Government and development partners have launched in Lilongwe the formulation process for Malawi’s Third-Generation National Agri-Food Systems Investment Plan (NASIP), with emphasis on private sector participation, faster implementation timelines, and value-chain driven agricultural transformation.
Agriculture Minister Roza Mbilizi emphasised that the new plan must break from past approaches.
“It is an agri-food systems investment plan. This is private sector at the core, so they should make sure that in this process the private sector and all other organizations, like the farmer organizations, are involved in the process, because at the end of the day they are the main participants in the plan,” said Mbilizi.
In his remarks Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Deputy Country Representative in Malawi, George Mvula, said the NASIP is key to implementing Malawi’s agriculture policy and transforming agrifood systems.
“The National Agri-Food Systems Investment Plan is an operational instrument for the implementation of the National Agriculture Policy, which was formulated in 2023 and launched in 2024, so to make sure that the policy is properly implemented, the government has to have a coherent set of instruments that will define what exactly needs to be done,” said Mvula.
SADC has reaffirmed its support for Malawi’s agricultural transformation agenda, describing NASIP as central to regional food security efforts. Representative of SADC Executive Secretary, Duncan Simikwa said collaboration amongst the countries is key to achieving food security.
“SADC stands ready to provide policy support, facilitate operations, strengthen knowledge and data systems, as well as promote investment in nutrition and foster peer-led growth across the member states, ” said Mvula.
Principal Programme Officer, Agriculture and Rural Transformation at AUDA-NEPAD, Clement Clement Adjorlolo, lauded Malawi’s performance in agricultural planning and regional leadership.
“Malawi made it as the best performing country and among the leading performers across the continent, demonstrating an exceptional commitment and strong political leadership dedicated to transforming institutions and supporting farmers and agribusiness,” said Adjorlolo.
The NASIP process is expected to align investment priorities across value chains, strengthen private sector-led growth, and improve agricultural commercialization under Malawi’s long-term development framework.
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