Investors at Malawi’s pavilion
* After traders visited Malawi Investment & Trade Center (MITC) pavilion at the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo pavilion in Changsha
* Secured significant orders for soya beans, groundnuts, dried chilles and an open-ended contract for macadamia nuts
* Malawi’s precious minerals and gemstones attracted exceptional interest with sales exceeding expectations
By Lesnat Kenan, MANA
Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) reports that traders who visited their pavilion at the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo pavilion in Changsha, China, were impressed with Malawi’s agricultural and mineral products they displayed such that they gained substantial market opportunities.
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In a statement, MITC Director General, Kruger Phiri reports that through the Expo, they created a strong demand for Malawian products and secured significant orders for 100,000 metric tonnes (MT) of soya beans, 30,000MT of groundnuts, 10,000MT of dried chilles, “and an open ended contract for macadamia nuts — reinforcing Malawi’s reputation as a high quality agro-producer”.
He also reports that the precious minerals and gemstones they displayed attracted exceptional interest with sales exceeding expectations and showcasing the country’s rich mineral wealth.
Three major deals were signed that included direct sourcing of 30MT of amethyst; 1,000MT of milky quartz; an open-ended order for mica and over five tons of inquiries were recorded for Malawi’s handcrafted arts and crafts — “highlighting global demand for the country’s creativity treasures”.
An investor getting contact details
Phiri said several investors who visited Malawi’s pavilion expressed keen interest in opportunities across agriculture, mining, and value-added industries — “solidifying the country’s position as an emerging investment destination.
He added that going forward, Malawian exporters “gained critical insights into advanced processing technologies, empowering them to enhance their position in the global value chain in order to boost competitiveness and profitability”.
Beyond CAETE, Phiri said Malawi’s permanent pavilion in Changsha will continue serving as a strategic showcase for the country’s products.
Meanwhile, MITC is developing plans for an accompanying warehouse facility to maintain minimum stock level of premium Malawian goods, ensuring sustained market access and seamless trade facilitation with China partners.
The MITC Director General emphasised that the Expo — held under the theme; ‘China and Africa: Together Toward Modernisation’ — has strengthened Malawi-China trade and economic relations, paving the way for long-term partnership and industrialisations.
MITC, therefore, “expressed gratitude to Malawian exporters, partners and all those who contributed to this resounding success”, emphasising the importance of MITC’s participation at the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE), saying “this is crucial for creating trade and investment opportunities between Malawi and China”.
Earlier, MITC reported that they entered into a landmark partnership with China’s Huaihua Yongcheng Agricultural Technology Development to establish a US$50 million China-Malawi Agricultural Industrial Park in Salima — in a significant step towards agricultural modernisation and economic advancement.
Kruger Phiri, after signing the MoU
The Director General indicated that 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, industrialised future.
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“The 30% government stake ensures Malawians will reap lasting benefits from this transformative project,” reported 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.—Earlier reporting by Pempho Kantayeni, MANA; editing by Duncan Mlanjira, Maravi Express
