The Ministry of Lands has launched a nationwide land ownership audit aimed at tackling disputes, encroachment, and illegal land sales, starting with a two-month pilot in Lilongwe Areas 10 and 3, Nyasa Times reported in an article published on February 23, 2026. Malawi Freedom Network also reported the audit launch on February 23, 2026.
Lands Minister Chimwemwe Chipungu said the exercise is intended to reconcile official ministry records with what exists on the ground, according to Nyasa Times in its February 23, 2026 report. The same report says Chipungu told officials that a previous 14-day ultimatum for people holding land illegally to come forward did not yield compliance.
The 14-day notice referenced in the Nyasa Times report aligns with earlier reporting on land enforcement, including a Malawi Voice article published on January 13, 2026, which reported Chipungu warning land grabbers to vacate within 14 days or face arrest. The most recent update in the last 48 hours is the start of the formal audit process, as reported on February 23, 2026 by Nyasa Times and Malawi Freedom Network.