Revelations surrounding the controversial acquisition of the Amaryllis Hotel continue to mount, with new information suggesting that the property—purchased using approximately K128 billion in public funds—may have been constructed using duty-free materials under a government-approved waiver.
Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the hotel’s developers were granted exemptions on import duties for a range of construction materials, including key components such as ceiling boards. The waiver, typically issued to incentivize investment in large-scale infrastructure or tourism projects, is now at the center of growing scrutiny as stakeholders question whether the incentives were appropriately applied and whether the public ultimately received value for money.
The latest disclosures add another layer of complexity to an already contentious transaction that has sparked widespread debate across political, economic, and legal circles. Critics argue that if the developers benefited from significant tax concessions during construction, the final purchase price paid by the government should reflect those cost savings.
“This raises fundamental questions about the valuation model that informed the K128 billion price tag,” said one economic analyst. “If the input costs were reduced through duty waivers, then due diligence should have accounted for that. Otherwise, taxpayers may have paid a premium on an already subsidized asset.”
The issue of duty-free materials also introduces potential governance concerns. Observers are now calling for full disclosure of the waiver agreements, including the justification for granting them and whether all conditions attached to such incentives were fulfilled by the developers.
In Malawi, duty waivers are often used as a policy tool to stimulate sectors such as tourism and hospitality. However, their application requires transparency and strict oversight to prevent abuse or unintended financial loss to the state.
Meanwhile, calls are intensifying for an independent audit of the entire Amaryllis Hotel transaction. Civil society organizations and opposition figures have urged authorities to release all contractual documents, valuation reports, and procurement records associated with the deal.
Government officials have yet to provide a detailed response to the latest claims, but earlier statements have maintained that the acquisition followed due process and was in the national interest.
As the controversy deepens, the Amaryllis Hotel saga is fast becoming a litmus test for accountability in public expenditure. With billions of kwacha at stake, the pressure is mounting on authorities to provide clear answers and restore public confidence in the management of state resources
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera The National Bank of Malawi has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting golf development in the country following the successful return of the National Bank Invitational Golf Tournament, which attracted about 110 golfers after a three-year break. The tournament was held at Lilongwe Golf Club on Saturday and served both as a sporting… Read more: National Bank of Malawi Reaffirms Commitment to Golf Development
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera The Malawi Freedom Fighters Organization (MFF) has condemned plans by unidentified organisers to shut down the Karonga–Chiweta section of the M1 Road on 1st July 2026, describing the proposed action as counterproductive to the very development Malawians are demanding.M1 Rehabilitation Work Start This Month A poster circulating on social media and attributed… Read more: Bonface Joseph Condemns Planned Karonga-Chiweta M1 Shutdown
Listen to this article BySuleman Chitera MAFCO FC produced a dominant performance on Saturday afternoon, defeating Goshen City Dedza Dynamos 3-0 at Chitowe Stadium in an FDH Bank Premiership encounter. The victory saw the Salima-based side collect maximum points while extending Goshen City’s difficult start to the 2026 season. MAFCO took control of the match in the first half… Read more: MAFCO FC Cruise Past Goshen City Dedza Dynamos
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Shepherd Bushiri Leads Humanitarian Effort to Bring Malawians Home Prophet Shepherd Bushiri has intensified efforts to assist Malawians affected by ongoing xenophobic violence in South Africa by securing ten buses to transport those wishing to return home safely. The founder of Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) Church announced the development through a statement… Read more: Shepherd Bushiri Mobilizes 10 Buses to Repatriate Malawians
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Prophet Shepherd Bushiri Steps Up Repatriation Efforts for Stranded Malawians LILONGWE – Prophet Shepherd Bushiri of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) Church has intensified efforts to assist Malawians stranded in South Africa by deploying additional buses to transport them back home.HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Shepherd Bushiri – A life of impact, faith and… Read more: Shepherd Bushiri Mobilises Buses to Help Malawians Return Home from South Africa
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Civil Service United and Silver Strikers played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in a TNM Super League encounter at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday. The hosts took the lead in the first half through Righteous Banda, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to give Civil Service United the advantage and delight… Read more: Silver Strikers Held by Civil Service United in Lilongwe Derby
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Iran Warns Vessels Against Passing Through Strategic Waterway Fresh tensions in the Middle East have raised fears of a new global energy crisis after Iran’s military reportedly warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz could face military action. The warning has sparked concerns among global markets, shipping… Read more: Strait of Hormuz Crisis Deepens as Iran Threatens Ships Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera LILONGWE, Malawi – Award-winning Malawian fashion designer Chisomo Chavula is set to make history after being selected to showcase her acclaimed fashion brand, Chicha Fashions, at CMG Paris Fashion Week 2026 in France. The prestigious international fashion event will take place from October 2 to 4, 2026, bringing together leading designers, models,… Read more: Malawian Fashion Designer Chisomo Chavula to Showcase Chicha Fashions at Paris Fashion Week 2026
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera LILONGWE, Malawi — The Malawi Government requires more than K24 billion to facilitate the repatriation of approximately 15,000 Malawians stranded in South Africa following a wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals. According to a budget statement prepared by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) and seen by MIJ Online, authorities… Read more: Malawi Needs K24 Billion to Repatriate 15,000 Citizens Stranded in South Africa
