Discusses key economic indicators and trade statistics, which countries are dominant in the market, the U.S. market share, the political situation if relevant, the top reasons why U.S. companies should consider exporting to this country, and other issues that affect trade, e.g., terrorism, currency devaluations, trade agreements.
Last Published: 4/11/2019
  • Malawi is a landlocked country in south-eastern Africa that is bordered by Mozambique on the east and southwest, by Tanzania on the north and northeast, and by Zambia on the west and northwest.
  • Malawi has over 18.6 million inhabitants and an annual population growth rate estimated at approximately 3%.  The annual per capita gross domestic product (GDP) is $300.
  • Agriculture is the mainstay of Malawi’s economy, accounting for about one-third of GDP and more than 80% of export earnings (tobacco alone accounts for about 50% of exports).The agricultural sector employs nearly 65% of those in formal employment, and directly or indirectly supports an estimated 85% of the population (including subsistence farming).  Tobacco, tea, and sugar are Malawi’s principal exports.
  • After  two consecutive years of slow growth (3% in 2015 and 2.5% in 2016) due to drought and floods, growth picked up to 4.1% in 2017.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.



Malawi Trade Development and Promotion