News from Malawi you can trust
Although not accused in the Mmobuosi saga, Nir Gess embodies the structural rot. As Malawi’s Honorary Consul to Israel, Gess is not entitled under law to a Malawian diplomatic passport. Yet questions swirl about whether he, and others in similar positions, have enjoyed privileges well outside official regulations.
At the same time,
Born in Israel but rooted in Malawi through decades of business ventures, Gess has long been one of the most influential figures linking the two countries. His family has operated large-scale tobacco estates in Malawi, a business that has often been accused of exploiting labor while shaping the rural economy in significant ways. Supporters call him a “bridge-builder” between Africa and Israel, while critics see him as a powerful businessman who masks profit motives under the veil of diplomacy.
Gess is not just a diplomat; he is also a businessman with long-standing agricultural interests in Malawi. Supporters see this as an advantage in attracting investment. However, observers have raised questions about potential conflicts of interest between his business and diplomatic roles, particularly in agriculture and labour export sectors
The letter, which was also copied to Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo, further confirmed that the official award ceremony will take place in October 2025, with the venue and exact date to be announced soon.
