Malawi Roundup: Fertiliser paradox, poll dispute, passport recognition

Fertiliser surge fails to curb child stunting

Malawi remains one of Africa’s top fertiliser consumers, yet child stunting persists at high levels, according to the Africa Food Systems Report (AFSR 2025) released in Dakar, Senegal. The report warns that despite heavy investment in fertiliser subsidy programmes, nutrition gains remain limited. “Malawi is among the top five fertiliser-consuming countries in Africa, but stunting rates remain high,” the report noted, spotlighting gaps between input distribution and sustainable child health outcomes. Experts stress that fertiliser subsidies must be complemented by investments in irrigation, infrastructure, and food diversification, Nation Online reports. The report places Malawi’s struggle within a continental food crisis, where 307 million Africans were undernourished in 2024.

Top parties clash over election opinion polls

With the September 16 General Election approaching, the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) are at odds over the credibility of opinion polls. MCP has accused the DPP of sponsoring “fake surveys” to project former president Peter Mutharika as the frontrunner. At a rally in Lilongwe, MCP secretary general Richard Chimwendo Banda alleged, “The DPP has found a new team to do fake research for it. They want that survey to show that Mutharika will win. They did the same recently, but people didn’t listen to them. They have now engaged some foreign people, just to confuse Malawians.” A July poll by the Institute of Public Opinion and Research suggested Mutharika could secure 43 percent of the vote compared to 26 percent for incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera.

New passports gain international recognition

Malawi’s new passports are now fully compliant with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, meaning they will be recognised and verifiable worldwide. An insider at the Ministry of Homeland told Nyasa Times that the breakthrough was “a turning point in Malawi’s travel document history.” The source added that, “For the first time in many years, we have a passport system that is not just functional but internationally recognised. Every Malawian holding this new passport will be able to pass through global borders without fear of rejection.” ICAO compliance ensures interoperability with border systems in countries such as the United States, South Africa, and the European Union.

Support for women candidates in elections

Minister of Gender Jean Sendeza has urged political parties to back aspiring female candidates ahead of the September 16 elections. Speaking at a forum convened by the NGO-Gender Coordination Network, she said limited resources and systemic barriers are keeping women out of politics. “Political parties must uphold their pledges to field more women candidates and support them so that we see more women being elected in Parliament and district councils,” Sendeza said, adding, “It is necessary that we must be united and strategic in order to promote women’s leadership and participation. Let us build a political culture where women are not only present but their ideas shape policy.”

New U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission

The United States has appointed Melania R. Arreaga as Deputy Chief of Mission at its embassy in Lilongwe. Arreaga previously served as Chargé d’Affaires and Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Her arrival in Malawi comes at a time when U.S.-Malawi relations are deepening in health, governance, and economic development. The embassy said her diplomatic experience positions her to strengthen bilateral cooperation in key sectors, Malawi 24 reports.