Malawi’s biggest corporates have called for a stable and predictable policy environment to give businesses confidence to invest, produce and expand.
The call was made yesterday in Blantyre at a high-level business breakfast convened by Nico Holdings plc, Old Mutual Malawi Limited and Press Corporation plc.
The event brought together government and business leaders to discuss investment, industrialisation and ways of addressing structural constraints to economic growth.
during the meeting in Blantyre. | Grace Phiri
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Malawi Stock Exchange-listed Press Corporation plc group chief executive officer Ronald Mangani said policy stability, particularly in taxation and labour matters, is critical to maintaining investor confidence.
He raised concern over delays in resolving labour disputes, observing that “some of the awards associated with labour disputes do not make economic or commercial sense” and could discourage investment.
“It is important to ensure that the tax system incentivises production, does not stifle production, because it is only when companies are allowed to continue producing as they are paying tax that the tax base will be broadened,” said Mangani.
Old Mutual Malawi chief executive officer Tavona Biza said policy consistency across government ministries is equally important because investors need clarity when assessing projects.
“You can find that there can be policy clashes between one ministry and another ministry and then you are not always clear which one precedes or supersedes the other,” he said.
On his part, Nico Holdings plc group managing director Vizenge Kumwenda said policy stability must be matched by reliable infrastructure, particularly power and transport while well-prepared and bankable projects will be critical to attracting financing.
The concerns were raised against the backdrop of declining and volatile private sector investment, with the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry warning that the trend is undermining productive expansion, job creation and economic growth.
According to the World Bank’s June 2026 Country Private Sector Diagnostic, gross investment fell to 11.1 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024 from more than 20 percent between 2017 and 2019, .
Minister of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism Simon Itaye said government was committed to creating a conducive investment environment while ensuring that investment delivers wider economic value through jobs, businesses, infrastructure and industries.
“If we get this right, a mining investment will not simply produce a mineral, but it will also produce businesses, jobs, skills, infrastructure and industries,” he said.
On his part, Minister of Mining Thoko Tembo said unlocking Malawi’s mineral potential will require coordinated action by all stakeholders.
