• December 9, 2024

Special Report: Diversifying Malawi’s Economy

 Special Report: Diversifying Malawi’s Economy

Image: Taco Tuinstra

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.

Back to Normal

Following a record low harvest in 2022, Malawi has produced a more typical crop this season.

More from Malawi

Malawi Earnings Up

The nation has already authorized 60.2 million kg for next season, almost triple that at the same time last year.

Tobacco Earnings Jump

Malawi has made 83 percent more from leaf sales to date this year than it did in the comparable 2023 period.

Malawi Devalues

The nation has been struggling with dwindling foreign currency reserves due in part to declining revenue from tobacco exports.