Select country
Malawi
Malawi is a country with a gradually developing economic landscape, with continued efforts toward economic stabilisation. In 2024, the economy recorded real GDP growth rate of 1.8%, while inflation stood at 32.16%, reflecting ongoing macroeconomic adjustments. With a population of 21.66 million people, Malawi’s GDP amounted to 11.80 billion USD in 2024, indicating scope for continued expansion and structural improvements. The country’s Human Development Index of 0.517 in 2023 highlights remaining challenges in social and economic development. Employment among individuals ages 15 and above stands at 67.30%, reflecting broad participation in economic activity. However, despite this level of engagement in economic activity, most jobs remain informal, low-income or tied to subsistence farming and underemployment. Malawi continues to progress through macroeconomic reforms that support gradual strengthening of economic performance.
GDP nominal
USD 11.7 billion (2024)
Inflation
32.16% (2024)
Real GDP growth
1.8% (2024)
Employment as a % of population 15+
67.3% (2023)
Population
21.7 million (2024)
Human development index
0.517 (2023)
Investment indicators
Foreign direct investment, net inflows (% of GDP)
General government investment (gross fixed capital formation) as a % of GDP
Private investment (gross fixed capital formation) as a % of GDP
Latest news
PRESS RELEASE • 28 November 2025
Eastern Africa moves to harmonise inland waterway transport policies for seamless multimodal trade
Learn moreInvestment landscape
Key sectors
Agriculture
Agriculture remains a core sector of Malawi’s economy, supporting rural livelihoods and employing a large share of the population. The sector is predominantly characterised by smallholder farming, with the vast majority of cultivated land managed by small-scale farmers who mainly produce tobacco, tea, sugar, maize, cotton and other crops. This smallholder base operates alongside a relatively smaller commercial estate subsector. Malawi benefits from favourable agro-ecological conditions and…
Learn more
Industry
Malawi’s manufacturing sector has transitioned from a state-dominated structure to a predominantly private-sector-led industry, following significant privatisation reforms. The sector remains largely agro-linked, with a considerable share of manufacturing activity focused on; food processing, beverage production, textiles, wood products, tobacco processing, sugar refining and basic household goods. Although constrained by high input costs, intermittent supply-chain challenges and limited…
Learn more
Tourism
Malawi’s tourism sector is anchored in its distinctive natural landscapes, warm hospitality, and rich cultural heritage. The country attracts an average of about 800,000 visitors annually, drawn to experiences ranging from lakeside leisure to wildlife safaris and highland adventure. Being Africa’s third-largest freshwater lake, Lake Malawi is the flagship attraction, complemented by destinations such as Liwonde, Nyika and Majete National Parks, Mount Mulanje, Likoma Island and cultural…
Learn more
Energy
Mining remains an emerging industry in Malawi, currently contributing less than 1% of GDP, despite the country holding commercially viable deposits of uranium, titanium minerals, rare earth elements, gold, coal, graphite, rubies, sapphires and limestone. Resource mapping to date has been limited, and gaps in geological data have slowed large-scale exploration. However, renewed policy focus, under the Malawi 2063 Vision places mining as a central driver of structural transformation, alongside…
Learn more