The Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE) has been urged to explore agriculture commodities trading as a way of expanding investment opportunities, supporting farmers and strengthening the country’s capital market.
Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) Market Development Specialist Kgotla Segwe said Malawi could learn from Botswana, where agriculture commodities are now traded through the Botswana Mercantile Exchange.
Segwe made the remarks on Friday during a business visit by 10 Malawian journalists to the BSE.
The trip was sponsored by National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc.
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He said the Botswana Mercantile Exchange, established in May 2025, currently trades maize and sorghum by linking farmers with buyers such as retailers and manufacturers.
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“The platform gives farmers another market where they can sell their produce while giving manufacturers easier access to commodities. It also helps stimulate agriculture production and allows farmers to earn better returns from their harvests,” Segwe said.
Segwe said introducing commodity trading could create a new market for farmers while increasing activity on the exchange.
Beyond commodities trading, he said stock exchanges in the region should work more closely to encourage companies to raise capital across borders.
“We have companies operating in one market when they could also expand into neighbouring countries through dual listings. Exchanges in Botswana and Malawi should collaborate to make that possible,” he said.
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Segwe also urged stock exchanges to make it easier for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to access capital markets by reducing listing barriers and strengthening support systems.
He said the BSE had been promoting listings through its TPD Mentorship Programme, which was introduced in 2019 following the launch of its SME board.
Under the programme, businesses receive three months of training on the listing process and the benefits of raising capital on the stock market.
Segwe further called for stronger collaboration among governments, pension funds, private equity firms and stock exchanges, saying regular dialogue was key to making capital markets more accessible and attracting more businesses to list.
National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Akossa Mphepo Hiwa said the tour was aimed at strengthening the bank’s relationship with journalists while exposing them to economic development approaches.
“This has been very valuable and we hope to continue with such learning trips. The visit provided journalists with an opportunity to learn from Botswana’s capital markets and engage with NBM staff outside the office environment,” Hiwa said.
