By Edwin Mauluka

Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Rosa Mbilizi, on Wednesday presented to Parliament a list of individuals who benefited from Mega Farms loans but failed to repay them.

The minister disclosed about 938 names after delivering a statement on the program’s performance over three growing seasons and outlining reforms going forward.

The disclosure followed pressure from legislators, who demanded full transparency after the statement revealed widespread defaults, including among politically connected individuals.

Lilongwe Nyanja MP Steven Malondera called for more time to allow the minister to read out names of beneficiaries who accessed loans in their individual capacity.

“Many times, individuals who accessed loans personally have been linked to political parties, when in fact even members on the government side benefited,” said Malondera.

Mzimba South West MP Khumbo Kachali backed the request, urging the minister to publicly name the beneficiaries to clear speculation around alleged misuse of funds.

Lilongwe Chiwamba MP Winston Kaimapanjira also supported the move, saying: “We want the money to go back to government. There is no need to hide.”

First Deputy Speaker Victor Musowa approved the request, describing it as a necessary step in the fight against corruption.

“It demonstrates the seriousness of this House in tackling corruption. If members are requesting the list, it must be provided,” said Musowa.

Mbilizi then read out names of defaulters from the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 seasons and pledged to submit a comprehensive list of all beneficiaries.

Some of those named include Ulemu Chilapondwa, Abel Kayembe, Rudo Chakwera, Chakufwa Chihana, the late former First Deputy Speaker Madalitso Kazombo, Ezekiel Ching’oma, Jean Muona Sendeza, Khumbize Kandodo-Chiponda, Kenzie Msukwa, Robert Mkwezalamba, Zelia Chakale, and Vasco Madhlopa.

Reacting to the revelations, Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture Chairperson and Zomba Chikomwe MP Anthony Kamoto likened the scandal to alleged mismanagement at the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF).

“Can we have the same list for NEEF tomorrow? What has happened in Mega Farms is the same embarrassment seen in the NEEF report,” he said.

Mangochi Monkey Bay MP Gerald Kazembe also criticized the program, saying the scale of disbursements made little economic sense.

Before adjourning, Musowa said Parliament would also release names of individuals implicated in the NEEF scandal at a later date.

“Malawians should know that this House will name and shame those who abuse public funds. Some individuals appear multiple times with different loan amounts, which shows serious flaws in the system,” he said.

Musowa warned that even MPs named in the list would not be spared, stressing that Parliament would take firm action to recover the funds.

“I urge all those who owe money under the Mega Farms program to repay it. If not, you will be summoned before this House and face consequences,” he said.

He added that the move marks a shift toward greater accountability, as Parliament seeks to distance itself from long-standing perceptions of corruption.

“I encourage ministers to continue exposing wrongdoing. Those who thought they were untouchable are no longer safe,” Musowa said.

Full List: Names of 938 Defaulters

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