The Export Development Fund (EDF) has called for accelerated industrialisation, export-led growth and value addition as critical drivers of Malawi’s long-term economic transformation and foreign exchange generation.
Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on Industry, Trade and Tourism on Tuesday, EDF Managing Director, Mr. Fredrick Chanza, said Malawi must strengthen productive industries capable of generating exports, creating jobs and reducing dependence on raw commodity exports.
Mr. Chanza highlighted industrial parks, export manufacturing, mineral value addition and emerging high-value sectors such as medicinal cannabis as strategic opportunities for transforming the economy and improving the country’s forex position.
“The country needs to focus on productive sectors that can stimulate industrialisation, expand exports and improve competitiveness,” said Chanza.
During the briefing, EDF outlined its contribution towards Malawi’s industrialisation and export development agenda through catalytic investments, export financing, project preparation and trade facilitation initiatives.
Among the projects highlighted was the Magwero Industrial Park in Lilongwe, which is expected to attract at least US$300 million in investment and create more than 15,000 direct jobs within its first two years.
EDF also presented progress under its investments in export-oriented agriculture, mining and manufacturing projects aligned to Malawi 2063 and the National Export Strategy II.
The Fund disclosed that it deployed MK4.5 billion towards irrigated sugar bean production and cattle feedlot value chains in 2025, generating approximately US$645,000 in foreign exchange while supporting over 600 jobs.
On mining and mineral development, EDF revealed that it has purchased approximately 830 kilograms of gold from 2021 to date under the Gold Purchase Programme implemented on behalf of the Reserve Bank of Malawi to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining.
Mr. Chanza noted that improved security measures have contributed to increased gold purchases, although illegal gold trading and mineral externalisation remain significant challenges affecting the sector.
The Fund further disclosed that it purchased 245 kilograms of gold in 2025, surpassing its annual target of 150 kilograms and generating MK4.7 billion in commission revenue.
EDF also highlighted ongoing investments in the medicinal cannabis sector through a company focused on the production of cannabis active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for export markets.
Financially, EDF reported strong performance for the 2025 financial year, recording a profit after tax of MK16.7 billion, total assets of MK122.8 billion and total equity of MK87.4 billion. The institution further facilitated approximately US$200 million in foreign exchange inflows into the economy.
The Fund appealed for parliamentary support towards policies and legislation that promote Special Economic Zones, domestic value addition, establishment of a National Commodity Exchange and increased mobilisation of development finance.
EDF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting transformative investments that drive industrialisation, export diversification and inclusive economic growth in line with Malawi 2063.