USAID and PYXUS Team Up to Invest $44.6 Million in Malawi's Groundnut Sector

LILONGWE, Malawi - The U.S. Government is announcing a new partnership between the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Pyxus Agriculture Malawi that will jointly invest nearly $44.6 million, or approximately 50 billion Malawi Kwacha, to boost sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic growth in Malawi. USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman made the announcement during a launch of the partnership agreement at the Pyxus factory in Kanengo.

Through the partnership agreement, USAID and Pyxus will work together to increase the availability of high-quality groundnut seed, boost groundnut production and processing, and support the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The $44.6 million investment includes $14.6 million from the United States and up to $30 million from Pyxus, a Malawian-registered U.S. company. Over the next five years, this investment will support farmer financing for high-quality seed, expand markets for groundnut farmers, boost value addition for groundnut products, and spur sustainable production of high-value varieties that are in demand in international markets. 

According to Deputy Administrator Coleman, there is tremendous potential for private-sector led growth in Malawi, and across Africa. “The private sector — the agricultural industry, in particular — is playing an unprecedented role in creating and shaping opportunities that improve lives” she said. “Agribusinesses across Africa are the continent’s largest employer and economic engine, and the key to moving away from subsistence agriculture towards a commercially sustainable industry that is critical for lifting people out of hunger and poverty.”

Deputy Administrator Coleman is in Malawi to reinforce the U.S. government’s commitment to advancing private sector-led inclusive economic growth in the country. During her two-day visit, she is engaging with key members of the Malawian government and a range of partners and stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of the macroeconomic challenges and economic policies affecting Malawians and discuss ways USAID can further support Malawi for sustainable and inclusive wealth creation.