The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has described the recent Manufacturing Conference 2025 held on Thursday, February 15, as a significant milestone for Malawi’s industrial development.
UNDP Malawi, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI), hosted the Conference.
The manufacturing indaba served as a platform to discuss and strategize the revitalization of Malawi’s industrial landscape through robust public-private partnerships.
Malawi’s economy has traditionally been agrarian, with agriculture contributing nearly 30% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
However, the country has recognized the need to diversify its economic base to achieve sustainable growth and development.
Industrialization is seen as a key driver in this diversification, offering opportunities for value addition, job creation, and economic resilience.
The conference delved into several critical areas essential for industrial growth such as:
- Policy Solutions for Industrial Growth: Participants emphasized the importance of creating a conducive policy environment that supports industrialization. This includes streamlining regulations, offering incentives, and ensuring consistency in policy implementation to attract both local and foreign investments.
- Innovative Financial Models: Recognizing the financial challenges faced by manufacturers, discussions focused on developing innovative financing solutions. This encompasses exploring alternative funding sources, such as venture capital, and enhancing access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Strategic Investments in Value-Added Sectors: The conference highlighted the need to invest strategically in sectors that add value to Malawi’s raw materials. By processing local resources, the country can increase export earnings, create employment, and build a more resilient economy.
- Green Industrialization and Technology Adoption: There was a strong emphasis on adopting green technologies and sustainable practices in industrial processes. This approach aims to minimize environmental impact while enhancing efficiency and competitiveness in the global market.
The partnership between UNDP Malawi, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and MCCCI underscores a collective commitment to transforming Malawi’s industrial sector.
MCCCI, as the apex business association representing all sectors of the economy, plays a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue between the private sector and policymakers. Their involvement ensures that the strategies developed are both practical and aligned with the needs of the business community.
The Manufacturing Conference 2025 marks the beginning of a concerted effort to reshape Malawi’s industrial future.
By fostering collaboration among government bodies, private enterprises, and international partners, the country aims to build a resilient and diversified industrial base.
This initiative is expected to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and position Malawi as a competitive player in the regional and global markets.
