The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) Vice President, Jonathan Saidi, has said Malawi can transform its agriculture sector through increased private sector investment and improved coordination among key stakeholders.
Saidi made the remarks in Lilongwe during the 16th ‘Ndizotheka Eminent Speaker Series’ (ESS), held under a partnership between the National Planning Commission, MwAPATA Institute, and the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Saidi who is responsible for technical expertise, emphasized the need for enabling policies and urged Malawi to prioritize a few strategic value chain crops that can help address foreign exchange shortages, fuel challenges, and contribute to national development.
Saidi further noted that strong political will is critical to achieving increased productivity and export growth in the agriculture sector. He therefore called on government to create a conducive environment for private sector participation across the country.
He also urged commercial banks to prioritize investment in productive sectors, stressing the importance of engaging financial institutions in dialogue to encourage returns in production-based investments.
Saidi reiterated the need for collaboration among stakeholders to unlock the sector’s full potential.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of the MwAPATA Institute, William Chanza, underscored the importance of coordination among government, the private sector, and development partners.
He said stakeholders must work together to identify and focus on a single crop to boost production nationwide.
On her part, AGRA Country Director Eluphy Nyirenda highlighted the need to scale up soybean production.
She noted that current production levels, which range at around 200,000 metric tonnes, need to increase to 800,000 metric tonnes, and called on the private sector to invest more in agricultural value chains.
The 16th ESS was held under the theme: “Policy and State Capability for Agriculture Transformation: Creating an Enabling Environment for Private Sector Investment in Malawi.”
The event was supported by various partners, including the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, the Government of Norway, and Oxfam.
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