Adam Smith International (ASI) is a global advisory and development organisation that works with governments, funders, civil society, and the private sector to strengthen economies, improve governance, and promote trade and investment. In Malawi, ASI operates primarily through trade and investment-focused projects.

Key Challenges in Malawi that ASI is Addressing

High levels of poverty and limited income opportunities

Vulnerability to climate change, including droughts and floods

Weak export performance and underdeveloped value chains

Governance and public financial management challenges, including corruption

Major ASI Projects & Programmes in Malawi
Project / Component Focus / Activities Duration / Notes
Malawi Trade & Investment Programme (MTIP) – Value Chains Component Expanding high-value export sectors such as macadamia, mango, and mining. Activities include productivity improvements, export readiness, facilitating investment, and supporting mid-sized and smallholder farmers. 2023–2028
Matching Grant Fund (MGF) under MTIP Provides grants to mid-sized farms and smallholder cooperatives involved in mango and macadamia exports. Focus areas include infrastructure (irrigation, processing, post-harvest facilities), advisory services, and business planning. Ongoing pilot
Export Promotion Strategic Framework Development Supports the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre to help firms in priority value chains become export-ready through market research, compliance assistance, logistics, and packaging support. Recent initiative
Results & Targets

Increase export volumes of mango and macadamia, with specific tonnage targets

Support estates with improved agronomic practices and orchard management

Facilitate private sector investment by preparing firms for financing opportunities

Train mid-sized farmers in technical and financial areas, while building buyer-supplier relationships to integrate smallholders into export supply chains

Strategic Approach

Value chain development: Tackles the full spectrum of production to export readiness

Public-private collaboration: Works with both government bodies and private enterprises

Investment leverage: Uses matching grants to catalyse infrastructure and post-harvest improvements

Policy and regulatory reform: Helps address barriers such as trade standards and export requirements

Challenges / Risks

Meeting export standards (quality, sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, packaging)

Currency overvaluation affecting competitiveness of exports

Infrastructure gaps in irrigation, post-harvest handling, and processing

Limited capacity among smallholder farmers to reach export markets

Impact & Potential

If successful, ASI’s work in Malawi could significantly expand export revenue, create jobs in agribusiness, and diversify the country’s export base. Smallholder participation in export markets could increase through grant support and integration into value chains. Policy and standards improvements could also benefit sectors beyond mango and macadamia, strengthening the overall trade environment.