Update: Parliament's Public Accounts Committee has abandoned its efforts to question former Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba regarding the Amaryllis Hotel procurement, according to Nyasa Times. Committee chairperson Steve Baba Malondera confirmed that the inquiry has stalled after Zamba repeatedly refused to testify. Zamba, who is reportedly receiving medical treatment in South Africa, cited the sub judice principle through her legal team, arguing her involvement in an active court case prevents her from appearing before lawmakers.
In a separate development, Minister of Transport Jappie Mhango has admitted that Malawi's major airports fail to meet international aviation certification standards, Nyasa Times reports. Following an inspection of Bakili Muluzi International Airport, Mhango confirmed that facilities including Kamuzu International and Mzuzu Airport lack adequate firefighting equipment, proper perimeter fencing, and sufficient runway lengths. The government estimates that $50 million is required to upgrade the infrastructure, a shortfall that Mhango says is currently deterring major international airlines from operating in the country.
In the mining sector, the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives has issued an ultimatum to the Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority over the Kangankunde rare earth deposit, according to Nyasa Times. The governance watchdog is demanding the immediate upgrade or revocation of a medium-scale mining license awarded to Australian firm Lindian Resources Ltd. The organization argues the medium-scale classification undervalues the globally significant deposit in Balaka and risks long-term revenue losses, alleging the current arrangement primarily benefits a small circle of political and government figures.
In financial news, Malawi's listed government bonds will pay approximately $346 million in annual coupons over a full year, exposing a deepening domestic debt trap, Ecofin Agency reports. The bonds carry a combined face value of 4.6 trillion kwacha. Based on current projections, interest payments will consume 43.3 percent of the government's expected domestic revenue in the 2026 to 2027 fiscal year.