By Suleman Chitera | Lilongwe
Malawi’s maize prices stabilized in September 2025 following post-election economic calm, easing food inflation to 33 percent, according to the latest IFPRI and NSO reports.
Maize Prices Hold Steady After September 16 Elections
Malawi’s maize prices stabilized during the month of September 2025 after weeks of fluctuation, thanks to a slowdown in economic activity and a more stable kwacha following the September 16 general elections.
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) September 2025 Maize Market Report revealed that the national average retail price for maize stood at K1,361 per kilogram, ending a steady upward trend that began in June.
“A slowdown in economic activity around the general election and the associated stabilization of the kwacha with respect to neighboring country currencies likely contributed to the easing of prices,” reads part of the report.
According to IFPRI, the maize national average retail price dropped slightly during the last week of the month, driven by currency stabilization and election-related uncertainty that affected trading activity.
Mixed Price Movements Across the Country
Market trends showed mixed price changes across regions. Some areas—Mzimba Boma, Lilongwe City, and Mulanje Boma—recorded modest price increases of 10, six, and three percent respectively.
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Conversely, Jenda saw a seven percent drop, Chimbiya fell by four percent, and Lunzu dropped by six percent.
The report noted that these “random price movements were likely influenced by uncertainty surrounding the general election,” while the long-standing trend of lower prices in the Northern Region and higher prices in the Southern Region persisted through the month.
Food Inflation Eases, But Overall Inflation Still High
According to the National Statistical Office (NSO), maize price stability helped lower food inflation from 33.7 percent in August to 33 percent in September 2025.
However, overall inflation rose slightly by 0.5 percentage points, reaching 28.7 percent, due to an increase in non-food inflation, which climbed from 19.5 percent to 21.7 percent over the same period.
“Food inflation eased to 33 percent compared to 33.7 percent in August 2025, while non-food inflation stood at 21.7 percent,” reads the NSO Stats Flash for September.
Economists Call for Long-Term Solutions
Economics Association of Malawi (ECAMA) president Bertha Bangara-Chikadza said the inflation trend highlights the country’s persistent food supply challenges that require long-term interventions.
“We have observed a notable increase in food prices in recent months, which has significantly influenced overall inflation,” she said. “The country must address underlying food pressures, particularly through maize importation and improved production systems.”
Meanwhile, Centre for Social Concern (CfSC) programme officer for economic governance Agnes Nyirongo observed that transport and production costs continue to drive non-food inflation.
“High inflation is not only squeezing households but also stifling business growth. Rising production and transport costs are being passed on to consumers, further fuelling inflation in a vicious cycle,” she said.
Government to Import 200,000 Metric Tonnes of Maize
To strengthen food security and maintain stable prices, the Government of Malawi, through ADMARC, plans to import 200,000 metric tonnes of maize.
The move aims to boost national maize stocks, improve market supply, and potentially lower food inflation in the coming months.
If effectively implemented, the intervention could reinforce Malawi’s maize price stability and provide relief to households still recovering from earlier price shocks.
