Malawi Country Handbook: Highlights of ECA’s support to Malawi 2020-2022

Abstract

Malawi is listed among the five Least developed countries (LDCs) in the sub-region and is one of the focus countries for the SRO-SA. The country is agro-based, with more than 80 per cent of households depending on the agriculture sector for some of their income. Other economic sectors, including manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade are highly dependent on the agriculture sector, pointing to the critical importance of agriculture, not only for subsistence, but as the major export earner, contributing over 30% of the country’s Gross domestic product (GDP). The high intensity of the country’s export profile, coupled with its landlocked position, makes the country highly vulnerable to climate change and other external shocks. ECA’s support to Malawi has been multi-faceted with targeted support at policy, technical and programmatic levels towards attainment of the country’s goals and economic transformation, with a central focus on inclusive industrialization. ECA through SRO-SA will continue to explore new areas of possible support to the Government of Malawi. On the horizon, capacity building support is being offered with respect to a feasibility study for the development of two out of four SEZs which are being planned for Malawi.