Special Report: Diversifying Malawi’s Economy
Image: Taco Tuinstra
Depending on the season and on who you ask, tobacco accounts for between 40 and 70 percent of Malawi’s export earnings.
In a good season, the golden leaf generates a relative level of wealth in the countryside and earns the nation much-needed foreign currency to import the products and services it cannot produce at home.
In a bad season, there will be poverty in the villages.
Read our special report to learn how Malawi is diversifying to make its economy more resilient and prepare for a future with less tobacco.
Broadening the Base
Malawi seeks to reduce its heavy reliance on tobacco.
Enduring Demand
Malawi burley remains popular even as global smoking rates stagnate
Back to Normal
Following a record low harvest in 2022, Malawi has produced a more typical crop this season.
Fungi Fever
Mushrooms sprout new opportunities for Malawi.
From Imports to Orchards
Rebuilding Malawi’s banana value chain.
Coping with the COP
Offsetting the rising cost of production
A Gamble on Goobers
Pyxus Has Great Expectations of Its Malawi Groundnut Business
More from Malawi
Malawi Tobacco Control Audit Exposes Irregularities
The Malawi Tobacco Commission grossly over spent based on the 2022/2023 fiscal budget.
Malawi Commits to ‘Decent Work’
There is currently a push for monthly wages for tobacco sector workers.
USAID and Pyxus Partner in Malawi
The agency will help the company drive sustainable agriculture in the country.
Malawi Regulator Satisfied With Prices
The regulator hopes the prices will motivate farmers to grow more tobacco next season.
Malawi Earns $282.63 Million From Tobacco
At the season’s end, buyers were offering record prices, says Tobacco Commission.
Growers Welcome New Buyer on Market
Nyasa Tobacco Buying will bring much-needed competition to Malawi, say farmers.
Broadening the Base
Malawi seeks to reduce its heavy reliance on tobacco.
Enduring Demand
Malawi burley remains popular even as global smoking rates stagnate
Back to Normal
Following a record low harvest in 2022, Malawi has produced a more typical crop this season.
Fungi Fever
Mushrooms sprout new opportunities for Malawi.
From Imports to Orchards
Rebuilding Malawi’s banana value chain.
Coping with the COP
Offsetting the rising cost of production
Malawi Earns $64 Million From Tobacco
But the country will need to earn more to alleviate its severe balance-of-trade crisis.
Malawi Growers Encouraged by Prices
The earnings will help offset the significantly increased cost of production this growing season.
Malawi Tobacco Auction Floors Open
About 20,000 bales have been presented; 2,600 are expected to be sold opening day.
