Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) has urged government to prioritise climate resilient investments and reforms to transform the economy and boost private sector productivity. In its 2025 Annual Economic and Business Review, the chamber outlined seven priorities, including investing in climate smart agriculture, energy, industrial parks and other export-oriented ventures that guarantee foreign exchange generation. MCCCI stressed that Malawi’s economy is highly vulnerable to climate shocks and fiscal pressures, requiring urgent reforms and targeted investments to strengthen resilience, competitiveness and sustainability.
Reads part of the review: “One of the central recommendations is their adoption of climate-resilient production systems. “With agriculture forming the backbone of the economy, MCCCI calls for greater investment in irrigation, climate-smart technologies, resilient seed varieties and improved water management.” On production and export initiatives, the private sector lobby group called for empowerment of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), scale up energy investment to attract large-scale manufacturers and leveraging continental and regional trade frameworks. “SMEs must be prioritised as engines of job creation and diversification.
Energy infrastructure is another binding constraint. Fast-tracking industrial parks with dedicated power supply and shared infrastructure is vital to boosting productivity,” reads the review. MCCCI has also recommended export diversification and market expansion, moving beyond reliance on primary commodities According to the chamber, these reforms and investments coupled with human capital development, can reposition Malawi’s private sector as a driver of inclusive growth and resilience in the face of global and domestic challenges.
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The review comes after the chamber’s half-year Business Climate Survey showed most firms are operating below capacity. MCCCI chief executive officer Daisy Kambalame said in an interview that high inflation and economic uncertainty have significantly undermined investor confidence during the year, deterring foreign direct investment as entrepreneurs were forced to reassess their investment decisions. She said: “Entrepreneurs often postpone launching new ventures while established businesses scale back operations to minimise risk. “In this regard, there have been instances where investors have withdrawn their capital entirely, seeking more stable and predictable economic environments in neighbouring countries, which has further weakened the local investment climate and hampers long-term growth.” In an interview on Tuesday, Malawi Union of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises president James Chiutsi said the hostile business environment has choked operations of small businesses.
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