Malawi has successfully completed its first export of soya beans to China under the new bilateral protocol, with ten trial containers arriving on April 17th, 2024.
In a landmark achievement for Malawi’s agricultural sector, the first shipment of soya beans exported under the China-Malawi Soya Beans Protocol has successfully arrived in China. The vessel MV AS SICILIA, voyage 931 E, carrying ten trial containers, docked as scheduled on April 17th, 2024, marking a historic step in opening up one of the world’s largest agricultural markets to Malawian produce.
The export was carried out by Paramount Holdings Limited, a leading agro-exporter based in Lilongwe. This successful delivery not only validates Malawi’s capacity to meet international quality and phytosanitary standards but also positions the country to expand its footprint in global agricultural trade. The Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) played a pivotal role in facilitating the export process, working closely with the Malawi Embassy in Beijing to ensure smooth coordination and compliance.
The milestone underscores the government’s commitment to diversifying Malawi’s export base and strengthening its global trade partnerships. “This successful delivery signifies a pivotal moment for Malawi’s agricultural sector,” said Lovemore Ndege, Director of Trade and Investments at MITC. “It proves that our products can compete on the global stage and aligns with the national vision of broadening our economic opportunities.”
China’s rising demand for plant-based protein sources, particularly soya beans, presents a major opportunity for Malawi. As Chinese consumers embrace healthier diets, Malawian exporters stand to benefit from a robust, long-term market. This shipment also reflects Malawi’s strategy to shift from dependence on traditional exports like tobacco to high-demand crops with greater value-addition potential.
With continued collaboration between public and private stakeholders, and sustained focus on product quality, Malawi is poised to strengthen its position in global Agri-trade. Following the positive reception of the first shipment, stakeholders are optimistic about scaling up future exports. The experience has laid a solid foundation for expanding Malawian agricultural exports—not only to China but to other premium markets around the world.