Update: The National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) is still awaiting government funding to procure its target of 108,000 metric tonnes of maize for the Strategic Grain Reserves. According to Nation Online and Nyasa Times, NFRA Chief Executive Officer Bruce Munthali confirmed that the agency is engaging the Treasury and Ministry of Agriculture for the funds. Based on the K900 per kilogramme farm gate price, the exercise is estimated to cost K97.2 billion. Despite the lack of resources, the agency has floated competitive tenders to secure 86,500 metric tonnes, citing the lengthy procurement process.
Agriculture experts have warned that the prolonged funding delay could increase costs as the harvest season advances. According to Nyasa Times, commentators like Grace Mijiga-Mhango of the Grain Traders Association of Malawi note that many smallholder farmers have already sold their produce to private vendors. This means the NFRA will likely have to purchase from commercial traders and aggregators, forcing the government to buy maize at significantly higher prices.
Update: Malawi's tobacco earnings have dropped 32 percent compared to the same period last year. Six weeks into the 2026 marketing season, the country has earned $68 million, or about K120 billion. Nation Online reports that 32.7 million kilogrammes have been sold at an average price of $2.09 per kilogramme, down from the $100 million generated from 42 million kilogrammes at this time last year. Market conditions have slightly improved for farmers, with rejection rates easing to 55 percent after opening the season at 90 percent.