The Tobacco Commission has launched the Know Your Grower (KYG) project as part of efforts to strengthen Malawi tobacco’s competitiveness on the international market and meet buyer requirements on traceability.
The Commission announced on 22nd July 2026 that the project will improve the country’s tobacco grower database to support tracking of tobacco from the farm to the market.
In a press statement, TC spokesperson Telephorus Chigwenembe said that the aimed at addressing challenges where some international buyers have been unable to purchase auction tobacco because growers could not be easily traced.
According to the Chigwenembe, information collection will begin during the grower licensing exercise starting 27th July 2026.
He added all club members and estate owners will be required to appear in person at the Tobacco Commission to register for the KYG project before they can be licensed for the 2026/2027 growing season.
“The KYG project is critical in ensuring that Malawi tobacco meets the standards required by international buyers. It will help us track tobacco from the farm and strengthen our credibility on the global market,” he explained
The PRO said the Commission will implement the project in two phases. Phase one will require growers to provide key information including personal details, farm location, land size, household information and tobacco production details.
Phase two, to be rolled out later in the year, will involve Commission-appointed personnel visiting growers’ homes and farms to capture their locations and fields using geo-tagging technology.
Participation in the KYG exercise will render growers eligible to sell their tobacco during the 2026/2027 marketing season. The Commission says this is to ensure only registered and verified growers access the market.
Officials believe the initiative will enhance transparency, improve data for planning, and position Malawi tobacco to compete better globally.
