Update: The Anti-Corruption Bureau has cleared the controversial K128.7 billion purchase of the Amaryllis Hotel of corruption, despite identifying several investment risks, according to Malawi Nyasa Times. Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee on March 12, ACB acting director general Gabriel Chembezi stated that operational risks and an inflated purchase price do not legally constitute criminal corruption. The clearance comes as the inquiry revealed that EMJ Advisory Public Accountants, the firm that recommended a valuation between K115 billion and K145 billion, is not a registered property valuer.
MBC reports that EMJ director Emmanuel Chisale admitted the firm was paid K26 million by the Public Service Pension Trust Fund for a ten-day financial analysis assignment, prompting the committee to demand all contract documents. Additionally, the Malawi Law Society presented whistleblower documents to the committee regarding the transaction.
In a separate development, Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman engaged with private sector leaders in Lilongwe on March 11 to foster mutual cooperation, according to a statement on the Parliament of Malawi website. The meeting marks the beginning of stakeholder consultations for the development of the legislature's 2026 to 2030 Strategic Plan. The Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry praised the initiative, noting that private sector contributions to legislative dialogue on trade and industry have historically been limited.
President Peter Mutharika returned to Malawi on March 13 following a nearly two-week private trip to South Africa, Pan African Visions reports. The President and First Lady Gertrude Mutharika arrived at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, where they were welcomed by senior government officials and Democratic Progressive Party supporters. The visit marked the President's second extended trip abroad since returning to office.