Experts push for maize commercialisation – The Times Group

Revitalizing Malawi’s Economy: Experts Champion Maize Commercialisation for Sustainable Growth

Post was last updated: January 14, 2026

Key Business Points

  • Commercialisation of maize production is crucial for Malawi’s economic growth, with a proposed 60% of production to be commercialised through recoverable input loans targeting medium and large-scale farmers.
  • Diversification of crops is necessary to reduce dependence on maize and promote export-oriented crops like legumes and macadamia nuts to boost foreign exchange earnings, with "zinthu zokwera" (export-oriented crops) being a key focus.
  • Agricultural productivity and commercialisation are vital for achieving the country’s long-term development blueprint, the Malawi 2063 vision, which aims to create an optimally productive and commercialised agriculture sector through "ulimi wa kisasa" (modern farming) and climate-smart agriculture.

The Economics Association of Malawi (Ecama) has proposed a structural transformation in the agriculture sector, emphasizing the need for performance-based conditions to be attached to input loans. This includes requirements for farmers to allocate part of their hectarage to export-oriented crops, which will help boost foreign exchange earnings and promote "mfumukazi" (entrepreneurship) among farmers. Ecama also stressed the importance of anchoring implementation in functional market institutions and addressing governance weaknesses through contract farming and structured markets.

Agriculture policy analyst Leonard Chimwaza noted that revising the proposed Crops Bill is necessary to guide production interventions that will improve the sector’s productivity. He suggested incorporating issues such as mechanisation and access to input loans, particularly for farmers interested in producing maize on a commercial basis. However, Chimwaza also highlighted the challenges of commercialising maize, given its status as a staple food and "chakudya cha msika" (political crop), making it difficult to implement changes.

Chimwaza proposed increased support and incentives for other cash crops like cotton, which has the potential to economically empower farmers and improve the country’s export earnings. He noted that cotton is Malawi’s fourth strategic crop, but production has declined sharply over the past decade. With the right support, cotton and other crops like "chikombe" (tobacco) and "shuga" (sugarcane) can help move the economy forward and reduce dependence on maize.

Malawi’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, and the sector has been affected by climate-related shocks and rising input costs. A study by the International Food Policy Research Institute recommended reducing fertiliser subsidies to promote private-sector participation and free up public resources for other critical sectors. As the country works towards achieving its long-term development blueprint, "Malawi 2063", agricultural productivity and commercialisation will play a crucial role in driving economic growth and improving the livelihoods of farmers and entrepreneurs.

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Vanessa Banda
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