PCL penetrates African market

Catalyzing Malawi’s Economic Growth: Establishing a Thriving Export Trading Firm

Post was last updated: October 12, 2025

Key Business Points

  • Diversification of income streams is key for Malawi’s business community, as seen in Press Corporation’s (PCL) plans to establish an export trading and distribution firm, which will help reduce dependence on traditional revenue sources.
  • High-value export crops are crucial for Malawi’s economic growth, and PCL’s venture is expected to drive this diversification, increasing the value of exports and reducing reliance on basic crops like maize and tobacco.
  • Value-addition is essential for maximizing export revenues, and businesses like PCL must prioritize this to ensure their exports attract better prices and create more opportunities for small businesses to thrive, a concept known as "kujumpha" (adding value) in Chichewa.

The announcement by Press Corporation (PCL) plc to establish an export trading and distribution firm is a significant development for Malawi’s business community. According to market analysts, this move is in line with expectations for the company to diversify into high-value sectors using its financial capacity, cementing its status as the country’s biggest group with interests in critical industries like financial services and telecommunications. The planned venture is part of PCL’s strategic plan to expand and diversify its portfolio, generating consistent and scalable foreign currency income streams through high-value exports, a strategy that aligns with the concept of "kupanga bizinesi" (business planning) in Chichewa.

PCL is seeking to engage consultants to support the design and implementation of a commercially viable export trading and distribution platform in Malawi. In an interview, PCL group CEO Ronald Mangani confirmed that the company is seriously exploring setting up an investment venture in the export trade, although it is still in the early planning stages. National Working Group on Trade Policy chairperson Fredrick Changaya described the proposed venture as critical to both PCL and the economy, as it will help diversify the country’s export base and increase the value of exports, a move that will help "kutengera dziko" (develop the country) in the long run.

Changaya emphasized the need to diversify away from traditional crops like maize and tobacco, which are often associated with basic poverty inculcating agriculture. Instead, Malawi needs to focus on high-value, high-margin cash export crops, which will drive economic growth and reduce poverty, a goal that aligns with the concept of "kuzikondwa" (economic growth) in Chichewa. Stock market investor Benedict Nkhoma urged PCL to prioritize value-addition to ensure its exports attract better revenues, while also providing more opportunities for small businesses to get better prices.

Meanwhile, stock market analyst and PCL minority shareholder Purity Chitaro commended the move for its diversification aspect but cautioned that proper due diligence is necessary to minimize potential risks. As PCL moves forward with its plans, the company’s ability to execute its strategy and navigate the complexities of the export trade will be closely watched by Malawi’s business community, with many hoping that this venture will help "kuvutika malo" (grow the economy) and create new opportunities for local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

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Vanessa Banda
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