Malawi is positioning its exporters to penetrate new markets in Africa through its participation at the 2025 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Algiers, Algeria.
The country is showcasing its products and services through a Malawi Pavilion coordinated by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in collaboration with the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre, according to a press statement issued on Saturday.
The pavilion features 12 companies drawn from agriculture, manufacturing, ceramics and financial services.
Speaking during the exhibition, Secretary for Trade and Industry Christina Zakeyo said government is working to reposition Malawi as an outward-looking economy where exports drive growth and create jobs.
She said: “Our participation in IATF reflects our commitment to reposition the country as an active player in regional trade.
“This is where our exporters meet real demand and understand the requirements for entering new markets.”
Zakeyo observed that products such as groundnuts, rice, tea, sugar, coffee and soya beans have strong potential in North African markets where demand remains high.
She noted that intra-African trade accounts for only about 15 percent of the continent’s total trade compared to over 70 percent in the European Union and 60 percent in Asia.
“This fair is also a perfect platform for critical conversations on how we can simplify customs procedures, embrace digital platforms, adopt modern payment systems, remove non-tariff barriers and improve transport and logistics infrastructure across our borders,” said Zakeyo.
Export Development Fund (EDF) spokesperson Deliby Chimbalu said the institution is financing Malawi’s participation alongside Standard Bank, UNDP and GIZ to give local exporters exposure to buyers across the continent.
She stressed that access to affordable finance has been one of the biggest barriers for Malawian exporters, adding that EDF’s support is aimed at helping firms meet the demands of regional markets.
Trade and agricultural experts have urged local authorities to boost Malawi’s exports to ease the country’s current account deficit.
Figures from the latest Reserve Bank of Malawi Financial and Economic Review show the country’s trade deficit stood at $1.44 billion after imports ($1.71 billion) far outpaced exports ($263.6 million).
