The High Court of Malawi has cleared the way for businessman Leston Mulli and five of his companies to receive billions of kwacha in state compensation following a major legal victory, according to Malawi24. Justice Allan Hans Muhome ruled that a 2012 government directive blacklisting Mulli's companies from conducting business with public institutions was unlawful and lacked legal authority. The court determined that the ban, originally issued by former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Ralph Kasambara, was driven by targeted malice.
In the energy sector, civil society groups are demanding a full-scale investigation into an Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) procurement deal due to allegations of political interference, Malawi24 reports. The Centre for Public Accountability and Development (CPAD) stated that it has obtained documentary evidence showing that external objections disrupted the selection of an initially successful bidder. Speaking at a press briefing in Salima, CPAD National Coordinator Griffin Maruwasa warned that if the allegations are confirmed, the interference represents a serious violation of fair competition, accountability, and transparency in public business operations.