MUST has played a key role in development of the newly launched Coffee Strategy (2025–2040), which aims to transform the country’s coffee sub-sector into a strong and competitive value chain.

Launched in Lilongwe by Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Hon. Roza Mbilizi, the strategy is expected to help Malawi generate up to €240 million (about K480 billion) annually by 2040 through improved coffee production, processing, and marketing.

The strategy focuses on key areas such as regulation, research, markets, and sustainable production practices.

Mbilizi said with proper implementation, Malawi could achieve these targets even earlier, noting that global demand for coffee continues to grow by about 2 to 2.5 percent each year.

Speaking during the launch, Professor David Mkwambisi of MUST emphasized the importance of building a strong institutional framework to support the coffee sector.  

He proposed establishment of a Coffee Control Commission to coordinate and oversee the sector’s growth.

The Coffee Strategy is part of a €15 million initiative funded by the Italian Government through the Advancing Climate Resilient and Transformation in African Coffee Project, which is being implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in five African countries, including Malawi.

Through its involvement, MUST continues to contribute to national development by providing research, innovation, and technical expertise in key sectors of the economy.--NationOnline