Special Report: Diversifying Malawi’s Economy
- Leaf Special Report
- June 2, 2023
- 0
- 1 minute read
![Special Report: Diversifying Malawi’s Economy](https://files.tobaccoreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/malawi-850x560.jpg)
Image: Taco Tuinstra
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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.
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Broadening the Base
Malawi seeks to reduce its heavy reliance on tobacco.
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Enduring Demand
Malawi burley remains popular even as global smoking rates stagnate
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Back to Normal
Following a record low harvest in 2022, Malawi has produced a more typical crop this season.
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Fungi Fever
Mushrooms sprout new opportunities for Malawi.
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From Imports to Orchards
Rebuilding Malawi’s banana value chain.
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Coping with the COP
Offsetting the rising cost of production
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A Gamble on Goobers
Pyxus Has Great Expectations of Its Malawi Groundnut Business
More from Malawi
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Malawi Earnings Up
The nation has already authorized 60.2 million kg for next season, almost triple that at the same time last year.
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Delayed Payments for Malawi Growers
While the problem isolated, the Tobacco Commission has vowed to resolve the issue.
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Malawi Prices Up a Quarter Over Last Year
The Tobacco Commission credits firm demand and high leaf quality.
![](https://files.tobaccoreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/05/malawi-truck-300x200.jpg)
Tobacco Earnings Jump
Malawi has made 83 percent more from leaf sales to date this year than it did in the comparable 2023 period.
![](https://files.tobaccoreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/malawi-300x200.jpg)
Malawi Growers Urged to Tap into China
An agricultural leader wants large farmers to help Malawi improve the quality of tobacco.
![](https://files.tobaccoreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/malawi2-300x200.jpg)
Malawi 2024 Volume Up 17 Percent
While the projected volume remains greater than 2023’s, it is down from earlier estimates.
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Diversification in Africa: FCTC No Help
Small-scale growers in particular remain heavily dependent on tobacco.
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Malawi Licenses 250 Million Kg
Stakeholders stress the importance of compliance and data-driven strategies.
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Malawi Extends Grower Registration Deadline
Originally set for December 2023, the new cutoff date is Jan. 31.
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Malawi Approves Tobacco Law
Lawmakers hope the new rules will make it easier for Malawi to market its leaf worldwide.
![](https://files.tobaccoreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/03/malawi_auction-300x200.jpg)
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Malawi Now a Full Party to FCTC
A heavily tobacco-dependent economy, the country ratified the treaty only in August.
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Malawi Devalues
The nation has been struggling with dwindling foreign currency reserves due in part to declining revenue from tobacco exports.
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Alliance One Malawi Spends Millions on CSR
Among other projects, the leaf merchant has supported schools and medical facilities.
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Malawi Extends Tobacco Farmer Registration
The end date was originally scheduled for Sept. 30, 2023.
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Malawi Tobacco Control Audit Exposes Overages
Malawi Tobacco Commission grossly over spent based on the 2022/2023 fiscal budget.