Malawi has clinched export deals worth an estimated $120 million (approximately K230 billion) at the recently concluded Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, China. The Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) announced that the agreements span agriculture, mining, and arts and crafts, with a significant portion attributed to high-demand agro-commodities and gemstones.
Ndondwa Msaka, MITC Public Relations Manager, confirmed that Malawi secured firm orders for 100,000 metric tonnes (MT) of soya beans, 30,000 MT of groundnuts, and 10,000 MT of dried chillies. Based on prevailing international prices—averaging $500/MT for soya, $1,200/MT for groundnuts, and $2,500/MT for dried chillies—these agricultural deals alone are valued at an estimated $97 million (about K185 billion).
Additionally, open-ended contracts for macadamia nuts were signed, further expanding Malawi’s export pipeline to China. International spot prices for macadamia nuts range between $3,000 and $4,500 per MT.
In the mining sector, Malawi secured confirmed orders for 30 MT of amethyst and 1,000 MT of milky quartz, alongside an open-ended contract for mica. MITC estimates the value of these mineral deals at over $19 million (K36 billion), using conservative global averages of $400 per tonne for amethyst, $30 per MT for milky quartz, and $500 per MT for mica.
These successful expo outcomes align with the Malawian government’s strategic efforts to diversify its economy beyond traditional exports like tobacco, tea, and coffee. This push comes at a crucial time, as tobacco exports have underperformed compared to the previous year. Market data from the Tobacco Commission (TC) indicates that average tobacco prices in 2025 remain below last year’s figures for the same period, despite recent week-on-week improvements. TC spokesperson Telephorus Chigwenembe noted that the improving average price could positively impact revenues.
To maintain the momentum in securing alternative foreign exchange streams, MITC stated that Malawi will continue promoting its goods through a permanent pavilion in Changsha. Furthermore, plans are underway to establish a stockholding warehouse to ensure consistent supply of Malawian goods. “MITC is also developing plans for an accompanying warehouse facility to maintain minimum stock levels of premium Malawian goods,” the statement read.
While Malawi has shown a growing ability to clinch export deals in recent years, meeting demand due to production constraints has been a recurring challenge. A notable example is the collapsed $885 million (about K1.5 trillion) farm produce supply deal with South Sudan in 2023, which involved maize, maize flour, groundnuts, and beans, but fell through because Malawi could not satisfy the required volumes. This highlights the critical need for increased production capacity to fully capitalize on new market opportunities.
