Deputy Minister of Agriculture Thoko Tembo has launched a new $2.8 million Sanitary and Phytosanitary Information Management System in Lilongwe, aimed at modernising agricultural trade and reducing cross-border clearance delays, according to Nyasa Times. AfricaBrief also reports that during the launch of the Civil Society Agriculture Network 2026 to 2031 Strategic Plan, Tembo challenged organisations to advance the sector by promoting commercial agriculture and forming partnerships built on shared responsibility.
In a boost to local manufacturing, Wait Holdings has commenced operations at its Lunzu facility in Blantyre, producing 50 metric tonnes of fertiliser per hour under the MlimiFert brand, as reported by Nation Online. The Malawian-owned enterprise is investing $5 million to expand its blending capacity and distribution network, with plans to open regional outlets in Lilongwe and Mzuzu to address the country's reliance on imported agricultural inputs.
Update: Malawi's agricultural sector continues to face pressure from global supply chain disruptions. According to an AGRA Food Security Monitor report cited by RATIN, rising global fuel and fertiliser costs linked to conflict in the Middle East have caused urea prices in Malawi to surge by up to 58 percent in a single month, pushing them roughly 90 percent higher than the previous year.
Update: Ongoing frustrations at the auction floors have escalated as independent tobacco growers report rejection rates as high as 91 percent at the Lilongwe Auction Floors, according to Tobacco Reporter. While farmers complain that the system unfairly favours contract tobacco, the country has still managed to sell approximately 19.3 million kilograms of tobacco worth $40.8 million in the first four weeks of the season.
Meanwhile, Malawian agricultural innovator Tawonga Nyirenda has been recognised as a Global Prize winner for her initiative called SeedBiz, according to Global Citizen. The enterprise converts organic waste into affordable livestock feed and fertiliser, supporting over 300 local smallholder farmers to reduce costs and build sustainable livelihoods.