By Arthur Chokhotho
Principal Secretary responsible for Industrialisation in the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Business and Tourism, Bright Molande, has commended the Malawi Federation of Cooperatives (MAFECO) for its commitment to promoting the growth and sustainability of cooperatives in the country.
Speaking during the 2026 Cooperative Fair held at the Chichiri Trade Fair Grounds in Blantyre under the theme “Cooperatives Empower Women in Transforming Agri-food Systems,” Molande described cooperatives as key drivers of inclusive economic growth and Malawi’s industrialisation agenda.
He called on citizens, civil society organisations and government institutions to work together in raising awareness on the critical role women play in agri-food systems and to support investments that empower women farmers.
Molande further urged stakeholders to align advocacy efforts aimed at helping women access land for farming, saying stronger participation of women in agriculture is vital for national development.
The Principal Secretary said the government is relying on cooperatives to support the establishment of agro-processing factories that can boost value-added exports and generate foreign exchange for the country.
He added that the government, through the ministry, has engaged major companies operating in Malawi, including NICO Group and Press Corporation Limited, Old Mutual and banks, to support cooperatives and SME’s with viable agribusiness ventures.
MAFECO Executive Director, John Mlangeni, described cooperatives as central to Malawi’s industrialisation drive and called for increased government support to the sector.
He said MAFECO continues to empower cooperative members, strengthen institutions and promote inclusive economic development through advocacy, capacity building, market linkages and policy support.
The federation, whose membership comprises cooperative unions from various agricultural value chains, is implementing several development initiatives, including the Ubale Project, the Voice for Women and Girls Project, and the Integrated Aquaculture and Agriculture Systems Project.
