Blantyre, 13 February 2025: The Ministry of Trade and Industry, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) successfully convened the Manufacturing Conference 2025 at the Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre on Thursday 13 February 2025. The conference, themed "Revitalizing Malawi's Industrial Landscape through Public and Private Sector Collaboration," brought together over 150 stakeholders from the government, private sector, financial institutions, and development partners to address critical challenges and opportunities in Malawi's manufacturing sector.

The conference aimed to foster dialogue on key issues such as access to finance, foreign exchange shortages, and the need to develop innovative solutions to drive industrial growth. Discussions also focused on aligning Malawi's industrial policies with the Malawi 2063 development blueprint and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of sustainable industrialization, job creation, and economic resilience.

Key Highlights from the Conference

1. Public-Private Collaboration: The conference emphasized the importance of partnerships between the government and private sector to address challenges such as limited access to finance, competition from regional markets, and the need for value addition in key sectors like agro-processing. More importantly, the conference emphasized the importance of collaboration among the private sector players
2. Policy Recommendations: Stakeholders engaged in discussions on strategic pathways for industrialization, emphasizing the adoption of innovative financial models, green industrialization, and the integration of technology to enhance Malawi's industrial competitiveness. Key reflections included pursuing an industrial cluster approach, addressing policy inconsistencies impacting the manufacturing sector, revisiting taxation policies, and revitalizing the sector's competitiveness.
3. Youth and Women Empowerment: The conference underscored the need to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) run by youth, and women ensuring inclusive growth and job creation.

Key Officials’ Statement Highlights

• Minister of Trade and Industry, Honourable Sosten Gwengwe, said: “We must harness the full potential of Malawi’s industrial clusters, mapping out specific sectoral strengths and capacitating them to compete regionally and globally. Industrialization must no longer be a scattered effort— it must be deliberate, structured, and aligned with a national vision. This year’s theme, "Revitalizing Malawi's Industrial Landscape through Public and Private Sector Collaboration," is not merely a slogan, but a clear articulation of our collective mission to transform Malawi into an industrial powerhouse.”
• UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Fenella Frost, said: “Of course, it goes without saying that industrialization is a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. It is, therefore, highly troubling to note that, Malawi’s manufacturing sector currently contributes less than 14% to GDP, a decline from its peak of around 20% in the 1990s. This decline has widened the trade imbalance, exacerbated foreign exchange shortages, and slowed economic progress.
• MCCCI Councilor, Mr. Bryson Mkhomaanthu, said: “One of the most pressing challenges currently plaguing our manufacturing sector is the scarcity of foreign exchange. The unavailability of foreign exchange has severely hampered our ability to import essential raw materials and inputs necessary for production. This shortage has resulted in production delays, increased costs, and reduced output, making it increasingly difficult for our manufacturers to meet domestic and international demand. 

It is not for me to tell you the challenges that you face as business leaders and government experts in this area. Rather my appeal is to ask how we can make the outcomes of this dialogue count.” 

While the challenges facing Malawi's manufacturing sector are significant, they are not unsolvable. By addressing obstacles to the sector with strategic foresight and seizing the abundant opportunities before us, we can transform our manufacturing landscape and drive the nation's economic transformation.”

Outcomes

The conference concluded with a set of actionable takeaways, including:

1. The government is re-evaluating the country’s incentive structure to encourage manufacturing over trading
2. A review of excise tax, VAT, and stamp tax was suggested, as these taxes were thought to be making Malawian manufactured products less competitive.
3. It was agreed that there was need to address discrepancies between locally manufactured goods and import waivers to ensure alignment and promote fair competition.
4. The Government underscored the importance of private banks in providing credit to manufacturers. Banks were called upon to create more products targeting manufacturers.
5. Mapping out industrial clusters to foster concrete partnership opportunities between suppliers and producers.
6. Continue collaboration and engagement through MCCCI and Manufacturers Association of Malawi to create opportunities for partnership and growth within the industry for producers of goods and suppliers of goods and services.
7. The need for a unified voice through MCCCI and the Manufacturers Association of Malawi, encouraging collaboration rather than working in isolation.

ENDS

About MCCCI

The Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) is a partnership of enterprises and associations representing all sectors of the economy of Malawi. MCCCI is committed to the achievement of Malawi’s socio-economic development through joint action and enlightened dialogue among private sector members and constituencies.

About the Ministry Trade and Industry

The Ministry of Trade and Industry remains committed to its mission of promoting, supporting and facilitating the development of industry, trade and private sector in both existing and potential growth sectors thereby increasing supply of value-added goods and services for both domestic and international markets while sustaining competitive advantage.

About UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in over 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, reduction of inequalities, and sustainable development. In Malawi, UNDP supports the government and people of Malawi in achieving their development goals, including the implementation of Malawi 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For all media queries:

Blessings Samuel Phumisa, UNDP Communications Analyst:

Email: communications.mw@undp.org
Phone: +265 888 301 039

Patrick Botha, Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Trade and Industry:

Email: patrick.botha@trade.gov.mw

Phone: +265 999 190 147

Orama Chiphwanya, Communications Executive, Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry:

Email: ochiphwanya@mccci.org 

Phone: +265 888 865 454