Malawi’s Maize Market SeesSharp 20.8% Uptick in September: Opportunities and Challenges for Local Businesses

Key Business Points

• Maize price surge: The price of a 50-kilogramme bag of maize in Lilongwe has increased by 20.8 percent, from K59,500 to K71,875, between August and September 2025.
• Impact on businesses: This sharp increase is likely to affect small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly those in the food processing and manufacturing sectors, as they may struggle to maintain profit margins due to higher input costs.
• Inflation concerns: The rising cost of basic commodities, such as maize, may lead to higher inflation rates, which could erode consumers’ purchasing power and ultimately affect local businesses and entrepreneurs.

The Centre for Social Concern (CfSC) has raised concerns over the recent surge in maize prices, which could have far-reaching implications for Malawi’s business community. According to the centre’s basic needs basket report, the price of a 50-kilogramme bag of maize in Lilongwe increased significantly, from K59,500 to K71,875, between August and September 2025. This 20.8 percent increase in just one month is likely to affect biznesi za malawi, particularly those in the food processing and manufacturing sectors.

The mfumukazi wa bijuni (business owners) in these sectors may struggle to maintain their profit margins due to higher input costs. As a result, they may be forced to kangana masamba (increase prices) or sungana mbewa (reduce production), which could ultimately affect wafanyabiashara wa malawi (local entrepreneurs) and biashara za malawi (Malawi’s businesses).

The rising cost of basic commodities, such as maize, may also lead to higher inflation rates. This could erode consumers’ purchasing power, ultimately affecting kampuni za malawi (Malawi’s companies) and biashara ndi mafuta (small businesses). As wafanyabiashara (entrepreneurs) and biznesi (businesses) in Malawi, it is essential to kukula kwa nzeru (think critically) and kuchita nzeru (act strategically) to mitigate the effects of these price increases and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

The CfSC’s report highlights the need for malawi government to chanza kwa njira (take action) to address the root causes of these price increases and ensure that biznesi za malawi (Malawi’s businesses) can continue to operate efficiently. By kukambirana na wafanyabiashara (engaging with entrepreneurs) and kuchita kazi kwa pamoja (working together), Malawi can kutengeneza mazingira ya biashara (create a conducive business environment) that supports maendeleo ya biashara (business growth) and maendeleo ya malawi (Malawi’s development).

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