Maize prices rose 3% in Malawi in September 2026, despite imports from neighbouring countries. The price per kilogram averaged 997 kwacha at the end of the month, compared with 966 kwacha in the last week of August, according to the monthly report of the International Food Policy Research Institute published in October.
The price nevertheless remains 27% lower than in September 2025, when a kilogram sold for an average of 1,361 kwacha.
Imports from neighbouring countries slowed the increase. Their average price rose by less than 4% in September, while Malawi remained a net importer of maize at most of the border posts monitored.
Regional disparities remain pronounced. At the end of September, a kilogram cost an average of 796 kwacha in the North, 961 kwacha in the Centre and 1,088 kwacha in the South. Prices were above the minimum agricultural price set by the state at 900 kwacha in 24 of the 31 markets monitored.