Manufacturing

Malawi’s manufacturing sector is diverse but relatively small in scale and scope, contributing about 11.5% of GDP as of 2023 and playing a key role in national economic planning. The sector is largely agro-based, with agro-processing dominating output, particularly food and beverage processing, tobacco products, and related value-added goods.

Manufacturing activity is concentrated in urban and industrial centres — particularly Blantyre, which hosts many light and heavy industrial plants across multiple industrial areas.

Manufacturing contributes a modest share to GDP and faces challenges such as high production costs, unreliable energy supply, limited access to finance, outdated technology, and weak industrial linkages. These constraints have reduced competitiveness both regionally and globally.

The government prioritizes manufacturing as a driver of economic transformation under Malawi 2063. Efforts include industrial parks, special economic zones, investment incentives, infrastructure development, and policies aimed at promoting value addition, exports, and private sector participation.

The manufacturing sector offers strong opportunities for local and international investors, particularly in agro-processing, import substitution, and export-oriented industries. Government support, growing domestic demand, and regional market access create favorable conditions for industrial investment and expansion.