India Challenges Malawi to Turn Trade Into Jobs and Foreign Exchange

India has challenged Malawi to make better use of its vast agricultural and natural resources by tapping into the Asian country’s growing demand for Malawian products.

Indian High Commissioner to Malawi, His Excellency Amararam Gujar, made the call during a Mzuzu City Business Meeting held on Wednesday night under the theme “Expanding Horizon Through Trade and Investment.”

Gujar said India’s growing economy presents significant opportunities for Malawi, particularly in agriculture, mining, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications and other sectors.

He singled out pigeon peas as one of the products with strong potential, revealing that Malawi earned US$74 million from pigeon pea exports to India in 2024 alone.

The envoy urged Malawian farmers and businesses to increase production and take advantage of India’s ready market, saying the country requires about 50 million metric tonnes of pigeon peas.

“Meeting the business community in Mzuzu City aims to strengthen people-to-people ties and promote cultural and economic linkages between India and Malawi,” Gujar said.

He also reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Malawians through opportunities in higher education, medical services, tourism and trade, including access facilitated by an e-visa system.

Mzuzu City Mayor His Worship Chiyembekezo Moses said Malawi could draw valuable lessons from India’s economic transformation, particularly in tourism, as the country works to make tourist destinations accessible throughout the year.

Mzuzu City South-East Member of Parliament, Honourable William Chikweta Kaweche, meanwhile, called for stronger and more sustainable economic cooperation between the two countries to support Malawi’s Vision 2063.

Kaweche stressed the need to replenish the Vipya Plantation, saying this would help create sustainable employment opportunities.

“We need to identify and promote practical and stronger economic corporations that will expand job opportunities. Let’s utilize our mangoes with proper value addition and support efforts in replenishing the Vipya Plantation,” he said.

Raiply Malawi Limited General Manager Ravichandra Reddy said the India-Malawi partnership could unlock opportunities in manufacturing, energy, agro-processing, technology and trade.

Reddy described Malawi as a favourable environment for investment, growth and development.

The meeting also highlighted the long-standing relationship between India and Malawi, which dates back to 1973, including India’s involvement in the construction of Malawi’s railway system.

Participants called for the two countries to build on that historical relationship by focusing on practical investments that can create jobs, increase exports and generate much-needed foreign exchange for Malawi.