The Attorney General (AG) has embarked on audit reports for the Mega Farms initiative and the National Economic Empowerment Fund (Neef) farm-input loans.
Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation Joseph Mwanamvekha said in response to a questionnaire on the status of the audits, which he announced in October 2025 that the exercise was intended to inform policy adjustments to improve the overall efficiency of Malawi’s agricultural sector.
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The minister said the reports could not be made public at this stage due to legal requirements. However, he confirmed that the audits were completed and the reports submitted to AG Frank Mbeta for review and action.
“The audits varied in scope and were conducted over different periods. The reports were submitted to the office of the Attorney General. Following the review by the AG’s office, we expect to see action. The contents cannot be made public at the moment,” said Mwanamvekha.
In an interview, Mbeta confirmed receipt of the reports, saying he was studying the findings before determining the next course of action.
“I am currently studying the reports. If I find any financial-related crimes, I will instruct the police and the Anti-Corruption Bureau [ACB] to conduct further investigations and, where necessary, arrest and prosecute any persons involved,” he said in a written response.
When he announced the audits last year, Mwanamvekha said independent institutions with expertise would conduct the exercise to ensure objectivity and credibility in the findings.
Meanwhile, National Advocacy Platform chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said the AG should establish whether the findings point to recoverable losses of public funds, breaches of contract, unlawful transactions or other civil liabilities.
He said the office should, where appropriate, initiate recovery proceedings, challenge or terminate unlawful arrangements and take steps to preserve assets.
Kondowe, a private practice lawyer, said suspected criminal conduct should be referred promptly to the ACB, Malawi Police Service or other competent investigative and prosecutorial authorities.
Governance commentator Willy Kambwandira urged government to translate its statements into concrete action, warning that failure to act on audit findings could encourage the continued plunder of public resources.
Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace national coordinator Lewis Msiyadungu also urged the AG to expedite the process to safeguard public funds.
The Mega Farms and Neef initiatives were introduced to transform Malawi’s agricultural economy but have faced concerns over loan repayment defaults, procurement irregularities and low productivity, raising questions about their sustainability.
Figures from the Mega Farms Unit indicate that the initiative received a total investment of K70 billion, but farmers had repaid only K15 billion, leaving K55 billion outstanding.
At Malawi Enterprise Development Fund, formerly Neef, the loan portfolio stood at K240 billion as of December 2025, benefiting 377 460 Malawians. The fund disbursed K116 billion in 2025 alone, while loan recovery challenges have contributed to concerns over the portfolio.
