By Suleman Chitera

Business magnate Napoleon Dzombe has announced a major breakthrough in his long-awaited fertiliser manufacturing project, revealing that the company has secured the essential raw materials required to begin production at its new plant in Dowa District.

The development follows the granting of regulatory approval by the Malawi Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA), paving the way for the factory to move from the construction phase into full-scale manufacturing.

Speaking on the progress of the project, Dzombe said shipments containing critical fertiliser ingredients have already been sourced from China and are expected to arrive soon. The imported materials include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and zinc—key nutrients used in the production of crop fertilisers.Napoleon Dzombe: The Making of a Patriotic Industrialist in Malawi

According to Dzombe, the factory is now in its final stages of preparation, with installation of production machinery already completed. The remaining roofing works are expected to be finished by next week, after which the company will be ready to commence commercial production.

“We have completed installing the machines, and once the remaining construction work is finalised and the raw materials arrive, we will begin manufacturing fertiliser,” he said.

Although the initial supplies have been imported, Dzombe indicated that his long-term vision is to develop local supply chains for fertiliser ingredients, a move he believes could reduce production costs while creating opportunities for Malawian businesses involved in mining and industrial processing.Government Ready to License Napoleon Dzombe’s Fertilizer Plant Once Regulatory Requirements Are Met

The project is being undertaken by Mtalimanja Holdings Limited, a company founded by Dzombe, which aims to increase domestic fertiliser production and reduce Malawi’s dependence on imported agricultural inputs.

The announcement comes at a time when the country continues to face recurring challenges in accessing affordable fertiliser, with high global prices and foreign exchange shortages affecting supplies in recent years.

Agriculture expert Felix Jumbe welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important investment for Malawi’s agricultural sector. However, he cautioned that the factory’s impact may not be fully realised during the upcoming farming season because production is only about to begin.Top Entrepreneurs Converge in Blantyre for High-Impact Wealth Creation Conference

Jumbe encouraged farmers, government institutions and the private sector to support the local manufacturing venture, saying increased domestic production could strengthen the country’s fertiliser supply in the coming years.

“As the rainy season approaches, people should understand that the factory is only now entering production. The real benefits are likely to be seen from next year onwards,” he said.

Earlier this year, Dzombe told Zodiak Online that the Dowa plant has the capacity to produce 40 metric tonnes of fertiliser per hour, a level of output that could enable the factory to manufacture enough fertiliser to meet Malawi’s national demand within approximately 150 days of continuous production.Sameer Suleman Hailed as Model of Good Leadership

If achieved, the investment could mark a significant milestone in Malawi’s drive towards industrialisation, import substitution and improved food security by increasing locally manufactured agricultural inputs for farmers across the country.