South African Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni concluded an official working visit to Malawi to strengthen bilateral ties, according to Diplomacy SA. During her visit, Ntshavheni held discussions with her Malawian counterpart Peter Mukhito, focusing on regional stability, economic growth, and homeland security coordination. She also met with South Africa's High Commissioner to Malawi, Mavivi Myakayaka Manzini, to review ongoing bilateral programmes and diplomatic priorities.
In aviation news, Minister of Transport Jappie Mhango announced that none of Malawi's major airports meet international aviation certification standards, Nyasa Times reports. Following an inspection of Bakili Muluzi International Airport, Mhango confirmed that Kamuzu, Bakili Muluzi, and Mzuzu airports lack the required safety and infrastructure certifications. This compliance failure has deterred major global airlines from flying into the country and has constrained both tourism and export logistics. The government estimates that over $50 million is needed to upgrade runways, install proper perimeter fencing, and acquire modern firefighting equipment to meet international requirements.
Update: Following earlier warnings about economic pressures in Malawi, the International Monetary Fund has advised the country to shift from a government-led economic model to a private sector-driven approach. According to Nyasa Times, the latest IMF Regional Economic Outlook report highlighted that high public debt and weak governance are limiting growth. This advice arrives as Malawi's public debt reaches 23.9 trillion kwacha, with the government projected to pay 601.85 billion kwacha in local bond coupons over the next year, Ecofin Agency reports. Negotiations for a new IMF Extended Credit Facility remain pending following the expiration of the previous agreement in May 2025.