By Dorica Mtenje
LILONGWE (MaraviPost): Malawi continues to import more than it exports, with the country’s imports recorded at 958,497 and exports at 3,314,860 representing just 0.004 percent of global trade.
This was revealed in the report produced by Export Development Fund (EDF)during the launch of the inaugural Malawi Trade Report 2025 in Lilongwe.
In his remarks,Export Development Fund (EDF) Board Chairperson Ted Nankhumwa
noted that Malawi has significant unexploited export potential, stressing that improved fuel availability would help boost production and enhance export capacity.
He said Malawi has the potential to increase exports worth USD 203 million in Eastern Africa and USD 166 million in Southern Africa if strategic trade barriers are addressed.
He emphasized the need for coordinated national efforts to strengthen Malawi’s export base and reduce the widening trade deficit.
Nankhumwa said Malawi remains heavily reliant on agricultural exports, noting that diversification and value addition are essential to narrowing the trade gap.
Nankhumwa highlighted that Malawi’s exports currently stand at US$958.5 million, representing 7.1 percent of the country’s GDP and only 0.36 percent of Africa’s total exports.
He further noted that Malawi contributes just US$4 for every US$100,000 traded globally, underscoring the need for strategic interventions to boost export performance.
Launching the report, Minister of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism George Partridge said the inaugural Malawi Trade Report will enable his ministry to better monitor the country’s widening trade gap and make informed policy decisions.
Partridge noted that the report aligns with the National Planning Commission’s projections, and will support government efforts to track progress on key economic indicators.
“This report gives us a clearer picture of where Malawi stands and where urgent interventions are needed,” he said.
He emphasized that economic diversification is no longer optional for Malawi, but a crucial step toward strengthening the country’s resilience against external shocks.
According to the minister, relying heavily on a narrow range of commodities exposes Malawi to global market fluctuations.
Partridge further highlighted the government’s commitment to identifying new markets and maximizing opportunities within regional blocs such as SADC, COMESA, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Our task as government is to find markets and leverage regional trade platforms. Policy alone is not enough; we must ensure that businesses can access and compete in these markets,” he added.
The minister also stressed the need for improved infrastructure, streamlined export procedures, and enhanced private sector partnerships to raise the country’s export competitiveness.
He also commended the Export Development Fund (EDF) for its continued support, noting that the institution has played a critical role in helping government develop new export-driven initiatives such as the establishment of mega farms.
The launch was themed at driving Malawi’s international competitiveness and promoting inclusive growth.
The report was produced by the EDF in collaboration with the University of Malawi (UNIMA).
