Dowa Fertilizer Plant to Start Production by April, Set to Meet National Demand

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By Suleman Chitera

A fertilizer manufacturing company under construction in Dowa District is projected to commence production by April next year, a move expected to significantly improve fertilizer availability across the country.

Owner of the company, Napoleon Dzombe, says once operational, the factory will be producing about 40 metric tonnes of fertilizer per hour. At that capacity, the plant is expected to manufacture enough fertilizer to meet Malawi’s national requirements within just 150 days of production.

Dzombe, who is the founder and managing director of Mtalimanja Holdings Limited, said installation of the fertilizer manufacturing machinery has already been completed, marking a major milestone in the project.

He added that the remaining construction works are on schedule and are expected to be completed by January 2026.

According to Dzombe, the establishment of the fertilizer manufacturing plant is aimed at easing persistent shortages of the commodity on the local market, which have in recent years affected farmers during critical agricultural seasons.

“The idea is to ensure reliable availability of fertilizer and reduce dependence on imports,” he said.

Dzombe further explained that local production will help cut down costs associated with importing fertilizer, including shipping and foreign exchange expenses, which he said have been contributing to high prices on the market.

The factory is also expected to create employment opportunities and stimulate industrial activity in Dowa and surrounding areas, while supporting national efforts to boost agricultural productivity and food security.

Once fully operational, the Dowa fertilizer plant is expected to play a key role in strengthening Malawi’s agricultural input supply chain and reducing reliance on imported fertilizer.