ABOUT MALAWI - INDUSTRY

Although Malawi’s manufacturing sector is small, it is diverse. The processing of tea, tobacco, sugar, coffee, cement, and cotton accounts for most of its output. Factories manufacture soap, detergents, cigarettes, furniture, cookies, bread, blankets, rugs, clothing, and mineral waters. Other installations include a gin distillery, a cotton mill, and two textile plants. Brick making is well established. Roofing tiles are also produced, and radios are assembled. Other products made in Malawi include agricultural implements, bicycle frames, polishes, edible oils and fats, cattle foodstuffs, flour, matches, fishing nets, rope, twine and yarns, toiletries, and footwear. Two plants in Malawi retread tires, and its industries make a wide range of metal products.

Technology is an upcoming industry, mobile phones account for majority of high purchases in Malawi with 1.4 million mobile phone users.

Domestic Trade

Domestic trade is concentrated in the larger towns, since transportation of goods to most rural areas is difficult and most rural residents have extremely low incomes. Agriculture is the basis of the economy, with about 90% of the population employed in subsistence farming. Local markets and stands for produce and baked goods prevail.

A small manufacturing sector is located near Blantyre, which is the country’s major commercial center. There are a few larger supermarkets and grocery stores in Lilongwe. Karonga and Nsanje are the main trading ports. Zomba is a regional commercial center for agriculture. Licenses are required for all persons engaged in trading; fees vary with the nature of the business. In 2001, inflation was at about 28.6%. Per capita GDP was at about $660. Business hours are 7:30 or 8 AM to noon and 1 or 1:30 PM to 4:30 or 5 PM , Monday through Friday, and 7:30 or 8 AM to noon or 12:30 PM on Saturday. Banks are open weekdays from 8 to 12:30 PM (to 11:30 AM on Wednesday and 10:30 AM on Saturday).
Information about Foreign Trade