Lilongwe, Malawi, 7 September 2026 (ECA) — Malawi has reaffirmed its commitment to green, inclusive, and private sector-led industrialisation, with Government, the United Nations, and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) calling for the climate ambition to result in productive enterprises, quality jobs, investment, and sustainable growth.
The call was made at the National Workshop on Innovative Climate Action to Accelerate Green and Inclusive Industrialisation in Southern Africa, held in Lilongwe from 7 to 8 September 2026. The workshop sought to identify practical strategies for Malawi in green industrialization so as to strengthen the country’s participation in regional value chains.
Dr Bright Molande, Principal Secretary for Industrialisation in the Ministry of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism, emphasised that industrialisation is central to making Malawi a productive exporting nation that creates jobs, raises incomes, generates foreign exchange and reduces poverty. “Malawi has decided to industrialise, and we will!”
He underlined that the private sector should be at the centre of the industrialization agenda with Government creating an enabling environment for investment and enterprise development. Priority pathways to support industrialization include university-linked innovation and manufacturing, scaling MSMEs and cooperatives, leveraging mining and mineral processing activities, expanding existing industries and attracting foreign direct investment.
ECA Director for the Subregional Office for Southern Africa, Ms Eunice G. Kamwendo, urged Malawi to use green industrialisation to strengthen competitiveness, value addition, creation of jobs and anchoring economic resilience. “Green industrialisation is not only about protecting the environment. It is about building a more competitive economy by using resources efficiently, expanding clean energy use, reducing waste, developing new industries, creating green jobs and strengthening resilience to climate change.”
She identified opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing, renewable energy, critical minerals, the circular economy and MSME-driven innovation as anchors of industrialization. Investment in climate-smart technologies, clean energy and efficient processing can raise productivity, reduce vulnerability and open markets, while mineral resources should catalyse wider industrial development rather than remain simply an opportunity to export raw or semi-finished products.
Ms Kamwendo stressed that MSMEs, women and young people, must be integral to the transition, supported by finance, technology, skills, energy and markets. Regional integration and the African Continental Free Trade Area can also help Malawi reach larger markets and enter regional value chains. “What is required now is to convert this potential into productive enterprises, competitive industries, decent jobs and sustainable economic growth.”
Meanwhile, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Malawi, Ms Rebecca Adda-Dontoh, emphasised that success should be measured by the impact of industrialization and growth on livelihoods, particularly for young people, smallholder farmers, entrepreneurs, and vulnerable communities. “We cannot simply pursue growth for growth's sake. We need growth that is resilient, inclusive and sustainable.”
She called for expanded access to finance, land, technology, skills and markets for women; investment in education, entrepreneurship and green skills for young people; and on climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, irrigation, efficient water management and sustainable agriculture. The United Nations reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national priorities including green industrialization through leveraging expertise, partnerships and institutional support, ensuring that no one is left behind.
A call for a decisive shift from studies and policy ambition to implementation, supported by stronger coordination among Government, business, academia, development partners, civil society and communities and for realistic, relevant and responsive recommendations was made by the three intervenors.
In alignment with the aspirations of Malawi 2063 and Agenda 2063, the workshop will proffer practical recommendations on green industrial policy, energy transition and clean energy, innovation, technology transfer, MSME development and the circular economy.
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Bedson Nyoni
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ECA Subregional Office for Southern Africa
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