The Greenbelt mega farm scheme, which President Lazarus Chakwera described as a game-changer for Malawi’s agriculture sector, has emerged as one of the country’s biggest corruption scandals, with more than K36.8 billion allegedly misappropriated through senior government officials, contractors and politically connected individuals. Investigations have established that part of the loot was used to finance the 2025 campaign.
The programme, implemented through the Greenbelt Authority (GBA), was intended to establish large-scale commercial farms to improve agricultural productivity, create employment and increase exports. Investigators say the initiative was instead used to channel public funds to selected companies, with some of the money allegedly financing political activities linked to the then ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
It remains unclear whether President Chakwera was aware of the alleged misconduct taking place within his administration. What is evident, however, is that the programme failed to deliver the intended outcomes while substantial public funds were disbursed.
Investigations indicate that some of the money was diverted to political campaigns, covering transport, fuel and mobilisation. Other funds were allegedly shared among GBA officials, while the remainder was used for private business interests unrelated to irrigation or agriculture.
How it started
The case came to light following a complaint submitted to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in November 2025. Initial allegations pointed to inflated contracts and weak procurement procedures. As investigations progressed, the figures involved increased significantly.
Between 2023 and 2025, senior GBA officials allegedly awarded contracts to companies that investigators say were used as fronts. These companies received large advance payments, often without performance bonds and without completing the contracted works.
Big projects, no results
The contracts related to irrigation projects in Karonga, Nkhata Bay, Mangochi and Chikwawa. The projects were expected to improve agricultural productivity in some of the country’s most food-insecure districts.
However, according to investigators, no irrigation canals were constructed and no systems were rehabilitated, despite payments being made.
Following the money
In a statement, the Anti-Corruption Bureau said its investigations had established the following:
“That GBA dubiously awarded contracts to construct and rehabilitate four irrigation schemes namely: Nthola Ilora in Karonga, Lweya in Nkhata-Bay, Mlambe in Mangochi and Nchalo in Chikwawa. Malawi Government funded the said four irrigation projects under the greenbelt initiative project.
“That the actual amount of money dubiously paid by GBA to the contracted companies was MK36,782,078,832.91, and not the MK28.9 billion reported in the complaint; and that the said sum of MK36,782,078,832.91 was paid without performance bond and using fake work certificates.
“The money was later withdrawn from various banks and used for political campaigns and some was paid to GBA employees,” reads the ACB statement.
The Bureau said the payments were processed through internal government systems, giving the transactions a formal appearance before the funds were withdrawn and transferred.
Arrests and ongoing investigations
In January 2026, the ACB arrested senior GBA officials and contractors linked to the alleged scheme.
Those arrested include GBA officials Linda Phiri, Director of Finance and Investments; Masautso Kamowa, Procurement and Assets Disposal Manager; and Synoden Kautsi, Infrastructure Development Manager.
Contractors arrested are Kenneth Khonje, Managing Director of Einstein Construction Limited; Victor Chabwera, Managing Director of PLMB Engineering Investment; and Ephrone Mwenitete, Managing Director of EMD Consulting Engineers.
The ACB says investigations are ongoing and more arrests are expected.
In a further statement, the Bureau said:
“The Bureau further informs the public that in addition to the six suspects already arrested, it is in possession of warrants of arrest for three more GBA employees and two Contractors bringing the total number of wanted individuals to five.
“Efforts are underway to track and apprehend these suspects, some of whom have, for the past 24 hours, not been found at their known physical addresses and are out of reach.
“All arrested suspects will be taken to Court to be formally charged within the constitutionally prescribed 48 hour period. The Bureau further advises the Public that it will soon obtain another set of warrants of arrest for more suspects in the matter,” reads the statement.
Wider context
The case comes at a time when Malawi has faced persistent food shortages and has relied on donor assistance and maize imports from neighbouring countries such as Zambia to avert hunger. However, the developments have not surprised observers who point to a pattern under the Chakwera administration, including the arrest of former Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) director Martha Chizuma after she criticised President Chakwera for what she termed a lacklustre and toothless fight against corruption.
With court proceedings pending and further arrests expected, the Greenbelt scandal continues to unfold.
