The Botswana government has agreed to begin importing Malawi’s Kilombero rice, marking a major breakthrough that could boost farmers’ incomes and create new jobs. The development was confirmed by Minister of Trade and Industry Vitumbiko Mumba, who revealed that trade talks will be finalised when a Malawian delegation visits Gaborone later this month. Speaking at a campaign rally in Chintheche, Nkhata Bay, Mumba, who is also the running mate to President Lazarus Chakwera in the upcoming September 16 elections, told supporters that Botswana is ready to open its market to Malawian rice.
“Let me break the news today, when Botswana’s President Duma Boko, recently visited Malawi, he tasted our Kilombero rice. Just two days later, I received a call from Botswana’s Minister of Trade saying their President was impressed and wants Malawi’s rice to be sold in Botswana,”said Mumba. He further urged farmers to seize the opportunity by producing more rice to meet the expected surge in demand. “The market is there now. All we need is to grow more rice and take advantage of this opportunity,”added Mumba.
The Minister also noted that the breakthrough is the result of deliberate government efforts to strengthen diplomatic and trade ties. He highlighted the broader economic benefits the deal is expected to bring, particularly for rural communities.“This is not just about trade, it’s about creating employment for our people. With more demand, more hands will be needed in the fields, in processing and in transportation,” explained Mumba.
The announcement has been positioned as evidence of how the Chakwera-Mumba administration is delivering tangible economic opportunities at home while expanding Malawi’s presence beyond its borders. Supporters at the rally described the development as a timely boost for the country’s agricultural sector, which employs the majority of Malawians.