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera LILONGWE, Malawi – Malawi Defence Force (MDF) athletes delivered a commanding performance at the 2026 Standard Bank Be More Race, claiming top positions in both the men’s and women’s 21-kilometre categories during the event held at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday.FDH Bank projects strong profit growth for 2025 The annual… Read more: Malawi Defence Force Athletes Dominate Standard Bank Be More Race 2026 in Lilongwe
Listen to this article By Vincent Gunde The Parliamentary Adhoc Committee is conducting investigations surrounding the Monday 10th June, 2024 plane crash in the Chikangawa forest that claimed the lives of Dr. Saulosi Chilima and eight others, in a tragic circumstances.Key questions answered in Chilima plane crash inquiry New issues are continuing emerging from the ongoing inquiry proving that… Read more: New issues continue to emerge surrounding Chilima’s death
Listen to this article By Mabvuto Kalawa, Malawi Freedom Network Correspondent The Father Superior of Nathenje Parish, Fr. Thomas Kasiya, has encouraged members of Holy Guardian Angels Mphakati to continue supporting the parish both financially and spiritually, as they have done in the past.Turkish investors eye Lilongwe trash gold mine in power deal Fr. Kasiya made the remarks during… Read more: Father Superior Urges Holy Guardian Angels Mphakati to Sustain Support for Nathenje Parish
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera The National Bank of Malawi has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting golf development in the country following the successful return of the National Bank Invitational Golf Tournament, which attracted about 110 golfers after a three-year break. The tournament was held at Lilongwe Golf Club on Saturday and served both as a sporting… Read more: National Bank of Malawi Reaffirms Commitment to Golf Development
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera The Malawi Freedom Fighters Organization (MFF) has condemned plans by unidentified organisers to shut down the Karonga–Chiweta section of the M1 Road on 1st July 2026, describing the proposed action as counterproductive to the very development Malawians are demanding.M1 Rehabilitation Work Start This Month A poster circulating on social media and attributed… Read more: Bonface Joseph Condemns Planned Karonga-Chiweta M1 Shutdown
Listen to this article BySuleman Chitera MAFCO FC produced a dominant performance on Saturday afternoon, defeating Goshen City Dedza Dynamos 3-0 at Chitowe Stadium in an FDH Bank Premiership encounter. The victory saw the Salima-based side collect maximum points while extending Goshen City’s difficult start to the 2026 season. MAFCO took control of the match in the first half… Read more: MAFCO FC Cruise Past Goshen City Dedza Dynamos
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Shepherd Bushiri Leads Humanitarian Effort to Bring Malawians Home Prophet Shepherd Bushiri has intensified efforts to assist Malawians affected by ongoing xenophobic violence in South Africa by securing ten buses to transport those wishing to return home safely. The founder of Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) Church announced the development through a statement… Read more: Shepherd Bushiri Mobilizes 10 Buses to Repatriate Malawians
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Prophet Shepherd Bushiri Steps Up Repatriation Efforts for Stranded Malawians LILONGWE – Prophet Shepherd Bushiri of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) Church has intensified efforts to assist Malawians stranded in South Africa by deploying additional buses to transport them back home.HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Shepherd Bushiri – A life of impact, faith and… Read more: Shepherd Bushiri Mobilises Buses to Help Malawians Return Home from South Africa
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Civil Service United and Silver Strikers played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in a TNM Super League encounter at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday. The hosts took the lead in the first half through Righteous Banda, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to give Civil Service United the advantage and delight… Read more: Silver Strikers Held by Civil Service United in Lilongwe Derby
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Iran Warns Vessels Against Passing Through Strategic Waterway Fresh tensions in the Middle East have raised fears of a new global energy crisis after Iran’s military reportedly warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz could face military action. The warning has sparked concerns among global markets, shipping… Read more: Strait of Hormuz Crisis Deepens as Iran Threatens Ships Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera LILONGWE, Malawi – Award-winning Malawian fashion designer Chisomo Chavula is set to make history after being selected to showcase her acclaimed fashion brand, Chicha Fashions, at CMG Paris Fashion Week 2026 in France. The prestigious international fashion event will take place from October 2 to 4, 2026, bringing together leading designers, models,… Read more: Malawian Fashion Designer Chisomo Chavula to Showcase Chicha Fashions at Paris Fashion Week 2026
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera LILONGWE, Malawi — The Malawi Government requires more than K24 billion to facilitate the repatriation of approximately 15,000 Malawians stranded in South Africa following a wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals. According to a budget statement prepared by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) and seen by MIJ Online, authorities… Read more: Malawi Needs K24 Billion to Repatriate 15,000 Citizens Stranded in South Africa
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera LILONGWE, Malawi – Malawi Defence Force (MDF) athletes delivered a commanding performance at the 2026 Standard Bank Be More Race, claiming top positions in both the men’s and women’s 21-kilometre categories during the event held at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday.FDH Bank projects strong profit growth for 2025 The annual… Read more: Malawi Defence Force Athletes Dominate Standard Bank Be More Race 2026 in Lilongwe
Listen to this article By Vincent Gunde The Parliamentary Adhoc Committee is conducting investigations surrounding the Monday 10th June, 2024 plane crash in the Chikangawa forest that claimed the lives of Dr. Saulosi Chilima and eight others, in a tragic circumstances.Key questions answered in Chilima plane crash inquiry New issues are continuing emerging from the ongoing inquiry proving that… Read more: New issues continue to emerge surrounding Chilima’s death
Listen to this article By Mabvuto Kalawa, Malawi Freedom Network Correspondent The Father Superior of Nathenje Parish, Fr. Thomas Kasiya, has encouraged members of Holy Guardian Angels Mphakati to continue supporting the parish both financially and spiritually, as they have done in the past.Turkish investors eye Lilongwe trash gold mine in power deal Fr. Kasiya made the remarks during… Read more: Father Superior Urges Holy Guardian Angels Mphakati to Sustain Support for Nathenje Parish
