Ministry of Trade & Industry - Malawi

23/07/2024

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR A NATIONAL CONSULTANT TO SUPPORT THE NATIONAL TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENTS UNDER THE COMESA-AGRA PROJECT

The Terms of Reference can be downloaded below:

17/07/2024

Mwanza One Stop Border, a serious game changer, says Minister

Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe, M.P, today received Mwanza One Stop Border Post Facility (OSBP) from Roads Authority after a successful infrastructure construction.
After receiving the keys for the facility in a symbolic presentation held at the facility, the Minister said for a landlinked country like Malawi, trade facilitation between countries is a major source of revenue for the economy.

Speaking earlier, Malawi Revenue Authority's (MRA) Deputy Commissioner General, Henry Ngutwa had pointed out that with the new and more coordinated arrangement, he is hopeful that revenue collection at the facility will move from 24 billion Kwacha to over 26 billion Kwacha annually. The new arrangement reduces cost and time spent for traders to clear their goods at the border, among others. Ngutwa further challenged that the Mwanza Border Post generates more revenue than any other border in Malawi.

The Minister further appealed to Mwanza District Council and other stakeholders to see how the OSBP presence can attract investment in other complementary projects such as bus terminal and modern market which would not only contribute to trade and widening of revenue base for the local council but also facilitate urbanisation of Mwanza as a border town while enhancing service delivery at the same time.
He further urged officers to execute their duties with utmost diligence and professionalism so that the reform achieves it's objective.

On her part, Chairperson for Joint Border Operations Committee, Maureen Mtambalika said the new building, which acts like a one-stop centre, also offers more office space for officers plus better coordination among the different agencies through the Coordinated Border Management Committee at the border post but also the fact that all relevant offices are housed in one building

The facility has been built with finacial support from the World Bank and African Development Bank.

16/07/2024

Minister of Trade and Industry lauds SMEs in Neno District.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe, M.P, yesterday lauded SMEs under United States of America African Development Fund (USADF Programme) for demonstrating seriousness towards sustainable livelihood improvement through agriculture.

Speaking during a field visit to Nchena and Changa Cooperatives under Senior Chief Simon in the district, the Minister said cooperatives and SMEs are the way to go if Malawi is to grow economically.

According to Gwengwe, USADF received funding from the Hemsley Charitable Trust (HCT) to implement a Livelihood Improvement Project (LIP) through Umodzi Consulting Limited, a local partner for USADF. The US$4.5 million programme is unique because it uses a “whole farm business” approach with the aim of delivering sustainable farming and increased incomes for local population with priority given to individuals with chronic diseases and their families.

"I have been reliably informed that this funding was channelled to 14 cooperatives that were all trained by my Ministry. Their objectives were:
to improve Patient Outcomes through improved diet diversification, nutrition & incomes,
improved livelihoods through increased skills in value addition, development of market networks and trade activities, and
improved resilience through the promotion of climate smart technologies that will improve resilience by the targeted community, " he said.

While thanking the Minister for visiting them, members of the cooperatives appealed to the Minister to lobby for an increase in the grants.

Later in the day, the Minister travelled to Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre, where he challenged agriculture commodity off-takers, processors, exporters, anchor farmers, aggregators, and SMEs to take advantage of the AGCOM grants to enhance value addition which will see Malawi shifting from being a predominantly consuming and importing economy to a producing and exporting one.

11/07/2024

SMEs challenged to think outside the box.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe, M.P, has challenged Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to be innovative and think outside the box if they are to change the status quo. The Minister was speaking during the official opening of AGCOM-SME-Matching Grant Window Stakeholders Briefing of the Agriculture Commercialization (AGCOM) project today at Sunbird Mzuzu Hotel.

The Minister said with the ATM Strategy as championed by his Excellency, the President of the Republic of Malawi, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, the pace is set, and the sky is the limit for SMEs to explore growth in the various value chains under the strategy.

The Minister took a serious jab at SMEs tendency to focus on sole proprietorship, which has mostly led to decimal growth of SMEs.

"Going solo might look lucrative, but it makes you loose on capacity and financing that comes with partnerships or business alliances. Now, I urge you to embrace partnerships with both local and international investors. This will ensure ready markets but also capacity to meet both quality and volume."

He added "as a country we have been given a tag as a 'Soya Bean or Nandolo Exporting economy' but am challenging you SMEs today that you can actually explore other value chains such as the technological sector and even car manufacturing. And my Ministry is ready to give you the necessary support. Toyota is a big brand, but you will be surprised to note how many SMEs feed into it. Importation of toothpicks and screen protectors should be a thing of the past by now," he called out.

