Malawi Grapples Eith High Maize Prices

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi

Malawi’s maize prices have soared to a record high, with a 50-kilogramme bag selling for K100 000 in some markets. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has expressed concern over the steep price increase, citing a 29% rise in January alone.

According to FAO’s Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin for January 2025, the average maize price reached K1 243 per kilogramme, a 38% increase from the same period last year. The organization attributes the price surge to domestic supply pressure, reduced national harvest in 2024, and a weak currency that has driven up import costs.

The price hike has severe implications for households, particularly those with declining per capita income. The high prices are constraining access to food, exacerbating acute food insecurity.

A spot-check by The Nation in various markets revealed that maize prices continue to rise, with some vendors selling the grain at K1 800 per kilogramme. The official selling price at Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) outlets is K790 per kilogramme or K39 500 for a 50kg bag.

Grain Traders Association of Malawi president Grace Mijiga Mhango attributed the price increase to private traders importing maize from neighboring countries, which is affected by scarcity of foreign exchange and high transportation costs.

Consumers are feeling the pinch, with many struggling to afford the staple food. Centre for Social Concern economic governance programmes officer Agness Nyirongo warned that higher food prices could lead to reduced purchasing power, forcing families to cut back on food quantity or quality.

To mitigate the situation, Nyirongo suggested that the government facilitate the importation of essential food items by reducing tariffs or providing incentives. Improving logistics and transportation infrastructure could also help reduce delays and costs in food distribution.

Consumers Association of Malawi executive director John Kapito urged the government to open Admarc markets and supply them with maize to control prices. Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale assured that the government would continue to issue import permits to stabilize prices.

The maize price crisis comes as the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee Report predicted an increase in the number of people in need of food aid from 4.2 million to 5.7 million during the lean period.