Ministry of Industrialization, Business, Trade & Tourism - Malawi

Ministry of Industrialization, Business, Trade & Tourism - Malawi Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Ministry of Industrialization, Business, Trade & Tourism - Malawi, Government Organization, Independence Drive, City Centre, Lilongwe.
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The Ministry of Industrialization, Business, Trade & Tourism is responsible for stimulating growth in domestic and exports of goods and services through private sector development and industrialization.

Are we there yet? Itaye thinks we are at least, somewhat closerMinister of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Touris...
19/06/2026

Are we there yet? Itaye thinks we are at least, somewhat closer

Minister of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism, Simoni Itaye says he has hope that as an economy we have everything we need to turn our economic narrative around.

Speaking in Dedza today during a visit to Mwaiwathu Cooperative, a women-led cooperative focusing in tomato and soya value addition chains, processing tomato and soya into tomato jam, soya milk and soya yogurt, respectively.

The entity is a bonafide beneficiary of the Ministry's efforts toward inclusive economic empowerment.

The cooperative which bears testimony to their benefitting from the government initiated One Village; One Product (OVOP) programme which got them funding from the joint Malawi-India project and technical support from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), decided against all odds to explore value chains that most Malawians thought ended at raw consumption, and at best, raw exports.

Today the entity processes tomatoes, farmed by its own members, into tomato jam, and soya bean into soya milk, soya yogurt and soya chambiko.

"I am impressed that this entity, though operating at a modest capacity, is able to import substitute. But looking ahead, I see them taking over these value chains and penetrating into neighbouring markets as well."

For Itaye, Industrialization in Malawi at present translates into two things, namely, import substitution, which entities like Mwaiwawathu Cooperative are doing, and exports, which can be achieved after scaling out production and pushing of adequate volumes of these value added products on the regional, continental and foreign markets.

Secretary for Mwaiwathu Cooperative, Lucy Rice, said their idea is to become a secondary Cooperative and essentially taking over supply and production of these value chains.

The development comes when many Malawians thought the tomato and soya value chains were limited and as such prone to raw export or post harvest losses.

The Minister assured the cooperative of his Ministry's support towards technical, market linkages and any other innovation.

Mwaiwathu Cooperative also recently benefitted 111 million Kwacha from Agricultural Commercialization (AGCOM) grants with which they intend to set up own factory premises as currently they are occupying space belonging to the Ministry of Agriculture.




I only have one thing to say-says ItayeAs Government and Private Sector strengthen partnership to drive industrialisati...
17/06/2026

I only have one thing to say-says Itaye

As Government and Private Sector strengthen partnership to drive industrialisation for Malawi’s economic growth through a Joint Launch of the Country Private Sector Diagnostic (CPSD) and the reformed Public-Private Sector Dialogue Forum (PPDF) in Lilongwe, today, Minister of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism, Simoni Itaye said he only had one thing to say.

"We do not have time. We have spoken enough. We have discussed enough. We have carried a number of surveys on what we need to do in order for us to move as a nation. So, the only thing I can say is, it is time for action," said a composed Itaye.

"My Ministry has defined Industrialization to mean two things; import substitution and export diversification. And I, with my team at the Ministry, fully understand that this can only be achieved through a closer and more enhanced collaboration with the private sector. And that is what we have set out to do, " he emphasised.

The Minister said his Ministry, and indeed, Government was ready to work on the findings and recommendations by the CPSD and that the New Public-private Sector Dialogue forum offered that missing link.

According to Itaye, the CPSD provides a roadmap for unlocking private investment, creating jobs and addressing barriers to business growth. He noted that Government will utilize the findings to strengthen public financing, improve infrastructure and implement reforms that support industrialisation, trade competitiveness and economic transformation.

Itaye further described the reformed PPDF as a new era of collaboration between Government and the private sector, aimed at accelerating investment, promoting regional trade and improving the ease of doing business.

Making his contribution during a panel discussion, Secretary for Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism, Wiskes Nkombezi, emphasized the need for accountability, inclusiveness and effective implementation of reforms.

He observed that previous dialogue mechanisms had generated important recommendations but often fell short at the implementation stage. Nkombezi said the reformed PPDF sector-specific technical working groups will bring together businesses, regulators and government institutions to identify bottlenecks affecting investment and develop practical solutions to address them with candid.