AGCOM-SME-Matching Grant Window has 60 million USD (almost 100 billion Kwacha) for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.

Gwengwe further commended AGCOM for recognizing the importance of encouraging producer-off-taker arrangements to foster commercialization and for putting in place measures to deal with access to finance constraints through matching grants and partial credit guarantees.

11/07/2024

Honourable Sosten Gwengwe, MP, Minister of Trade and Industry, reiterating the significance of value addition in the spirit of ATM strategy towards realisation of Industrialisation and MW2063

11/07/2024

Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe, MP, calls for an environmental and social governance responsive investment. Making the call before business captains, the media and other stakeholders during the Malawi Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Integration and Investment Forum 2024 in Lilongwe on Tuesday, Gwengwe said, " As we industrialize, it is imperative to establish industries that are ESG considerate. It is important to understand the ESG concept being a set of aspects, including environmental and social issues and corporate governance, to be taken into account when making decisions in investments projects. By so doing, it is what is called responsible investment or, in more proactive cases, impact investing."

The minister further pointed out that the critical role of private capital financing of developmental infrastructure projects squarely falls well in the equation of responsible investment.

Gwengwe disclosed that in the implementation of the National Investment Policy in the next five years, his Ministry will put in place mechanisms of tracking all industries and companies to ensure that their business operations embrace the ESG concepts adding that "the industrialized economy we want to develop by 2063 needs to take into account ESG complementarity. We want to drive green investments and green technologies worth sustaining economic development."

The forum was held under the theme, "Towards a robust and resilient economic trajectory through ESG adoption.”

26/06/2024

Today, the 26th of June, 2024, Her Excellency Khadija Iddrisuh High Commissioner of Ghana to Malawi and resident in Lusaka paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Trade and Industry, Honourable Sosten Gwengwe, M.P. In his remarks the Minister hinted that Malawi and Ghana share very a deep historical background dating back to the 60s when the founders of the two nations worked together in liberation of their countries from colonial masters. He also indicated that Malawi has very unique products such as Kilombero rice while Ghana has equally good products such as chocolate and these could easily be traded between the two countries. Making remarks on the engagement, Her Excellency Madam Idrissuh indicated that in order to cement the trade and economic ties between the two countries, Ghana has drafted an MoU on trade and investment which will provide a framework of cooperation. It is planned that the MoU should be finalised and signed by the two countries during this year's United Nations General Assembly in New York where both countries are expected to attend. The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in trade and investment, energy, mining, transport and defence, among others. Malawi looks forward to be a formidable producing and exporting nation by 2027 in line with MIP 2030 and MW2063.

06/06/2024

05/06/2024

04/06/2024

MALAWI AND KOREA SIGN A TRADE AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION FRAMEWORK

The Government of Malawi and the Government of the Republic of Korea have signed a Trade and Investment Promotion Framework (TIPF) in Seoul, Korea during the Korea-Africa Heads of State Summit .

Honourable Sosten Alfred Gwengwe, MP, Minister of Trade and Industry and his counterpart Honourable Inkyo Cheong, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, signed the TIPF on 4th June, 2024 at Lotte Hotel.

In his remarks, Gwengwe said that he is looking forward to implement the TIPF where Korean business investors will be welcome to Malawi to establish industries in various sectors of the economy including agriculture, tourism, and mining in line with His Excellency, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera vision for economic transformation.

The Minister has further extended an invitation to his counterpart to visit Malawi with a business mission in the near future. He also promised to share bankable projects as well as a list of products to qualify for duty-free treatment into the Korean market.

On his part, Cheong promised to work with the government and to visit Malawi with a team of various business professionals in the shortest period possible to explore business and investment opportunities in Malawi.

The TIPF will be instrumental in promotion of business relations between Malawi and Korea.

Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima is leading the Malawi Delegation at the Summit which is expected to wind up on 5th June 2024.

02/06/2024

His Excellency the President of the Republic of Malawi, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera reiterates his commitment towards making Malawi an industrialised nation as he launches Magwero Industrial Park Project in Area 55, Lilongwe.

02/06/2024

Magwero Industrial Park. The future of Malawi is here

31/05/2024

Standard Bank has donated $10,000 (over 17 million Kwacha) towards Malawi's participation at the Malawi Investment Forum in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to be held12-13 June, 2024.

