Malawi Investment Summit 2023 | Economist Impact events | 22 May 2023 | Bingu International Conference Center, 2QWV+87G, Chilembwe, Lilongwe, Malawi

Malawi’s wins in shoring up its democracy, and its government’s positioning the country as “open for business”, lay the groundwork for a favorable course of development. But with a history of economic challenges and sluggish growth, what changes are still needed to propel Malawi forwards and raise its profile in the region?

The country has faced a number of setbacks from recent crises, and is currently subject to the devastating impacts of tropical cyclone Freddy. Covid-19 drove growth down from 5.4% in 2019 to 0.9% the following year. Tropical storms are an increasing threat, given Malawi’s reliance on agriculture. Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine has pushed up the price of fertilizer and fuel, two of Malawi’s biggest imports, straining its foreign-currency reserves.

The government’s vision document, Malawi 2063, sets objectives for the country’s economic diversification and growth, driven by investment into primary sectors including agriculture, renewable energy and mining. Manufacturing and tourism are also earmarked for promotion. How can government, industry and investors work in tandem to build Malawi’s business community and grow its economy in a sustainable manner? What challenges must be addressed to pave the way for development, resilience and greater prominence within the region?

2023 Speakers

Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera
President, Republic of Malawi

Kamkwamba Kumwenda
Chief executive officer, Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi

William Liabunya
Chief executive, Egenco

Grain Malunga
Director and country manager, Lotus Africa Limited

Cliff Sibusiso Dlamini
Executive director and head of mission, Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa

Ronald Ngwira
Managing director, Pyxus Agriculture

Chikondi Ng’ombe
Country head, Malawi, Bayer