His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, has officially opened the 2025 Tobacco Marketing Season at the Auction Holdings Limited (AHL) premises in Kanengo, Lilongwe.
Addressing the media after witnessing the first auction sales, President Chakwera expressed optimism for a successful season. He highlighted the crucial role tobacco plays in boosting Malawi’s foreign exchange reserves, which is expected to ease shortages and facilitate the importation of essential commodities such as fuel.
“This season offers a flicker of hope,” said President Chakwera. “With favorable prices and strong competition among buyers, our hardworking farmers stand to benefit.”
This year, 11 tobacco buying companies have lined up to purchase the crop, promising healthy competition. Notably, East Bridge has joined established buyers such as Nyasa Manufacturing Company, Limbe Leaf Tobacco Company, JTI, Alliance One, Hail and Cotton, Premium Tobacco Malawi Limited, African Tobacco Services, Associated Central African Limited, and Watergen.
Since taking office in 2020, President Chakwera’s administration has introduced significant reforms in the tobacco market, particularly around pricing structures, which have led to better rates for farmers. The first-round tobacco estimate projects a production of 174 million kilogrammes for 2025, up from the 133 million kilogrammes sold last year.
As the auction season begins, both the nation and its farmers look forward to a prosperous year for Malawi’s green gold.
