(Ecofin Agency) - Malawi’s tobacco export revenues have already reached $285.2 million during the 2018 campaign, a 35% increase from last year’s overall revenues ($210 million).  

Kaisi Sadala, CEO of the Tobacco Control Commission (TCC), told Reuters that the uptick is linked to influx of leaf imports from Zambia and Mozambique. TCC said the figure could exceed $300 million by the end of the season later this month. Production is forecasted to reach 147, 000 tons.

According to Auction Holding Limited, which manages Limbe and Lilongwe-based auction markets, the average price was $.74/kg by Aug 8.

Let’s recall that 80% of Malawi's tobacco is directly sold under contracts. Agriculture accounts for a 1/3rd of the country’s GDP and sustains over 60% of the population.

Espoir Olodo