In regional diplomacy, Malawi's President Arthur Peter Mutharika has officially transitioned to the role of Outgoing Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. During a virtual Extraordinary Summit held on October 21, 2026, Lesotho's Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane was elected as the incoming chairperson, according to SAnews. This election completes the Organ Troika, joining Eswatini's King Mswati III, who currently serves as the active chairperson.
SAnews also reports that the summit approved the appointment of Eswatini's Treasure Thembisile Maphanga as the new SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration.
In bilateral relations, Malawi and Zambia successfully exchanged 25 inmates who had been serving sentences in each other's correctional facilities. According to Malawi24, the transfer took place on Wednesday, October 21, at the Mwami-Mchinji border post. The border links Malawi's Central Region with Zambia's Eastern Province. Zambia handed over 23 Malawians, and Malawi transferred two Zambians, highlighting ongoing cross-border cooperation between the two neighbouring states.