Speaking on behalf of the private sector, President for Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI),
Ronald Ngwira, welcomed the launch of the CPSD and PPDF, describing them as important tools for advancing Malawi’s economic recovery and industrialisation agenda.

He highlighted challenges facing businesses, including foreign exchange shortages, high financing costs, unreliable energy supply and rising production costs, and called for decisive reforms to enhance competitiveness and attract investment.

Ngwira further noted that sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism, renewable energy and digital services present significant opportunities for economic transformation. He emphasized that successful implementation of the CPSD recommendations will require strong partnerships, accountability and sustained dialogue between Government and the private sector.

The launch of the CPSD and the reformed PPDF marks a significant milestone in strengthening public-private cooperation and advancing Malawi’s industrialisation and wealth creation agenda. The initiative is expected to support investment, job creation, export growth and economic resilience in line with the aspirations of Malawi 2063 and the National Economic Recovery Plan.

Participating at the joint launch were Ministers of Finance, Natural Resources, Agriculture, Justice, Defence and Labour, including the Division Director for Word Bank, Firas Raad.






New Marriott Hotel Project Set to strengthen Malawi's tourism portfolio-says ItayeThe Ministry of Industrialisation, Bus...
11/06/2026

New Marriott Hotel Project Set to strengthen Malawi's tourism portfolio-says Itaye

The Ministry of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting private sector investments in tourism infrastructure as part of efforts to enhance Malawi's tourism competitiveness and economic growth.

Speaking during a tour of the Marriott Ryalls Hotel construction project at Lilongwe Golf Club, Minister of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism, Simoni Itaye, said the Ministry is keen to ensure that the country has adequate infrastructure to support meetings, conferences, exhibitions and other tourism-related activities. He said facilities such as the Marriott Hotel are critical in strengthening Malawi's tourism offering and positioning the country as a preferred destination for both business and leisure travellers.

The Minister further said the Ministry, through the newly established Tourism Authority, is committed to working closely with private sector players to address challenges that may affect tourism investments.

He emphasized that Government's role is to facilitate trade, both in Goods and in services, and create an enabling environment for private sector to thrive, including tourism enterprises.

On his part, Eris Properties Chief Executive Officer, Washington Chimuzu, said despite some delays, the project is progressing towards its revised schedule and is expected to open in October 2026.

According to Chimuzu, the hotel will provide a unique tourism experience as the only hotel situated on an 18-hole golf course in Malawi and one of the few in the region with such a facility.

He further added that the project is expected to create employment opportunities, stimulate local supply chains and enhance the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism market.

Chimuzu highlighted that a significant portion of the materials and artwork used in the hotel have been sourced locally, demonstrating the project's contribution to supporting Malawian businesses and artists.

The Marriott Ryalls Hotel project is expected to strengthen Malawi's tourism infrastructure, attract investment and contribute to the country's broader industrialisation and economic development agenda.






Regional Marketing Winter School Promotes Digital Innovation and Regional Economic IntegrationThe Ministry of Industrial...
11/06/2026

Regional Marketing Winter School Promotes Digital Innovation and Regional Economic Integration

The Ministry of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism has emphasized the importance of digital innovation, regional collaboration and modern marketing practices in driving industrial growth, trade competitiveness and economic transformation across Southern Africa.

Speaking in Lilongwe during the 2026 Regional Winter School for Marketing Associations of Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe held under the theme “Marketing in the Digital AI Era,” Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism, Bright Malonde, said Africa must embrace technological change and strengthen regional cooperation to remain competitive in the global economy.

He stressed that marketing has become a strategic driver of economic development, investment attraction and export promotion, adding that countries in the region must work together to unlock shared opportunities for growth.

Malonde further highlighted the need for African countries to leverage the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and strengthen intra-African trade. He noted that Malawi is committed to building a productive, export-oriented economy and that achieving this vision requires strong brands, innovative enterprises and professionals equipped with digital marketing skills and global market knowledge.

Delivering a presentation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation, AI Practitioner, Gillian Hannah, encouraged organisations to strategically adopt AI technologies to improve efficiency, productivity and decision-making.

Hannah emphasized the importance of measuring the return on investment in AI adoption and urged participants to develop practical implementation plans that integrate technology into existing workflows.

She also pointed out that AI is not a substitute for sound business strategies and effective systems, but rather a tool that enhances existing strengths. She encouraged business leaders and professionals to identify areas where AI can add value and use the technology to create new opportunities for innovation and growth.

