The Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) has secured major investment commitments from Chinese enterprises following its third China-Malawi Special Economic Zone (SEZ) investment forum series held in Shenzhen and Ningbo, China, from 6–8 August 2025.

The deals, signed in partnership with the Xidian International Stock Exchange, include over ten cooperation agreements with Chinese companies, expected to accelerate the development of Malawi’s Chipoka Special Economic Zone and stimulate job creation, wealth creation, and industrial growth in line with the Malawi 2063 vision.

Speaking in China during the forums, MITC Director General Kruger Phiri, who led the high-level delegation, said Malawi’s SEZs offer unmatched opportunities for investors seeking strategic access to regional and global markets.

“The Malawi Special Economic Zones are more than just industrial spaces; they are gateways to Africa. We invite Chinese investors not only to do business in Malawi, but to grow with Malawi,” said Phiri.

According to Phiri, over 300 Chinese investors participated in the engagement, with twenty companies scheduled to visit Malawi in September 2025 for on-site assessments at Chipoka SEZ, marking a significant step toward tangible, sustainable investments.

“We also conducted targeted visits to leading Chinese firms, including Shenzhen Zhonghang Industrial Co., Ltd, a major luggage exporter to the United States, and Jinshi Group, a top 3D printing manufacturer with global distribution networks,” added Phiri.

MITC Board Chair, Patience Chatsika, delivered a strong call to action, urging Chinese investors to seize Malawi’s investment climate and take advantage of special incentives and opportunities available within the Special Economic Zones.

“Come and walk the red carpet of opportunity laid out for you by the people of Malawi. Let your factories hum with commerce and your brands proudly bear ‘Made in Malawi,’” Chatsika said.

The mission has been hailed as a breakthrough for Malawi’s investment drive, with officials stressing that the cooperation agreements will help deliver on Malawi 2063 goals of wealth creation, inclusive job opportunities, and sustainable industrialization.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry has commended the governments of Malawi and Zambia for successfully signing the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on Conformity Assessment, describing it as a key milestone in boosting cross-border trade.

The signing ceremony took place on August 11 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka, Zambia, where Malawi’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Engineer Vitumbiko A.Z. Mumba, represented the country alongside Zambia’s Minister of Agriculture, Reuben Mtolo Phiri.

Speaking during the event, Minister Mumba said the agreement will promote efficiency, trust, and seamless trade between the two countries by mutually recognizing conformity assessment processes.

“This Agreement is more than trade facilitation. It is about strengthening trust between our national quality institutions, building confidence in standards, and laying a strong foundation for industrial growth, competitiveness, and consumer protection,” Mumba said.

He added that the MRA will help realize the aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by promoting harmonized trade systems that reduce costs, increase efficiency, and encourage the free flow of goods.

“This agreement is a direct contribution to AfCFTA goals as it reduces costs, increases efficiency, and enables free movement of goods and services across borders,” Mumba said.

The minister further said the signing reflects the highest level of political will from both governments and shows their commitment to practical regional integration that benefits their citizens.

“This shows we are serious about regional integration, not just in words but in action, to improve livelihoods and strengthen our economies,” he said.

Zambia’s Minister of Agriculture, Reuben Mtolo Phiri, said the MRA will help farmers, traders, and consumers benefit from faster and less costly trade processes.

“This agreement creates real opportunities for our farmers and traders by reducing trade barriers, saving costs, and opening markets for our agricultural produce,” Phiri said.

COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Kapwepwe assured Malawi and Zambia of continued technical support to ensure the agreement is effectively implemented and sustained beyond donor assistance.

“I urge both governments to create effective implementation strategies so this agreement remains operational and beneficial long after external support has ended,” said Kapwepwe, in a speech delivered on her behalf by COMESA Assistant Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Kadah.

The agreement, supported by COMESA in collaboration with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, covers maize, groundnuts, beans, rice, soybeans, and sorghum. It is expected to enhance regional trade integration.

The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has reaffirmed its tight monetary policy stance, presenting the outcomes of the Third Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Meeting of 2025 during a technical forum held in Lilongwe on Monday.

The central bank emphasized that despite a declining inflation trend, cautious policy is still necessary to anchor stability.

Speaking to journalists after the technical forum, RBM’s Director of Financial Markets, Chakudza Linje, said the MPC’s decision to maintain the Policy Rate at 26.0 percent, along with other key parameters, reflects a balance between supporting economic recovery and mitigating inflation risks.

“Although inflation has slowed, falling to 27.1 percent in June from 30.7 percent in February, upside risks remain, especially due to potential food price increases. The committee decided to maintain the current stance to safeguard the gains and sustain the disinflation trajectory,” said Linje.

The forum, which brought together economists, policy experts, and stakeholders from various sectors, served as a platform for RBM to share the rationale behind its decisions and engage the public on future expectations.

According to the statement presented, the Liquidity Reserve Requirement (LRR) was held at 10.0 percent for local currency and 3.75 percent for foreign currency deposits, the Lombard Rate remains pegged at 20 basis points above the Policy Rate.

Linje admitted that growth in money supply and declining foreign reserves continue to pose inflationary pressure.

However, she assured that the central bank is using monetary instruments to manage liquidity while avoiding actions that could suppress production.

“We are coordinating with government on fiscal consolidation to reduce the deficit, which contributes to money supply growth. Meanwhile, we’re also working with the private sector to increase export capacity and improve forex inflows,” he said.

Grace Kunchulesi, Director of Development Planning at the National Planning Commission (NPC), described the MPC decisions as critical in fast-tracking milestones under Malawi 2063 (MW2063).

She said effective monetary policy must be complemented by investment in productive and export-oriented sectors.

“Malawi’s aspirations for middle-income status hinge on implementing the developmental state philosophy, removing barriers that discourage private sector investment in key sectors,” she explained.

Kunchulesi expressed confidence that the ongoing focus on agriculture, tourism, mining, and manufacturing will help the country achieve its 2030 transition targets and several Sustainable Development Goals.

In her words, Executive Director of the Economics Association of Malawi (ECAMA), Dr. Esmie Koriheya Kanyumbu, supported the decision to maintain the policy rate, describing it as a timely and well-judged move.

She emphasized the need for stronger coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities, calling on the government to curtail public spending and direct resources toward growth and export-oriented sectors under the Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining ATM strategy.

“Inflation is falling, but food shortages and global uncertainties remain a threat. This is not the time to relax policy. We need continued coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities,” said Dr. Kanyumbu.

The RBM reaffirmed its commitment to managing inflation, stabilizing the kwacha, and ensuring macroeconomic resilience through coordinated policy and structural reforms.

The next MPC meeting is slated for October 29–30, 2025.