malawi’s attractions and cultural diversity.

Live Music: Lilongwe is set for a packed weekend, with Skeffa Chimoto, gospel singer Adah Ehi, Zambian artist Pompi and South African duo Jazzworx and Thukuthela on the bill. Culture and Community: Twenty-year-old Chrispine Jere has succeeded his father as Inkosi Chindi while continuing his secondary education. Witchcraft Allegations: Six people have been arrested after a deputy headteacher’s home was allegedly destroyed over rumours of witchcraft; an inspection found no support for the claims. The case has renewed calls for critical-thinking lessons to help prevent superstition-fuelled violence. Digital Learning: Malawi plans to connect 2,000 schools to the internet, while Airtel is supporting cybersecurity training and providing internet access to 20 university students. Tourism: Miss Tourism Malawi Maureen Keira Zimba is preparing to represent the country at an international pageant in the Philippines in December. Farming: Mulanje farmers are using water-harvesting methods, soil restoration and diverse crops to prepare for El Niño-related weather risks.

Tourism & Representation: Miss Tourism Malawi Maureen Keira Zimba is preparing to represent the country at the Miss Tourism International pageant in the Philippines this December, with organisers planning to showcase Malawi’s attractions and culture. Inclusion at School: At Blantyre Secondary School, Chiyambi Katunga helps classmate Talandira Kogoya, who was born without hands, with daily tasks and schoolwork — a friendship that turns inclusion into everyday action. Ancient Lives: Research on animal bones found in Malawi is helping scientists explore how people in the distant past found food and decided whether to defend resources or share them. Creative Economy: Fifty artists have joined the third Investment School of Creative Arts in Mangochi, backed by K150 million from Nico Group, for training in finance, branding, intellectual property and business skills. Fashion & Identity: Malawian designer Xandria Kawanga’s House of Xandria is gaining international recognition while using fashion to champion sustainability and inclusion.

Creative Economy: Malawi’s School of Arts has opened its third cohort, with 50 creatives receiving training in finance, branding, intellectual property and business development. Nico Group is backing the programme with K150 million. Fashion and Inclusion: House of Xandria has grown from a hand-sewn dress shared online into a recognised fashion brand, using couture and inclusive design to promote social change. Safe Abortion: A year after a landmark ruling affirmed safe abortion care for a minor pregnant through sexual violence, advocates say women and girls still face barriers and health workers need clearer guidance. Tourism: The Best of Malawi 2027 brochure is set to launch at WTM London, showcasing stays, safaris, cultural experiences and other visitor attractions. Traditional Leadership: Government says a Chiefs Act will go before Parliament in February, pledging to improve traditional leaders’ welfare as communities mourn Inkosi Chindi IV. Music Heritage: Bien’s Lilongwe performance and renewed calls to preserve the legacy of late musician Chris Mbendera spotlight Malawi’s music scene and its history.

Creative Economy: Fifty Malawian artists have joined the third Investment School of Creative Arts cohort in Mangochi, backed by K150 million from Nico Group. The programme covers finance, branding and intellectual property to help creatives turn talent into sustainable businesses. Traditional Leadership: At the burial of Inkosi Chindi IV, Local Government Minister Ben Phiri said a Chiefs Act aimed at improving traditional leaders’ welfare will go before Parliament in February. Ngoni custom honours chiefs by laying them to rest seated, a practice described as “planting.” Girls’ Education: Malawian girls who left school after pregnancy or marriage are fighting for a second chance, highlighting the barriers they face in returning to education. Faith and Heritage: CCAP marked 150 years in Blantyre, but anniversary celebrations were marred by violence, including attacks on journalists. Cultural Festival: Mulhakho wa Alhomwe brought crowds to Mulanje for music, tradition and herbal medicine; organisers promoted remedies, including products mixed with alcohol, whose health claims were not verified.

Higher Education: The Catholic University of Malawi says it needs K1 billion a year to support 100 students facing hardship; about 50 prospective students miss enrolment annually and 20 withdraw. Children & Online Safety: Content creator Ken Alufisha raised concerns about minors drinking and smoking shisha at music events, while Gender Minister Mary Navicha warned cyberbullying is silencing women and girls in public life. Church & Community: CCAP Blantyre Synod’s 150th anniversary celebrated the church’s legacy, but violence at the gathering prompted Misa and PAC to call for arrests after journalists and party officials were attacked. Live Music: Kenyan singer Bien drew an enthusiastic crowd at Live at Kumbali, where traditional dance, circus and local performers helped make the concert a broader cultural showcase. Ngoni Heritage: Chief Chindi IV is to be laid to rest seated, following a royal custom in which Ngoni chiefs are described as being “planted.” Culture & Sport: Chakwera FC won Karonga’s MJ Mwaihomba memorial tournament, part of a weekend featuring live music, poetry, children’s performances and Gule wa makolo. Traditional Leadership: Inkosi Mabulabo’s MBA graduation is a call for traditional leaders to embrace education alongside their cultural duties.

Women’s Online Safety: Gender Minister Mary Navicha warned that cyberbullying is silencing women and girls, discouraging them from politics, public debate and other activities. She called digital protection essential to empowerment. Church and Press Freedom: Misa Malawi and the Public Affairs Committee are urging arrests after three journalists were attacked at CCAP Blantyre Synod’s 150th anniversary celebrations. The Synod moderator condemned violence at church events. Community Support: Macoda has given bicycles and smartphones to 14 rehabilitation volunteers in Salima, helping them reach more people with disabilities and improve local records. Mental Health: Karonga authorities report 12 suicide cases in T/A Wasambo in 10 months. Churches, police and local leaders are urging people facing hardship to seek counselling and support. Cultural Heritage: Ngoni tradition calls for chiefs to be laid to rest seated, or “planted”; Chief Chindi IV’s funeral has brought renewed attention to the custom. Live Music: Kenyan singer Bien drew a large crowd at Live at Kumbali in Lilongwe, where local artists and traditional performances helped turn the concert into a wider celebration of Malawi’s music and culture.