The Winter School has provided a platform for knowledge sharing, professional development and regional networking among marketing professionals from Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Ghana.

The gathering reaffirmed the critical role of digital marketing, innovation and regional partnerships in advancing economic growth, industrialisation and trade development across Africa.







Government says the leather value chain subsector could turn fortunes for MalawiSpeaking in Blantyre during the Malawi L...
11/06/2026

Government says the leather value chain subsector could turn fortunes for Malawi

Speaking in Blantyre during the Malawi Leather Value Chain Strategy Stakeholder Consultative Workshop, Secretary for Industrialization Business, Trade and Tourism, Wiskes Nkombezi said the leather value chain is a very rich and competitive value chain.

According to Nkombezi the leather value chain is a value chain in which a number of people participate, from livestock farmers, hides and skin collectors, tanneries, processors up to finished products followed by branding, marketing and distribution.

“The leather value chain directly speaks to import substitution and export diversification which are a key focus for the ministry and, indeed, Government. That we have talent and expertise in the sector is not a question at all,” he said.

He, therefore asked stakeholders at the workshop to make an honest assessment of the previous strategy of 2017-2024 as it was a benchmark for pathway to actualizing the potential the sector offers.

On his part, Abdel Rahim Ahmed of Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) said Malawi’s leather sector is making strides and that his organization will continue supporting Malawi Leather Value Chain subsector to becoming a competitive and resilient sector, both regionally and at continental level, whose contribution to the economy would be worthy pointing at.

The consultative workshop has drawn together farmers, skin and hide collectors, leather cooperatives, ministries and departments, financial institutions and the academia.

The growth of the leather value chain subsector would ensure substitution on leather products and become a forex earner through exports.









Industrialization is not just another slogan-says TemboDeputy Minister of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism...
07/06/2026

Industrialization is not just another slogan-says Tembo

Deputy Minister of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism, Edgar Tembo, says Industrialization is not just another slogan but a call to deliberate action.

According to Tembo, the renaming and restructuring of the Ministry is aimed to draw focus to the dynamic role Industrialization plays in transforming Malawi’s economic trajectory.

Tembo made the remarks yesterday during the National Product Magazine (NPM) Mid-Year Awards at Bingu International Convention Centre where outstanding companies from the Agri, Manufacturing, finance and service sectors were being acknowledged for their contribution and innovation.

Tembo hinted that Malawi would only benefit from regional integration if the private sector seizes the opportunities offered by aggressively producing and innovating in order to stay competitive on the regional and continental market, even beyond.





Industrialization Minister commends youth-led cooperative for thinking outside the boxMinister of Industrialization, Bus...
06/06/2026

Industrialization Minister commends youth-led cooperative for thinking outside the box

Minister of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism, Simoni Itaye has praised the youth of Mwadenje Village in Traditional Authority Chimutu, Lilongwe, for using value addition and industrialization to transform their community.

During a visit to the True Action for Youth Development (TAYODE) Honey Producers and Processing Cooperative on Friday, the Minister commended the young people for choosing to remain in their village and create economic opportunities locally rather than migrating to urban areas in search of employment. He described their efforts as a practical example of the mindset change needed to achieve Malawi’s industrialization agenda.

"The general tendency is youth leaving their villages in search of greener pastures elsewhere. But today I have been proven wrong. Instead of leaving, you made a deliberate decision to stay and create greener pasture in your own home," said Itaye.

The Minister also encouraged TAYODE to prepare for future growth by addressing requirements for certification by the Malawi Bureau of Standards, improving infrastructure, and investing in modern equipment. He noted that the cooperative has secured a 367 million Kwacha AGCOM grant, which can support expansion and modernization once key conditions are met.

He further assured the youth of full Government support to see their dream come to fruition.

According to Clement Kabwira, chairperson for the cooperative, TAYODE started in 2012 as a youth group of 40 members and later identified beekeeping as a sustainable economic activity. The group registered as a cooperative in 2023, trains community members in beekeeping and honey production, and produces beehives locally. It has grown to 150 members and manages 400 beehives.

Honey production provides a significant income source, with each hive producing about 30 kilograms, annually. The cooperative has also diversified into tomato processing and the production of Mbeya fertilizer to increase incomes, improve food security, and reduce farming costs.

Commenting on the development, Senior Group Village Head Mwadenje said he takes pride in these youths determination towards local economic empowerment.





