Malawi, formerly the British protectorate of Nyasaland, became an independent nation in 1964. This landlocked country shares borders with Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia. Its most prominent physical feature is Lake Malawi (also known as Lake Nyasa), which stretches 580 km and runs almost the entire length of the country.

Coffee cultivation in Malawi began in the early 1930s during the colonial era. National coffee production peaked at 7,700 metric tons of green beans but has since declined due to poor market prices. Many estates have shifted from coffee to macadamia or tea, treating coffee as a secondary crop. Currently, national production stands at around 1,500 metric tons, with smallholder farmers contributing nearly 27%.

Despite these challenges, there is significant potential for expanding coffee production in Malawi. Approximately 10,000 hectares of land are available for coffee cultivation. With substantial investment, the country could potentially produce up to 30,000 metric tons of coffee.

Geographically, the country features diverse elevations, with the lowest point at the Shire River junction (37 m above sea level) and the highest point at Sapitwa on Mount Mulanje (over 3,000 m). The capital city, Lilongwe, is centrally located, while Zomba, the former capital, was once famed as the “most beautiful capital in the Commonwealth.”

Malawi’s economy is predominantly agricultural, with 90% of the population residing in rural areas. In 2001, agriculture accounted for nearly 40% of GDP and 88% of export revenues. Interestingly, the Arabica coffee grown in Uganda today originally came from Malawi and is still highly regarded for its quality and distinct flavor profile.

• Varieties: Arabica
• Production: tbc
• Export: tbc
• Marketing system: Tender
• Harvest season: April-September
• Port of shipment: Lilongwe, Malawi
• Export destinations: Germany, South Africa, Switzerland, and UK
• Malawi coffee is smooth and full bodied, slightly floral.