Malawi’s efforts to revitalise manufacturing and accelerate industrialisation are expected to receive a boost when the National Product Magazine (NPM) Year-End Awards take place on 20 December 2025 in Lilongwe.
The ceremony coincides with the publication’s 120th edition and is expected to draw senior government officials, regional diplomats and leading figures from the private sector at a critical moment for the economy.
Organisers say the awards have evolved into an influential platform for recognising firms that are investing in local production, value addition and industrial innovation areas seen as central to reducing import dependence and creating sustainable jobs.
NPM Executive Director Arthur Chinyamula said the initiative was designed to reinforce the role of industry in economic transformation.
“Industrialisation does not happen by policy alone; it happens when businesses are incentivised to invest, innovate and expand,” said Chinyamula.
“By recognising manufacturers and industrial players, these awards help set benchmarks and inspire others to move into value-adding activities,” added Chinyamula
The Ministry of Trade has welcomed the awards, describing them as aligned with government efforts to strengthen private-sector-led industrial growth.
“When manufacturers are recognised publicly, it builds confidence, encourages reinvestment and promotes competitiveness,” said Botha.
“These awards reinforce the message that industrial production and value addition are central to Malawi’s economic transformation,” he added.
With high commissioners from several SADC countries expected to attend, the event aims to energise Malawi’s push to position its manufacturers within regional value chains.
Malawi’s manufacturing sector remains relatively small but is an important part of the economy, contributing around 9.5 % of GDP in 2023 and forming part of a wider industrial sector that accounted for about 16 % of GDP in 2024.
As the country looks to scale up production and industrial capacity, the 20 December 2025 awards are being viewed not simply as a celebration of success, but as a catalyst for renewed momentum in manufacturing and industrialisation.
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