Malawi Aims to Amplify Trade Influence in Africa – The Times Group
Key Business Points
- Support for open trade – 60% of Malawians believe removing barriers to international trade will benefit the economy
- Regional preferences – 26% support trade within Africa while 13% prefer trade only within Southern Africa
- Major knowledge gap – Only 12% of citizens are aware of the African Continental Free Trade Area
Six out of 10 Malawians believe removing barriers to international trade would benefit the economy, a new Afrobarometer survey has shown, though concerns remain about protecting local industries.
The survey reveals that 60 percent of respondents back trade liberalisation while 38 percent prefer limiting trade to shield domestic producers. However, fewer than half of Malawians—48 percent—say the country should trade with all countries globally. About a quarter (26 percent) advocate for trade only within Africa, while 13 percent prefer trading solely within Southern Africa.
These findings are significant as Malawi continues to integrate into global markets, including ratifying the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in 2021. However, awareness of this major trading agreement remains extremely low, with only 12 percent of citizens saying they have heard about it.
Economist Velli Nyirongo explained that the mixed views reflect both opportunity and caution among Malawians. "Support for trade liberalisation is encouraging because it shows people understand the potential for economic growth and job creation," Nyirongo said. "But the hesitation we’re seeing also points to real concerns about the country’s readiness to compete, especially in agriculture and small-scale industries."
The survey also examined views on global governance, finding strong support for greater African influence. About 69 percent of Malawians believe African countries should have more say in international bodies such as the United Nations. At the continental level, perceptions are generally positive: 52 percent are satisfied with African Union representation, and 49 percent feel similarly about the Southern African Development Community.
On the impact of foreign influence, the survey shows generally positive perceptions. At least four in 10 respondents rate the economic and political influence of major global actors—including the United States, China, and the European Union—as positive.
However, knowledge gaps persist. Half of respondents could not identify which country or organisation provided the most support to Malawi during the Covid-19 pandemic. On geopolitical issues, awareness of the Russia-Ukraine war stands at 58 percent. Among those aware, a majority prefer that Malawi maintains a neutral stance.
The survey interviewed 1,200 adult Malawians and highlights important considerations for business owners and policymakers. While Malawians clearly see the value in open markets for economic growth and job creation, concerns about competitiveness in key sectors remain. For Malawi to fully benefit from global trade opportunities, investments in productivity and infrastructure are crucial.
Business leaders should note that while there’s public appetite for liberalisation, the low awareness of major agreements like AfCFTA suggests significant work is needed in informing citizens and businesses about regional integration opportunities. The preference for regional trade indicates potential growth areas for businesses looking to expand within Africa’s markets.
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