Bilateral trade rose from $46.9 million in 2020 to $77.7 million in 2024, an increase of more than 65%, the authority said in its 2025 trade report. The trade balance has consistently favoured Tanzania throughout the period.

TANTRADE data shows that Tanzania’s main exports to Malawi include soap and detergents, surface-active agents, mineral fuels and oils, as well as chemical products used in washing and lubrication. 

Other major exports comprise cement, lime, glassware, cosmetics, essential oils, beverages and spirits.

Imports from Malawi over the same period included agricultural by-products, animal feed, oil seeds, grains, industrial and medicinal plants, as well as timber, charcoal, tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes, the report said.

Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Malawi, Agnes Kayola, said efforts were under way to sustain the growth trajectory, including finalising an Agreement on the Simplified Trade Regime, aimed at easing cross-border commerce for small-scale traders.

“The High Commission is working closely with Malawian authorities to ensure the agreement is signed and implemented,” Kayola said, adding that the move would help reduce trade barriers and transaction costs.

She said other measures to deepen economic ties include preparations for a Tanzania–Malawi Trade and Investment Forum, as well as plans to introduce direct Air Tanzania flights to Malawi. 

Agreements have already been signed to facilitate the launch of the service, which officials see as key to boosting trade, tourism and investment.

Following recent elections in both countries, which returned Malawi’s Democratic Progressive Party and Tanzania’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi to power, Kayola said the two governments were exploring new areas of cooperation aligned with their policy priorities.

As part of Tanzania’s push to expand medical tourism, the High Commission also coordinated a visit by specialists from Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, who held talks with Malawi’s Ministry of Health on potential collaboration, including joint research.

Both sides agreed to hold a specialised medical outreach camp in Malawi before the end of March 2026, officials said.

Tanzania and Malawi are members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which has prioritised regional trade integration as a driver of economic growth.

Notes to Editors

·       Trade between Tanzania and Malawi increased from $46.9 million in 2020 to $77.7 million in 2024, representing growth of over 65%, according to TANTRADE’s 2025 trade report.

·       Tanzania’s key exports to Malawi include soap and detergents, mineral fuels, cement, chemicals, beverages and manufactured goods, while imports from Malawi consist largely of agricultural products, timber and tobacco.

·       The trade balance has consistently favoured Tanzania over the five-year period.

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