The government has deployed extensive import restrictions on a list of commonly consumed goods to curb the depletion of foreign exchange and stimulate local production.
In a robust statement issued during Monday’s press conference, Minister of Trade and Industry Vitubicomumba described the gazetted control (import and export) (commerce) (ban) order, “as a bold move to protect the economy, create jobs and build a resilient Malawi.
The new orders viewed on March 13, 2025 temporarily ban the import of some goods that authorities say can source from Malawia producers. The affected products range from staple foods such as corn flour, fresh milk and Irish potatoes to manufactured items such as security boots, wooden furniture, toothpicks and bottled water.
“This restriction is not a permanent ban, but a necessary intervention given the acute forex shortage and the surprising surge in demand for imports,” Mumba said.
He emphasized that the move is fixed on Malawi’s long-term development agenda, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening domestic producers.
Mumba organized the measure as a deliberate effort to isolate local industries from what he called “foreign competition” while accelerating job creation across the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
“We cannot continue to be a supermarket economy,” declared Mumba. “This is the time for farmers, cooperatives and manufacturers to step up, expand and argue their legitimate share in the domestic market.”
He cited success stories from local companies such as Chatter Leather Design Studio, which recently provided 1,300 security boots to the Malawi Defence Force and recently provided to local dairy companies that can meet the country’s milk demands.
Mumba has called on producers to prioritize quality and certification. “Once you get MBS certification, your product will be supermarket-friendly,” he urged, referring to the Malawi Standards Bureau.
Beyond import restrictions, Mumba revealed that the ministry has revealed “ramp-prolonged cartel actions” and illegal business practices that exacerbate Malawi’s economic distress.
“We have witnessed embarrassing behaviors such as sugar, illegal price conspiracy between cooking oil manufacturers and discriminatory sales practices in which foreigners bypass local vendors in the Candica (used clothing) sector,” he revealed.
He warned that such actions are boundaries regarding economic disruption and that they pledge to new laws to crack down on anti-competitive actions. “The ministry will soon introduce essential goods and services laws and economic sabotages to restore order to Malawi’s trade environment,” Mumba said.
Mumba cited regional examples such as seasonal import restrictions on vegetables in Botswana, arguing that Malawi’s move is in line with global best practices aimed at empowering domestic producers.
He also pointed to the undeveloped possibilities of Malawi and referred to cooperatives and small businesses that flourished in regions such as Falombe and Genda, which already produce certified market-ready products.
“This is a strategic change in line with Malawi’s vision to become an industrialized, middle-class income country,” Mumba said.
Anticipating criticism, the minister emphasized that the order is a suspension measure aimed at stabilizing the economy while giving local industries a breathing room.
“We have not closed Malawi to the world. We are protecting ourselves from unsustainable practices,” he said. “If local producers do not stand up to this opportunity, we will reconsider this order.”
Mumba also swipes business owners claiming political ties to avoid regulatory compliance. “Supporting the ruling party is not a license of illegality,” he warned.
Mumba has worked closely with supermarkets to ensure that more locally made products are integrated into the supply chain, encouraging commercial banks to increase funding for the productive sector.
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He also announced that the Ministry of Trade and Industry will soon be automating the export/import licensing process and strengthening its efforts to attract true foreign direct investment (FDI).
“We want investments that bring real value, not middlemen who will benefit while Malawians are struggling,” he said.
The restriction order will remain in effect until March 2027 with regular reviews to assess its impact. The ministry is also planning to work with the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) to improve the country’s trade facilitation and ensure meaningful participation of local investors in the special economic zone.
After the press conference, Mumba called on all Malawians to go beyond the ordinary and embrace a new economic paradigm.
“We have worshiped mediocrity for too long,” he said. “This is our moment of diagramming new paths. This is a path that prioritizes local innovation, production and empowerment.”