05/06/2026

The fourth industrial revolution is here! Malawi cannot afford to be a spectator.




Digital Innovation Key to realisation of Malawi 2063 Agenda through Trade and Industrial GrowthThe Ministry of Industri...
04/06/2026

Digital Innovation Key to realisation of Malawi 2063 Agenda through Trade and Industrial Growth

The Ministry of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism has pledged to continue supporting Government’s efforts in harnessing digital innovation as a key driver of industrialization, trade competitiveness and economic transformation in line with Malawi's long-term development plan, MW2063.

Speaking in Lilongwe during the International ICT Expo 2026 held under the theme, “Unlocking Malawi’s Digital Economy: ICT Exports, Trusted Payments and Fraud Resilience,” Minister of Industrialization Business Trade and Tourism, Simon Itaye, said digital technologies are critical to building an inclusively wealthy and self-reliant nation. He highlighted key digital initiatives being implemented by the Ministry, including the Malawi National Single Window and the Malawi Electronic Trade Licensing System, which are simplifying trade processes, enhancing transparency and creating a more conducive environment for business growth and industrial development.

Delivering his keynote address, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Shadric Namalomba, who was the guest of honour, challenged Malawians to move beyond being consumers of technology and become producers of digital solutions. He said a resilient digital nation is a trusted digital nation and emphasized that the continued adoption of ICT solutions will create jobs, stimulate innovation and support industrial growth. Namalomba thus asked the private sector to harness opportunities presented by the sector.

On his part ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM) President, Clarence Gama, said the 2026 ICT Expo has provided an important platform for advancing the country’s digital economy and supporting economic recovery. He emphasized the need for trusted digital payment systems to enhance confidence in online transactions and encouraged businesses to embrace digital financial solutions. Gama also urged local innovators to explore opportunities in ICT exports, noting that Malawi has the potential to export digital services and technologies to regional and international markets.

The Expo has underscored the growing connection between ICT, trade and industrialization, that digital innovation is central to achieving Malawi 2063 goals.






-ICTAM

Perisha Agro and Packaging Enterprise told to explore investment partnershipMinister of Industrialization, Business, Tra...
30/05/2026

Perisha Agro and Packaging Enterprise told to explore investment partnership

Minister of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism, Simoni Itaye has said Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that are export ready and those that have potential for the export market should be thinking of graduating into macro enterprises if they are to realise real growth.

Itaye was speaking yesterday during an industrial visit to Perisha Agro and Packaging Enterprise in Likuni, Lilongwe.

After touring the cassava processing plant and orange skinned potato purie processor, the Minister was convinced of the Perisha products competitiveness and potential on external markets.

"What I see is that you might need to explore an investment partnership so that you are able to expand and scale out. You cannot be a medium enterprise forever," said Itaye.

Founder and Managing Director for Perisha Agro, Fannie Gondwe, said it was their wish as an entity to expand and diversify their value chains for both domestic and international market.

According to Gondwe, the firm was already making sales of not less than 14 million Kwacha a week from a cost of about 6 million Kwacha.

Amongst the flagship products for Perisha are high value cassava flour, orange fleshed sweet potato purie and industrial starch.

She however, said they were not able to satisfy the demand due to inadequate availability of such raw materials as fresh cassava within Lilongwe forcing them to rely on far areas such as Nkhotakota and Mchinji creating additional logistical costs.

Responding to the challenge, Itaye said that is the more reason an investment partnership would change the whole landscape as part of the investment would be to pump in resources for mass cassava cultivation, through contract farming or otherwise, thereby ensuring a steady supply of the raw materials.

He assured the enterprise that there are conglomerates that would want to invest in promising businesses like Perisha.

Perisha Agro also takes in about 24 interns from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) annually in addition to full-time employees and the women in surrounding communities.

The entity has already installed an animal feed recycling plant to utilise waste from the cassava and sweet potato processing. Other products that could be produced from the cassava value chain alone, include cassava wine.

Growth of entities such as Perisha Agro, would go a long way not only in import substitution but also in enhancing forex earnings for Malawi through exports, creating more jobs in the process.

With support from the Ministry, Perisha Agro got their cassava processing Machinery through the then One Village One Product (OVOP) Programme and later got the orange fleshed sweet potato purie processor through the International Potato Centre (CIP).

At present Perisha Agro is already exporting to Zimbabwe and South Africa, albeit on small scale.



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