Malawi pushes green industrialization from policy to investment
Malawi is pushing to shift from climate and industrialization policies to practical investments that can create jobs, increase exports, and strengthen the country’s position in regional value chains.
The Government, the United Nations and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) said Malawi’s green industrialization drive must translate into productive businesses, investment and sustainable economic growth, rather than remain focused on policy commitments.
The call was made during a national workshop on innovative climate action and green industrialization in Southern Africa, held in Lilongwe from 7 to 8 September 2026.
Dr Bright Molande, Principal Secretary for Industrialization in the Ministry of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism, said industrialization remains central to Malawi’s ambition of becoming a productive exporting economy capable of creating employment, raising incomes and generating foreign exchange.
“Malawi has decided to industrialise, and we will!”
Molande said the private sector should play a leading role in the industrialization process, while Government focuses on creating conditions that encourage investment and business growth.
Areas identified for greater attention include university-linked innovation and manufacturing, expansion of micro, small and medium enterprises and cooperatives, mineral processing, expansion of existing industries, and attracting foreign direct investment.
ECA Director for the Subregional Office for Southern Africa, Eunice G. Kamwendo, said green industrialization could help Malawi improve competitiveness while adding value to its natural resources and creating employment.
“Green industrialization is not only about protecting the environment. It is about building a more competitive economy by using resources efficiently, expanding clean energy use, reducing waste, developing new industries, creating green jobs and strengthening resilience to climate change.”
Kamwendo pointed to agriculture and agro-processing, renewable energy, critical minerals, the circular economy and innovation by MSMEs as areas with potential to drive Malawi’s industrial growth.
She added that Malawi’s mineral resources should support broader industrial development through local processing and value addition instead of primarily being exported in raw or semi-finished form. She also called for women and young people to be more fully integrated into the country’s industrial transition, with better access to finance, technology, skills, energy and markets.
The African Continental Free Trade Area and deeper regional integration could give Malawian businesses access to larger markets and help local firms become part of regional value chains, she said.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Malawi Rebecca Adda-Dontoh said the success of industrialization should ultimately be judged by its effect on people’s livelihoods, particularly young people, smallholder farmers, entrepreneurs and vulnerable communities.
“We cannot simply pursue growth for growth’s sake. We need growth that is resilient, inclusive and sustainable.”
She also highlighted the need for climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, irrigation, efficient water management and sustainable agriculture as part of Malawi’s development strategy.
Participants at the workshop called for stronger coordination between Government, businesses, universities, development partners, civil society and communities to move green industrialization from studies and policy commitments to implementation.
The workshop is expected to produce recommendations covering green industrial policy, the transition to clean energy, innovation and technology transfer, MSME development and the circular economy, in line with the objectives of Malawi 2063 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063
Real ESG impact doesn’t happen in panels alone, it happens in the rooms where financiers, operators, and policymakers actually align. Our GreenShift Forum 2026 cuts the noise, bringing together the people rewiring Africa’s sustainability and energy frameworks for one focused day in Nairobi. Secure your seat.
Follow us on WhatsApp, Telegram, Twitter, and Facebook, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter to ensure you don’t miss out on any future updates. Send tips to editorial@techtrendsmedia.co.ke
