Community-led conservation: Tourism Minister Simon Itaye urged investment in grassroots, community-based natural resource management to fight biodiversity loss, climate change and rural poverty, warning against top-down approaches that raise costs and sideline local institutions. Cross-border child trafficking response: Malawi’s Department of Social Development welcomed the safe return of two South African girls (9 and 15) repatriated after alleged trafficking and confinement in Malawi, with support from Interpol and Malawian authorities. Road access for travellers: Nsipe–Liwonde Road rehabilitation is progressing, with over 30km cleared, 7km asphalted and 41 culverts completed—key for safer, more reliable movement along the route. Tourism calendar hit: Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival has been pushed to 2027 due to rising costs and funding gaps; ticket holders are promised full refunds. Sports tourism draw: Simba SC arrived in Lilongwe ahead of their CAF Champions League first-leg clash with Mighty Wanderers at Bingu National Stadium, while CAF Champions League prelims kick off this weekend. Aviation safety spotlight: A parliamentary inquiry heard claims of serious airport safety and infrastructure gaps, including issues with landing systems and missing recording/radar capabilities.