Making Malawi the Groundnut Capital of Africa
Ireland, in partnership with USAID through the Growth Poles Project, supported the inaugural 2024 Groundnut Tour in Malawi organized by Pyxus Limited, the Peanut Innovation Lab, the Palladium International and Government of Malawi.
Ireland, in partnership with USAID through the Growth Poles Project, is pleased to have supported the inaugural 2024 Groundnut Tour in Malawi organized by Pyxus Limited, the Peanut Innovation Lab, the Palladium International and Government of Malawi. During the expo, which ran from 16 to 18 April 2024, Malawi set a target of being the groundnut capital of Africa by producing 1 million tons of high quality groundnuts per year by 2030 from the current production estimate of 500,000 tons per year. The tour attracted over 200 participants from across the globe, from investors, producers, buyers, development partners and researchers. It offered an opportunity to display Malawi's emerging groundnut sector and highlighted business opportunities in the value chain.
Speaking at the expo, Ambassador Séamus O’Grady stated that Ireland fully supports the approach taken by Malawi to develop agriculture and agri-business. He said that in many ways Malawi’s ambitions should be similar to how agri-business developed in Ireland where a number of organizations have grown from small agriculture cooperatives to multi-billion global food companies. The approach is the same – linking producers to the market with an emphasis on quality, while recognising what the market demands.
The private sector possesses the scale and resources necessary to tackle the complex challenges that Malawi is facing on its journey to self-reliance and a more sustainable economy. The private sector can be nimble, adaptive and reacts to changing forces and market demands.
The tour displayed investments throughout the value chain that are enabling Malawi to produce high quality, low-price groundnuts for international and regional markets. It raised awareness among Malawian farmers of opportunities in groundnut, including new varieties, showcased technologies and provided opportunities for networking among key value chain players.
The platform also galvanized commitments to improving the enabling environment for the groundnut industry. Participants toured industry operations along all points in the Malawi groundnut value chain, including research and development, seed production, and processing. Participants attended presentations and had invaluable conversations on the future of groundnut in Malawi. Connections were made which will bear fruit (or nuts) in the years to come.
The inclusion of Malawian farmers in profitable markets that sustainably deliver enhanced revenue and income, and benefit women and youth in particular is of the utmost importance. Ireland is committed to supporting the transformation of Malawi’s food systems that benefit some of the most climate-affected communities.