By Chimwemwe Mangazi in Osaka, Japan:
Malawi is looking to enhance trade with Japan and expand its exports value to $1 billion from the current $1 million.
This came out yesterday when Malawi showcased products that are available for trade and outlined investment opportunities to would-be investors from that country.
This happened on Malawi Day at the ongoing Japan Expo 2025 in Osaka city.
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Speaking at the event, Industry and Trade Minister Vitumbiko Mumba said Malawi’s economic development could be enhanced through sound trade relations with other nations.
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“Malawi and Japan have had relations for a long time. We live in a global village, whereby we are for each other. If our country is to move forward, we need to have good relationships with others, especially export and trade relations.
“We are in a goods-based economy and most of our products cannot be consumed locally. We need to export them. Countries like Japan offer markets for our farmers and, with good prices, it can help, in terms of foreign exchange generation as well as proper income for farmers,” Mumba said.
Malawi’s participation at the Expo is spearheaded by the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC).
Its director general Kruger Phiri emphasised the need for Malawi to cement economic relationships.
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“The whole essence of this is to say, ‘can we cement the relationship, bring meaningful investments to Malawi’. The market itself in Japan is more than $1 billion,” Phiri said.
Recent trade statistics show significant growth potential between the two countries. For example in March 2025, Malawi exported $972,000 worth of goods to Japan and imported $3.38 million, resulting in a trade deficit of $2.41 million.
In March 2025, Malawi’s top exports to Japan included unspecified commodities worth $779,000, scrap copper valued at $185,000 and precious stones worth $6,700.
