National Agrifood Systems Investment Symposium
National Agrifood Systems Investment Symposium
The Government of Malawi will host the National Agrifood Systems Investment Symposium on 5 October 2026 at the Bingu International Conference Center (BICC) in Lilongwe.
The symposium will bring together government, investors, financial institutions, businesses, development partners, research institutions and other stakeholders to identify investment opportunities and mobilize resources for Malawi's agri-food systems transformation.
The symposium is organized through the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development in partnership with the National Planning Commission and other investment, private-sector, development and financial-sector stakeholders.
It provides a strategic platform for showcasing investment opportunities, facilitating dialogue, strengthening partnerships and supporting investment action across Malawi's agri-food systems.
Hon. Roza Fatch Mbilizi, M.P.
Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development
Background
Agriculture is the backbone of Malawi's economy, employing more than 70 percent of the population and supporting food security, nutrition, exports, industrial development and livelihoods.
However, the sector continues to face challenges including low productivity, limited mechanization, inadequate access to finance, climate-related shocks, pests and diseases, post-harvest losses and weak market linkages. Limited private sector investment also constrains the pace of transformation across agricultural value chains.
Government is therefore prioritizing agricultural transformation as a pathway towards inclusive economic growth, food security, nutrition, industrialization and export diversification.
The symposium is aligned with Malawi 2063, particularly Pillar 1 on Agriculture Productivity and Commercialization, Pillar 2 on Industrialization and Pillar 3 on Urbanization, as well as relevant national sector policies and strategies.
Rationale
Private sector participation is critical to transforming Malawi's agri-food systems. Investment is required across commercial agriculture, agro-processing, mechanization, livestock development, research and innovation, irrigation, logistics, digital technologies and agricultural finance.
The symposium provides a platform to attract private actors across production, processing, distribution, consumption and circular economy activities, including management of agricultural waste and food losses.
From Opportunity to Investment
Connecting investors, businesses, financial institutions and strategic partners with Malawi's agri-food investment opportunities.
Objectives
The main objective of the symposium is to mobilize private sector investment and partnerships to accelerate agricultural commercialization for sustainable food systems transformation and economic growth.
Showcase Opportunities
Showcase investment opportunities and incentives across prioritized and strategic agri-food value chains.
Mobilize Investment
Facilitate dialogue to mobilize and unlock investment in priority agri-food value chains.
Build Partnerships
Identify and catalyze investment partnerships and deals.
Strategic Investment Areas
Priority areas where investment can contribute to the transformation and commercialization of Malawi's agri-food systems.
Mega farms and large-scale commercial agriculture
Livestock development and commercialization
Irrigation development and climate-smart agriculture
Agricultural mechanization and equipment services
Research, innovation, biotechnology, and digital agriculture
Seed systems and input supply chains
Agro-processing and value addition industries
Agricultural logistics, storage, and cold chain infrastructure
Agricultural finance and insurance
Youth and women-led agribusiness enterprises
Delivery Approach
Official Opening Ceremony
Opening remarks, keynote address and scene-setting on the state of agricultural investment in Malawi, including opportunities and incentives.
Investment Opportunities in Malawi's Agri-food Systems
Presentations on the Mega Farm Legacy Investment Programme, investor success stories and a moderated plenary discussion.
Financing Agri-food Investments
Financing opportunities, plenary discussion and a high-level closing speech.
Expected Outcomes
Increased awareness of investment opportunities in Malawi's agri-food systems.
Investment-focused partnerships among government, investors, financial institutions and development partners.
Investment commitments for priority agri-food value chains.
Target Participants
The symposium is expected to bring together approximately 250 participants, including:
From Dialogue to Investment Action
The symposium is intended to move beyond dialogue by connecting investment opportunities with investors, financial institutions, businesses and strategic partners.
The platform will support engagement around investment opportunities, partnerships and potential investment commitments across Malawi's agri-food systems.