Kruger Phiri, Director General for MITC at the China Expo
* The China-Malawi 5,000-hectare Agricultural Industrial Park marks a major step in Malawi’s agricultural and economic progress
* Through long-term economic growth and sustainable development by integrating modern innovation with traditional farming
By Pempho Kantayeni, MANA
In a significant step towards agricultural modernisation and economic advancement, Malawi Investment & Trade Centre (MITC) entered into a landmark partnership last week with China’s Huaihua Yongcheng Agricultural Technology Development to establish a US$50 million China-Malawi Agricultural Industrial Park in Salima.
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A statement from MITC Director General, Kruger Phiri indicates that the partnership took place at the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) in China, saying the China-Malawi 5,000-hectare Agricultural Industrial Park marks a major step in Malawi’s agricultural and economic progress through long-term economic growth and sustainable development by integrating modern innovation with traditional farming.
This aims to boost food security, drive industrialisation, attract foreign investment, and establish Malawi as a strong competitor in regional agri-trade.
“By combining Chinese agri-tech expertise with Malawi’s fertile land and entrepreneurial spirit, we are not just building an industrial park but rather laying the foundation for a food-secure, industrialized future.
“The 30% government stake ensures Malawians will reap lasting benefits from this transformative project,” said said Kruger Phiri in his statement, adding that through the agreement, Malawi Government will maintain a 30% equity stake via a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to ensure long-term national benefits.
MITC indicates that the park, spanning over 5,000 hectares, will include integrated farms and agro-processing zones, modern logistics centres and a one-stop service centre to support investors.
Malawi will benefit by improving the agricultural sector as the deal will help empower smallholder farmers, advanced farming technologies and strengthen agro-value chains.
Malawi was selected to be among 54 China-Africa Economic Trade Expo participants in Changsha, held under the theme; ‘China and Africa: Together Toward Modernisation’.
MITC indicated that prestigious event drew over 300,000 participants, including delegates from 53 African countries, 27 Chinese provinces, and 11 international organisations.
Kruger Phiri and his delegation at the Expo
Over 4,700 companies, associations, and financial institutions took part, highlighting the expo’s role as a major platform for trade and investment.
This year’s CAETE featured more than 30 high-level economic and trade activities covering sectors such as modern agricultural machinery, clean energy, smart mining, industrial supply chains, traditional medicine, and cultural industries.
In its statement, MITC expressed pride in Malawi’s growing investment appeal, especially as global demand rises for sustainably sourced agricultural and mineral products.
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“Malawi’s presence at the expo generated considerable attention,” said the statement. “The MITC’s pavilion has become a major attraction, showcasing high-quality Malawian products including pigeon peas, groundnuts, and a variety of minerals and gemstones.
“These offerings have sparked interest among attendees from diverse backgrounds, with many drawn to the uniqueness and potential of Malawian exports.
“This platform is a valuable opportunity to showcase Malawi’s economic potential and build strategic partnerships beyond the African continent.”
MITC underscored its commitment to fostering trade and investment links with China and other international markets, emphasizing that such events pave the way for long-term economic cooperation and shared prosperity.
As Malawi continues to promote its rich resources and investment opportunities, the MITC remains optimistic about building lasting partnerships that will drive the country’s development forward.—Additional reporting by Prisca Promise Mashushu, MANA
