Malawi Macadamia Association (MMA) has unveiled ambitious projections that show that the sector is on course to becoming a major contributor to the country’s agricultural economy, with production values expected to triple by 2033.
Making a presentation during a recent stakeholder engagement meeting in Blantyre, MMA Chairperson Dimitri Giannakis said the sector’s value was projected to surge from the current $21.3 million recorded in 2024 to $65.4 million by 2033.
The data revealed a steady expansion in production area, with land under macadamia cultivation set to increase from 12,575 hectares in 2024 to 21,575 hectares by 2033.
This is expected to culminate in an increase in production to 18.69 metric tonnes (mt) of shelled nuts from 10.16 mt recorded last year.
Furthermore, the sector is projected to create substantial employment opportunities.
Job numbers are expected to grow from 18,863 positions in 2024 to 32,363 by 2033, representing an additional 13,500 new jobs over the decade.
“It is a premium nut that continues to gain popularity globally. While it’s not yet widely known internationally, consumers who try it tend to become loyal customers. We are currently exporting about 30 million dollars’ worth of macadamia.
“Looking ahead, we expect to reach 60 to 70 million dollars in exports over the next decade, representing a substantial contribution to addressing our foreign currency challenges,” Giannakis said.
Agriculture Minister Sam Kawale highlighted a significant shift in the industry’s ownership structure.
“While historically, macadamia investment was dominated by expatriates, we’re now seeing more indigenous Malawians entering the sector. The annual increase of 1,000 hectares is largely driven by local investors. We’re working with various stakeholders to protect this high-value industry,” Kawale said.
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