Speaking during a symbolic presentation of the cheque at the Ministry's Headquarters this morning, Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe, MP, expressed gratitude to the bank for their support saying, the contribution demonstrates the bank's commitment to enhancing regional integration and unlocking Malawi's investment potential for future prosperity.

Gwengwe said the theme for this year, "Enhancing Regional Integration for Malawi's Investment Potential and Future Prosperity," resonates deeply with Malawi's development goals.

"We believe that regional cooperation and economic integration are crucial for attracting investments, promoting economic growth, and creating jobs for our citizens. Therefore, Standard Bank's sponsorship will play a vital role in facilitating meaningful discussions, networking opportunities, and the exchange of innovative ideas among stakeholders."

The Minister added that the contribution will help bring together experts, policymakers, and business leaders to explore opportunities and address challenges in regional trade and investment.

On his part, Head of Commercial Banking for Standard Bank, Graham Chipande, said, their commitment signified a long term partnership for growth within Africa having made similar contribution towards the Malawi Investment Forum held in Johannesburg, South Africa last year.

"Tanzania serves as the gateway to East Africa and the world for Malawi, with substantial traffic through the Northern Corridor (Dar-Mbeya-Songwe-Mzuzu) in both directions so this does not only signify Trade activities but also underscores the immense potential for both countries to enhance their trade and economic relations.

The Malawi Investment Forum in Tanzania comes at the right time where Malawi is implementing the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) Strategy on the road to the realisation of Malawi 2063.

31/05/2024

30/05/2024

Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe, MP, has challenged young innovators to pursue their innovations in order to contribute to the economy of the country and create jobs for fellow youth.

The Minister sounded the call last evening at Golden Peacock Hotel, where he presided over the official launch of Eka-Lite Led Bulbs by a young Malawian innovator, Daniel Ekali Kwizombe.

According to the Minister, Kwizombe's innovation is a clear testimony that Malawi can be a producing and exporting economy.

"What we are witnessing here is a story that says,'Yes, we can do it.' And this is in line with the Malawi 2063 vision that the government is preaching. But to achieve this, there's need for investment in research and innovation and concerted effort from both the government and the private sector."

Gwengwe added that his Ministry was ready to assist young innovators pursuing innovations that support value addition in the key value chains that Malawi is prioritising in order to change the Malawi story and transform lives for her people.

The Minister also hinted on mindset change among Malawians who think products from elsewhere are superior to locally produced.

"Our innovations, our industries cannot go far until we start buying local and we start loving our locally made products that's why my Ministry champions the Buy Malawi Strategy and that's also the reason we have the Control of Goods Act."

On his part, Kwizombe lauded the support he got from the Ministry, especially the Directorate of SMEs, the USAID, and the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST), saying his innovation would not be a success without the support and guidance he got from these institutions.

"I would also like to appeal to fellow young Malawians out there who have innovative ideas, not to give up. Pursue your innovation and seek support where necessary. As Malawians, we are better placed to find sustainable solutions to our problems. Our innovations should be solution based."

Kwizombe, who is also the CEO of DEK Engineering and Electrical Contractors, says his Eka-Lite Led Bulbs have a life span of 36 months (3 years) and as such they are more cost effective.

25/05/2024

Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe, MP, speaks to journalists during the Malawi Tea Day Commemoration at Kawalazi Tea Estate in Nkhata Bay

19/05/2024

Minister of Trade and Industry talks tough on industrialisation

Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe, MP has challenged Malawians to do more in production guided by the Industrialisation Pillar in the Malawi 2063.

Gwengwe was speaking before business captains yesterday during the 105th National Product Mag Manufacturers, Business, Supply and Support Services Awards at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.

"No country got developed by trading but by producing and exporting. And my Ministry will prioritise policies that champion industrialisation and less on trading," Gwengwe emphasised.

Delegates at the gala, which is a SADC activity, included, Minister of Labour, Agnes Nyalonje, Her Excellency Nancy Saungweme who is also Dean of Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Malawi and Jose Maria, Ambassador of Mozambique to Malawi. The two dignitaries lauded the National Product Mag Awards organisers for providing the media space and pace for SADC's regional integration.

