By Paul Madise

Lilongwe, April 19, Mana: Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, has reiterated his ministry’s continued collaboration with the private sector to ensure Malawi boosts its chances of supplying consistent and reliable high-quality groundnuts globally.

He was speaking Thursday at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe during a groundnut tour.

The event serves as a cornerstone of Malawi's sustainable agricultural development and innovation strategy to achieve one million metric tons of groundnuts annually by 2030.

Kawale called for more financial support into Mega Farms which ensures Malawian farmers are accessing farming equipment and other farming technologies.

United States Chargé d'Affaires, Amy Diaz, commended Malawi Government for its commitment to support private sector businesses such as Pyxus Agriculture Malawi, to invest and expand into value chains like groundnuts that have significant market growth potential. 

She, therefore, urged Government of Malawi to accelerate reforms that diversify the economy and spur responsible private investment.

"The U.S. government remains committed to partnering with the government and people of Malawi to attract transparent and responsible investment and increase jobs, income and exports. 

“As an enduring partner, we will continue to support innovative approaches that harness the combined resources of public, private and community actors to improve livelihoods, strengthen resilience, and accelerate Malawi's development aspirations," she said.

Irish Ambassador to Malawi, Seamus O`Gradys, reiterated Malawi's groundnut industry potential in achieving one million metric tonnes of groundnut annually by 2030.