The National Planning Commission (NPC) says increased private sector investment in Malawi’s agri-food systems is critical to accelerating implementation of the Malawi 2063 development agenda.

The commission says this will be among the key issues at the National Agri-food Systems Investment Symposium, scheduled for Monday, 5 October 2026, at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.

Speaking during a media briefing in Lilongwe ahead of the symposium, NPC Director General, Fredrick Changaya, said transforming Malawi’s agri-food sector requires stronger collaboration, investment and innovation.

He said the symposium provides an important platform for government, the private sector and development partners to explore practical solutions that can unlock investment opportunities and strengthen the country’s agri-food systems, hence creating an enabling environment through appropriate policies and sustainable partnerships is essential for turning Malawi’s economic potential into meaningful development.

Principal Secretary for Trade in the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade, Business and Tourism, Wiskes Mkombezi, said government cannot transform the agri-food sector alone, stressing the importance of private sector participation in industrialization and economic growth.

GIZ Country Director, Dr. Inge Baumgarten, also highlighted the importance of partnerships in supporting sustainable agri-food transformation.

The symposium is being organised by government through relevant ministries, NPC and partners, with support from GIZ.

It will be held under the theme, ‘Unlocking Private Sector Investment for Sustainable Agri-food Systems Transformation in Malawi.’

Aspolo Mousa – Staff Reporter, Blantyre