Kazakhstan targets Malawi for wheat exports into Sub-Saharan Africa
Kazakhstan is exploring Malawi as a gateway to expand its wheat exports into Sub-Saharan Africa, potentially establishing its first market in the region. The opportunity was highlighted during recent discussions between the two nations on agricultural cooperation and food security, with Kazakh wheat supplies identified as a key area of interest.
The talks follow the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Malawi, marked by a joint communiqué signed on 25 September 2026 during the UN General Assembly in New York. The agreement highlighted several sectors for closer collaboration, including agriculture, mining, digitalization, and education.
For Kazakhstan, securing a deal with Malawi would represent a significant expansion of its wheat trade in Africa. Historically, the country's wheat exports to the continent have been concentrated in North Africa, with Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt being the primary destinations. In 2025, Kazakhstan exported approximately 494,000 tonnes of wheat and meslin to African markets, a sharp increase from about 7,700 tonnes in 2021.
Malawi, on the other hand, relies heavily on imported wheat to support its milling and food-processing industries. According to World Bank trade data, Malawi imported wheat and meslin worth about US$58.5 million in 2024, with Russia being the largest supplier. More recent data from UkrAgroConsult indicates that Malawi imported approximately 73,000 tonnes of wheat worth US$35 million in 2025, with Australia and Russia dominating supplies.
Kazakhstan's considerable export capacity, with the Food and Agriculture Organization estimating a wheat production of about 18 million tonnes in 2025, positions it well to establish itself as an additional supplier to Malawi. Although no specific supply agreement has been announced, successful shipments could provide Kazakhstan with a foothold in Sub-Saharan Africa and pave the way for broader agricultural trade with the region.