Special Report: Diversifying Malawi’s Economy
- Leaf Special Report
- June 2, 2023
- 0
- 1 minute read
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
Diversification in Africa: FCTC No Help
Small-scale growers in particular remain heavily dependent on tobacco.
Malawi Licenses 250 Million Kg
Stakeholders stress the importance of compliance and data-driven strategies.
Malawi Extends Grower Registration Deadline
Originally set for December 2023, the new cutoff date is Jan. 31.
Malawi Approves Tobacco Law
Lawmakers hope the new rules will make it easier for Malawi to market its leaf worldwide.
Malawi Now a Full Party to FCTC
A heavily tobacco-dependent economy, the country ratified the treaty only in August.
Malawi Devalues
The nation has been struggling with dwindling foreign currency reserves due in part to declining revenue from tobacco exports.
Alliance One Malawi Spends Millions on CSR
Among other projects, the leaf merchant has supported schools and medical facilities.
Malawi Extends Tobacco Farmer Registration
The end date was originally scheduled for Sept. 30, 2023.
Malawi Tobacco Control Audit Exposes Overages
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.