Special Report: Diversifying Malawi’s Economy

Photo: 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.

Zimbabwe Tobacco Production up 21% 

The TIMB said 190.3 million kg, worth $641.5 million, had been sold by contract growers, while 10.3 million kg, worth $36.7 million, was sold through auction.