Knowledge and Research

Logo

Driving Malawi's international competitiveness and inclusive growth

Research Insights

This section features analytical reports, studies, and thought pieces produced by the Export Development Fund Research Team . These insights aim to inform policy, guide strategy, and contribute to ongoing conversations around export development, trade finance, and economic transformation in Malawi and beyond.

Malawi’s Trade at Mid-Year: What the Numbers Say About Exports, Imports, and the Growing Deficit

What’s behind Malawi’s growing trade deficit—and what does the data tell us about where the economy is headed?
The latest EDF Trade Digest reviews Malawi’s merchandise trade performance for the first half of 2025. It looks at how exports and imports have shifted month by month, and compares this year’s trends to the same period in 2024.
The report shows that while exports picked up slightly in June, they remain low overall and heavily reliant on tobacco. Imports, on the other hand, stayed high—especially for fuel, fertiliser, and machinery—widening the trade gap and putting pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
It also breaks down what Malawi is trading, where the vulnerabilities lie, and what policy areas need attention.
 

Commodities in Flux: What Global Price Shifts Mean for Malawi’s Economy

Commodities in Flux: What Global Price Shifts Mean for Malawi’s Economy

As global markets adjust to new realities, how can Malawi navigate rising input costs and shifting export values?

Our latest report, “Commodities in Flux: What Global Price Shifts Mean for Malawi’s Economy,” offers a grounded analysis of international commodity price movements between May and June 2025, based on World Bank data. It unpacks:

  • The sharp rebound in global energy prices and what it means for Malawi’s fuel bill
  • Why falling prices for groundnuts and coffee could squeeze rural incomes
  • The quiet rise of gold and its potential to boost Malawi’s reserves and mining sector
  • How stable soybean and tea prices offer a window for value addition
  • What Malawi must do to manage inflation risks and protect export earnings

This is essential reading for policymakers, agribusiness leaders, exporters, and development partners seeking to understand how global price shifts are reshaping Malawi’s economic outlook—and what can be done to respond.

pdf Download the report (7.97 MB)

Competing for Capital: What UNCTAD’s 2025 FDI Trends Mean for Malawi

In a world of shrinking capital and rising competition, how can Malawi position itself to attract meaningful, long-term investment?
Our latest report, “Competing for Capital: What UNCTAD’s 2025 FDI Trends Mean for Malawi,” offers a timely analysis of global and regional foreign direct investment (FDI) dynamics, based on the newly released UNCTAD World Investment Report. It unpacks:
✅ The illusion behind global FDI growth
✅ Africa’s surprising FDI surge – and Malawi’s underperformance
✅ Structural barriers facing vulnerable economies like LDCs and LLDCs
✅ What Malawi must do to become investment-ready
✅ The critical role of EDF in building a pipeline of bankable, export-oriented projects
This is essential reading for policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners seeking to understand where capital is flowing—and why Malawi must act now to stay competitive.

Exploring the Future of Trade: Why Services Matter More Than Ever

As global trade dynamics shift, services are emerging as the new engine of economic growth—outpacing goods in both volume and value. From tourism and ICT to finance and education, services are reshaping how countries compete and connect in the global economy.
This EDF Market Insight, “Beyond Exporting Goods: Understanding Services Trade and What It Means for Malawi,” looks into the global rise of services trade and its implications for Malawi’s economy. It highlights how Malawi can leverage high-growth sectors like tourism, digital services, and professional expertise to diversify exports, build resilience, and generate sustainable foreign exchange. 

Malawi’s Mining Sector: Current Trends and Outlook

Malawi’s mining industry is steadily growing. In recent years, the country has moved from small-scale operations to developing large projects in minerals like graphite, rutile, rare earths, and uranium. These developments could significantly increase Malawi’s export earnings and reduce its dependence on crops like tobacco.
This report looks at the current state of mining in Malawi, the expected economic impact, and the steps being taken to improve laws, infrastructure, and oversight. It also outlines the main challenges, including delays in licensing, gaps in transport and electricity, and the need to formalise small-scale mining. The analysis is based on recent data and provides useful information for those working in mining, trade, and public policy.

pdf Read the report here (4.84 MB)

 

Global Commodity Prices – June 2025

Between January and May 2025, global commodity prices have moved unevenly: energy prices have dropped sharply, fertiliser costs have risen, and precious metals—especially gold—have surged. These shifts are not just numbers on a chart; they carry real consequences for countries like Malawi that rely heavily on imports for fuel and fertilisers, and exports for agricultural and mineral commodities.
This report examines the latest global price trends and explains what they mean for Malawi’s economy. It highlights where costs are falling, where pressures are building, and where opportunities may be emerging—particularly in gold and Arabica coffee. The analysis is grounded in current data and offers practical insights for those involved in trade, finance, agriculture, and policy.

pdf Download the full report to explore the data and implications. (684 KB)

 
 

Navigation Tabs

Our Partners

For Exporters

Contact Information

Export Development Fund
Public Service Pension Trust Fund House, 1st Floor, Plot Number 13/41, Presidential Way Drive Opposite Golden Peacock Office Complex. Lilongwe, Malawi
+265 992 859 129 / 882 415 633
[email protected]

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved. Export Development Fund.