By Pempho Kantayeni
Lilongwe, 16 June, Mana: In a significant step towards agricultural modernization and economic advancement, Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) last week entered into a landmark partnership with China’s Huaihua Yongcheng Agricultural Technology Development to establish a $50 million China-Malawi Agricultural Industrial Park in Salima.
The partnership took place at the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) in China,
According to a statement signed by Director General of MITC, Kruger Phiri, the China-Malawi 5000-hectare Agricultural Industrial Park marks a major step in Malawi’s agricultural and economic progress through long-term economic growth and sustainable development by integrating modern innovation with traditional farming.
This aims to boost food security, drive industrialization, attract foreign investment, and establish Malawi as a strong competitor in regional Agri-trade.
“By combining Chinese Agri-tech expertise with Malawi’s fertile land and entrepreneurial spirit, we are not just building an industrial park but rather laying the foundation for a food-secure, industrialized future. The 30 percent government stake ensures Malawians will reap lasting benefits from this transformative project,” said Phiri.
Through the agreement, Malawi Government will maintain a 30 percent equity stake via a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to ensure long-term national benefits.
Spanning 5,000 hectares, the park will include integrated farms and Agro-processing zones, modern logistics centres and a one-stop service centre to support investors.
Malawi will benefit by improving the agricultural sector as the deal will help empower smallholder farmers, advanced farming technologies and strengthen agro-value chains.
Malawi was selected among 54 China-Africa Economic Trade Expo participants.
