Maize prices stabilised in the month of September following declining prices in some markets post-September 16 elections that cushioned some price rises recorded in other markets.
This is contained in International Food Policy Research Institute (Ifpri) Maize Market Report for September 2025 which said the grain’s national retail price stabilized at K1 361 per kilogram (kg) marking a reversal of an upward price movement that started in June.
According to Ifpri, the maize national average retail price was seen dropping in the last week of the month partly attributable to stabilisation of the kwacha and uncertainty of the 16 September elections results, among others.
Reads part of the report: “A slowdown in economic activity around the general election and the associated stabilization of the kwacha with respect to neighboring country currencies likely contributed to the easing of prices.
“In every region, there were markets where prices increased by as much as 10, six, or three percent like Mzimba boma, Lilongwe city, and Mulanje boma, respectively, as well as markets with significant price drops: like seven percent at Jenda, four percent at Chimbiya and six percent at Lunzu.”
Markets across regions displayed mixed price changes, according to the report, which noted random price movements, and concluded “were likely also influenced by the uncertainty surrounding the general election”.
“Nevertheless, an overall geographic pattern of relatively low prices in the Northern Region and highest prices in the Southern Region persisted throughout September,” it added.
Meanwhile, the stability of maize prices have resulted in a drop of food inflation in September from 33.7 percent to 33 percent but failed to drop the general inflation because of rising non-food inflation, according to National Statistical Office figures contained in its latest stats flash.
Reads the NSO stats flash: “The year-on-year inflation rate rose to 28.7 percent in September 2025, representing a 0.5 percentage point rise from 28.2 percent recorded in August 2025.
“Food inflation eased to 33 percent, compared to 33.7 percent in August 2025 while non-food inflation stood at 21.7 percent from 19.5 percent over the same period.”
In an interview, Economics Association of Malawi president Bertha Bangara-Chikadza said inflation trends highlight the country’s underlying food pressures that need to be addressed by importation of maize.
She said: “We have observed a notable increase in food prices in recent months, which has significantly influenced overall inflation.
“While non-food inflation had remained relatively stable for some time, the persistently high headline inflation trends suggest that the country must address the underlying food pressures.”
In a separate interview, Centre for Social Concern programme officer for economic governance Agnes Nyirongo observed that transport costs have been volatile which is affecting non-food inflation.
“High inflation is not only squeezing households, but also stifling business growth. Rising production and transport costs are being passed on to consumers, further fuelling inflation in a vicious cycle,” she said.
Meanwhile, government through Admarc is planning to import 200 000 metric tonnes of maize in a move that could continue to improve maize supply and further reduce maize prices and food inflation.
