
MwAPATA Institute
The MwAPATA Institute is an independent agricultural policy think tank in Malawi. The Institute is engaging the Government of Malawi, private sector, and civil society stakeholders in a program of applied policy analysis, policy outreach, capacity building, and policy coordination.
Recent Events
Roundtable Dialogue on Mega Farms
Date: Wednesday, 10th August 2022 || Time: 8:00am -12:30pm (CAT) ||
Venue: Sunbird Capital, Lilongwe, Malawi
Find event recording from Facebook here
Agriculture is the cornerstone of Malawi’s economy, contributing about 23% to the GDP, 85% to foreign export earnings, and the main employer of the labor force (Malawi Government, 2022). Despite being pivotal to the economy, the sector has been facing numerous challenges. Through the MW2063, Malawi government has envisioned shifting away from low productivity and subsistence-oriented agriculture to a more commercialized manufacturing-linked agricultural system. Mega Farms is one of the strategies being employed.
MwAPATA Institute, in partnership with the National Planning Commission, Farmers Union of Malawi, and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, organized a Roundtable discussion to initiate a conversation around the transforming Malawian agriculture through Megafarms, Read More.
Presentations:
By Mr. Martin Kausi,
Deputy Director of Crop Development, Ministry of Agriculture
By Dr. Anderson Gondwe,
Research Fellow, MwAPATA Institute
Panelists
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Mr. Taziona Chaponda, Managing Director, Malawi Agricultural and Industrial Investment Corporation (MAIIC)
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Mr. Christopher Beya, Chief Executive Officer, Press Agriculture Limited
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Mr. Eric Chidzungu, Chief Executive Officer, Greenbelt Authority
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Mr. Ronald Ngwira, Managing Director, Pyxus Agriculture Limited
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Mr. Kristian Moller, Chief Executive Officer, Agriculture Commodity Exchange for Africa
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Mrs. Iness Malemia, Commercial Farmer, Farmers Union of Malawi
Highlights
Malawi Data Portal online
New Research
Stay informed on research releases
Economic Viability of Small-Scale Aquaculture in Malawi
In the News
MwAPATA Institute Tips Government on Ukraine Russia War Effects
MwAPATA Institute warns of dire effects of Russia-Ukraine war on Malawi's food security situation
Think tank proposes reforms to avert war impact on food
MwAPATA Tips Government on the Affordable Inputs Programme
Experts Search for Tobacco Alternative
Experts Recommend Expedited Replacement to Tobacco

Day 1: Key Presentations

Strategy & Responses on the Impact of Russia-Ukraine Conflict on Malawi
Roundtable Dialogue
Date: Wednesday, 20th July 2022 || Time: 02:00pm - 05:00pm (CAT) ||
Venue: Sunbird Capital, Lilongwe, Malawi
Event Recording from Facebook available here

Dr. Mafuta Mwale
Secretary to the Treasury,
Guest of Honor
The Russian Federation invaded Ukraine on the 24th of February 2022. In response, several countries have imposed sanctions targeting Russian individuals and the broader economy. As of this writing, the future duration and scope of this conflict remain largely uncertain.
However, the potential ‒ even likely ‒ detrimental impact on Malawian livelihoods will be massive, and steps need to be taken now to mitigate against the effects as well as harness the opportunities that arise from the Russo-Ukraine conflict
Based on this MwAPATA Institute, the National Planning Commission of Malawi (NPC) and UNDP collaborated in organizing a roundtable discussion where stakeholders would begin to deliberate on possible strategies to address the situation at hand. Read More
Presentations:
By Mr. Adwell Zembere,
Deputy Director of Economic Planning (Regional Cooperation and International
Organizations), Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development
By Dr. Anderson Gondwe,
Research Fellow, MwAPATA Institute
Panelists
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Rev. Fr. Dr. Wilfred Sumani, Director of Academic Affairs, Catholic University
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Dr. Kisu Simwaka, Director, Economic Policy and Research, Reserve Bank of Malawi
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Mr. Boyd Luwe, Deputy President, Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry
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Mr. Chris Connelly, Programme Director, Concern Worldwide
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Mrs. Victoria Mwafulirwa, Secretary General, Cross-border Traders Association of Malawi
Event in Pictures

Event in Pictures
President of the Republic of Malawi, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera graced the official opening of the 2022 Malawi Agricultural Productivity and Commercialization Conference on 9th June 2022. During his opening remarks, Dr. Chakwera emphasized on action hence instructing the Ministry of Agriculture whose Minister was present during the official opening to produce results on implementation of Mega farms within six months.
The conference took two days and key themes contributing to driving agricultural diversification in support of the aspirations of Malawi2063 were discussed. Practical experiences and exhibitions were part of the conference.
Watch the official opening, here
2022 Malawi Agricultural Productivity & Commercialisation Conference
Theme: Driving Agricultural Diversification in Support of the Aspirations of MW2063
9-10 June 2022, Lilongwe, Malawi
Bingu International Convention Centre
Meeting recording available here , here, and here

H.E. Dr. Lazarus M. Chakwera
State President
Republic of Malawi
GUEST OF HONOR
