Malawi’s ambitious Mega Farms initiative, once touted as a cornerstone of agricultural transformation, is now teetering on the brink of collapse. A staggering K45 billion in unpaid loans, extended by the Malawi Agricultural and Industrial Investment Corporation (Maiic), has choked the programme, leaving it struggling for survival.
The gravity of the situation became painfully clear following the expiration of the loan grace period on January 31, 2026. This critical deadline has cast a long shadow over the future of the Mega Farms, raising serious questions about its viability and the broader impact on the nation’s agricultural sector.
The unpaid debts highlight significant challenges within the programme, including potential defaults and issues surrounding the hoarding of maize, which further complicate efforts to revitalize the initiative. Without urgent and decisive action, the dream of large-scale, modernized farming in Malawi risks becoming a costly nightmare.
Source: Original Article