Church and Press Freedom: MISA Malawi and the Public Affairs Committee are urging arrests and a full investigation after journalists and Malawi Congress Party members were attacked during CCAP Blantyre Synod’s 150th anniversary celebrations. MISA says three journalists were assaulted; the Synod moderator condemned violence at places of worship. Ngoni Traditions: Chief Chindi IV is expected to be laid to rest seated, in keeping with Ngoni royal custom. The community says chiefs are “planted,” not buried. Culture and Education: Inkosi Mabulabo of Mzimba has earned an MBA after balancing study with traditional duties, farming and business. He is urging traditional leaders to embrace education. Live Music: Kenyan singer Bien brought Pan-African pop to Live at Kumbali, where local artists, circus acts and traditional dance helped build the night’s energy. Music Heritage: The death of veteran musician Chris Mbendera has renewed calls to preserve Malawi’s music legacy; his hit “Nsima Ya Utaka” captured everyday life and food in song.

Ngoni Traditions: Chief Chindi IV is expected to be laid to rest seated on Wednesday, following a Ngoni royal custom that calls the act “planting” a chief. Education and Leadership: Inkosi Mabulabo has earned an MBA while balancing study with traditional duties, farming and business, offering young people an example of lifelong learning. Live Music: Kenyan star Bien brought pan-African pop, dance and traditional performances to a lively night at Lilongwe’s Kumbali Castle. Church Heritage: CCAP Blantyre Synod marked 150 years of work in education and health, but alleged attacks on journalists and opposition supporters overshadowed the celebrations; the church moderator urged politicians to keep conflict out of places of worship. Cultural Memory: The death of musician and actor Chris Mbendera has renewed calls to preserve Malawi’s music heritage, including songs that capture everyday life. Women’s Football: FAM is offering K3 million for a Scorchers World Cup kit design that celebrates Malawian culture and identity.

CCAP at 150: Blantyre Synod celebrated 150 years of faith and community service, including work in education and health. The milestone was overshadowed by alleged attacks on opposition supporters and journalists; MISA has called for action, while the Synod moderator urged politicians to keep conflict out of places of worship. Girls’ Education: In Dowa, education advocates helped Sinala Mwakapenda return to school after pregnancy, giving her a second chance to continue her studies. Music Heritage: The death of veteran musician and actor Chris Mbendera has renewed calls to preserve Malawi’s musical legacy. His hit “Nsima Ya Utaka” captured everyday life and food in song. Scorchers’ Style: FAM is offering K3 million for a kit design for the team’s 2027 World Cup campaign, inviting young designers to celebrate Malawian culture and women’s football.

Church Heritage: CCAP Blantyre Synod marked 150 years with a city parade and thanksgiving service, celebrating its work in education, health and community welfare. The anniversary was clouded by reported clashes involving political supporters; the Synod moderator urged parties to keep conflict out of places of worship, while police investigate vehicle damage. Girls’ Education: In Dowa, advocates and a local Mother Group helped Sinala Mwakapenda return to school after pregnancy, showing how community support can give young mothers a second chance. Music Legacy: The death of veteran musician and actor Chris Mbendera has renewed calls to preserve Malawi’s music heritage. His much-loved “Nsima Ya Utaka” turned everyday food and home life into a lasting cultural record. Scorchers Style: FAM is offering K3 million for a limited-edition kit design for the women’s team’s 2027 World Cup campaign. Malawian designers aged 18–35 are invited to reflect national colours, culture and the team’s identity.

Scorchers Style: FAM is offering K3 million for a winning shirt design for Malawi’s women’s team at the 2027 World Cup. The competition calls for women-focused designs celebrating Malawian identity and is open to designers aged 18 to 35. Women’s Online Safety: A new SADC policy brief says laws across the region often fail to address online abuse, including sharing intimate images without consent and sexual extortion. Reproductive Health: Malawi’s post-abortion care guidelines remain under review, months past a court-ordered deadline. A rights expert has criticised officials for poor communication and what he calls political rhetoric. Faith and Heritage: CCAP Blantyre Synod is marking 150 years, reflecting on its role in Malawi’s spiritual, educational and social life. Music and Culture: Kenyan singer Bien joined Malawian artists for a Lilongwe concert, while a separate commentary on music copyright highlights the line between borrowing a style and copying protected work.

Faith & Heritage: CCAP Blantyre Synod is marking 150 years since its founding, celebrating a legacy of faith, education and community service. The anniversary has also brought confusion over who will represent President Peter Mutharika at Sunday’s ceremony. Live Music: Kenyan Grammy-winning singer Bien says he is delighted to return to Malawi, headlining tonight’s Live at Kumbali concert alongside Driemo, Praise Umali and other local performers. Cultural Memory: A reflection on Khulubvi revisits the legend of Mbona and the sacred forest’s place in Malawian storytelling and heritage. Community Safety: An international investigation has exposed an alleged trafficking network operating from Dzaleka Refugee Camp, accused of exploiting young migrants travelling toward South Africa. Schools & Wellbeing: Amid a heatwave alert, the Education Ministry has urged schools to adjust timetables, provide drinking water and limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours.