BLANTYRE, MALAWI – Illovo Sugar Malawi Plc, a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, has announced the appointment of Ronald Ngwira as its new Managing Director, effective Monday, September 8, 2025. Ngwira, a seasoned agribusiness executive with over three decades of leadership experience in Malawi’s agricultural sector, steps into the role at a critical juncture as the country continues to grapple with an unstable sugar supply.
Ngwira’s appointment is seen as a strategic move by Illovo to navigate the turbulent waters of consumer complaints, stock shortages, and price volatility that have plagued the sugar market for months. His extensive background in agricultural transformation, sustainability, and value chain integration is expected to be instrumental in restoring stability.
“He is well recognised for his depth of knowledge in agricultural value chains, sustainability practices, stakeholder engagement, and transformation operations,” remarked Board Chairperson Jimmy Lipunga in a statement, highlighting the high regard in which Ngwira is held within the industry.
Before joining Illovo, Ngwira served as the Managing Director of Pyxus Agriculture Malawi, where he oversaw a diversified portfolio encompassing seed production, groundnuts, forestry, and tobacco agronomy. This broad experience is anticipated to bring a holistic perspective to Illovo’s operations.
Academically, Ngwira holds a Master’s degree in Project Management from the University of Bolton in the United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Computer Science from the University of Malawi. He is also an alumnus of a Global Executive Masterclass in Leadership, further underscoring his credentials as a well-rounded and capable leader.
Ngwira takes the reins from Lekani Katandula, who has transitioned to a group-level leadership role within ABF Sugar, Illovo’s parent company. The Board extended its gratitude to Kondwani Msimuko for his stewardship as Interim Managing Director during the transitional period.
All eyes will now be on Ngwira as he embarks on the challenging task of ensuring a consistent and affordable sugar supply for Malawian consumers, a fundamental commodity whose scarcity has caused widespread concern.
