Malawi pursues green industrialisation to drive economic growth

Malawi has reaffirmed its commitment to green and inclusive industrialisation as a primary driver for economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. During a national workshop in Lilongwe focused on innovative climate action in Southern Africa, government officials and international partners outlined strategies to transform the nation into a productive exporting economy.

Dr. Bright Molande, Principal Secretary for Industrialisation, identified five priority areas to support this transition: strengthening partnerships between universities, government, and the private sector; scaling up manufacturing-focused small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); leveraging mining and mineral processing; expanding existing industries; and attracting foreign direct investment. He emphasized that the Revised National Industrial Policy prioritizes environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient development.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) has called for increased investment in these green initiatives. Eunice Kamwendo, ECA Director for the Subregional Office for Southern Africa, urged Malawi to utilize the African Continental Free Trade Area to access larger markets and strengthen its participation in regional value chains through efficient resource use and clean energy.