Agriculture supports over 80% of Malawi’s population, making it vital to the country’s economy and livelihoods. Ahead of the upcoming WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Cameroon, Malawi is strengthening its capacity to engage effectively in global agriculture trade negotiations that impact food security and rural development.
In Lilongwe, the Commonwealth Small States Office (CSSO) and Commonwealth Secretariat hosted a workshop for government and private sector officials. The sessions covered WTO agriculture rules including market access, domestic support, export competition and transparency obligations, while examining Malawi’s trade profile and strategies to address food security challenges.
Principal Economist Gomezgani Ngwira said the workshop would improve coordination across government and stakeholders and enhance agricultural value chains. Trade adviser Tanvi Sinha highlighted the importance of safeguarding policy space for development and addressing food security in MC14 discussions.
The training also included negotiation simulations and insights from Malawi’s Geneva-based mission, helping officials align national priorities with global talks. Collin Zhuawu from the Commonwealth Secretariat noted that the workshop ensured the voices of least developed countries like Malawi remain central in trade policy debates. Armed with new knowledge and stronger coordination, Malawi enters MC14 ready to advocate for fairer trade rules and resilient food systems.