17/05/2024

Minister of Trade and Industry, Honourable Sosten Gwengwe, MP, speaking during the AU Special Technical Committee Meeting of Ministers of Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals Development in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea held from 16-17 May, 2024

13/05/2024

The 34th Malawi International Trade Fair

09/05/2024

The first ever Malawi-India Business Dialogue took place today at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe with around 30 Indian Investors signing Memorandum of Understanding with local manufacturers in such areas as pharmaceutical, agro-industries and server and computer manufacturing. The development enforces Malawi's drive towards being a manufacturing and exporting country and in consonant with the ATM and industrialisation as a pillar in Malawi2063. The ceremony was graced by the Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Michael Usi, Secretary for Trade and Industry, Christina Zakeyo, High Commissioner of India to Malawi, Gopalakhrishnan, President of India Economic Trade Organisation, Asif Iqbal, Trade Commissioner for Malawi Desk in Gujarat, Sanil Rajev, Trade Commissioner for India in Malawi, Mahesh Kotecha, Business Chief Executives from Malawi and other government officials.

27/04/2024

Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe, MP, on Friday, opened the 2024 Lakeshore Business Leaders Summit being held at Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi District. The 5-day indaba for business minds in the country, which summoned business captains, financing institutions, and a few SMEs, was held under the theme, "Re-engineering Businesses to Withstand Shocks."

Citing Covid 19, floods, dry spells, and wars in other countries, the Minister acknowledged the effects of the development on Malawi's economy.

He said, "It is no secret that these shocks have affected government in the ex*****on of its mandate. The shocks have affected government operations through increased demand for social and welfare spending, dwindling revenue base, and destruction of crucial infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals."

Gwengwe added that the shocks have also worsened the macroeconomic imbalance as evidenced by unsatisfactory economic growth, scarcity of forex, high inflation, widening fiscal balance, and higher interest rates.

According to Gwengwe, this imbalance, coupled with other impediments, has increased further the production costs for Malawian business, making it difficult for the business sector to compete in such unstable environments.

However, the Minister reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting the private sector and reinforcing the foundations for strong growth, resilient and inclusive development.

"I want to encourage all of you to rally around Government’s vision. We are living in a difficult and uncertain time. However, it does provide an opportunity to accelerate the implementation of more innovative reforms that will generate faster and higher growth. Therefore, as they say, let us not waste this crisis. Let us use it positively."

Gwengwe further called on the business captains to focus on production and value addition in order to achieve the dream of Malawi becoming a producing and exporting country not only in goods but services as well.

25/04/2024

Chinese Ambassador to Malawi engages Minister of Trade and Industry on Trade and Future Economic Cooperation
Chinese Ambassador to Malawi, Long Zhou, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe, MP at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Lilongwe on Tuesday, 23 April, 2024. Among other things, the meeting highlighted achievements made between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Malawi through the Preferential Trade Agreement; and map way forward to enhancing these relations.
The Ambassador lauded successes in the area of agriculture, particularly Malawi’s ability to start utilizing the duty-free and quota-free export market access of soya beans with the first consignment exported to China recently. Ambassador Zhou further indicated the willingness of China to sign the already developed protocol on shelled groundnuts and to further collaborate with Malawi on finalizing procedures and processes for the export of macadamia nuts, dried chillies and ornamental fish.
On his part, Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe, MP, commended the People’s Republic of China for the achievements and welcomed new plans for enhancing the trade and economic partnership between the two countries with a specific emphasis on Malawi’s interest in value-addition in order to be able to export finished products. Gwengwe further called for joint action-oriented efforts to realise more benefits from the cordial partnership between the two countries.
The Republic of Malawi was, thus, encouraged to participate in the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) which will be held in China in September, 2024.

16/04/2024

Production and more production as a sure way of growing Malawi's Economy

16/04/2024

"Today we are here giving testimony to what His Excellency the President of the Republic of Malawi Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has been saying that we are here to fix the broken systems," said Minister of Trade and Industry, Honourable Sosten Gwengwe, MP at the official opening of 2024 Sugar Production Season for Salima Sugar today in Salima. Gwengwe said that with the change of management at the company, he is optimistic that a lot of things will change for the better and towards what the company was established for. "It did not make any sense that residents of Siyasiya and other areas in Salima where sugar cane is produced and where this mega factory is, had never even seen a packet of Salima Sugar while all the sugar goes out of the country," he pointed out.

Gwengwe also emphasised that for Malawi to move forward, companies and industries should be owned by Malawians pointing out that Industrialisation is key in growing Malawi's economy in line with MW2063.

Earlier in the day, the Minister officially opened Siyasiya Salima Sugar Depot, which becomes the first official Salima Sugar Depot to be opened.

As of today, Salima Sugar is selling at K90,000 per 50Kg bag,
K42,000 per 20Kg and
K2,100 per 1Kg packet.