Malawi - Nikulipe

Malawi

Malawi, known as the “Warm Heart of Africa,” is a landlocked country with a population of over 22 million people. English and Chichewa are the official languages, reflecting the nation’s linguistic diversity. Malawi’s E-commerce market is currently valued at 293 million USD and is projected to grow rapidly by a compound annual growth rate of 21.7%, reaching 644 million USD by 2029. With its developing digital ecosystem, Malawi presents promising opportunities for international merchants.

Regions

Eastern Africa

Country Facts

Capital Lilongwe
Urban population 18.9%
Population 22.2 M
Median age 18.1 Yr

GDP 12.7 Bn USD
Official language English
Currency Malawian Kwacha

E-Commerce Facts

E-commerce market revenue 293 M USD
E-commerce growth 21.7%

Online shopping habits 57% of Malawians are using Mobile Money when paying online.

People with mobile phone (% age 15+)

82%
People with internet access (% age 15+)

25.4%
People with bank account (% age 15+)

20.2%
People with credit card (% age 15+)

1%

Mobile Money users (10.3 M)
Total population >15 years

Growth Opportunities

International merchants looking to expand their online sales into new areas should keep an eye on Malawi, which has a rapidly growing e-commerce sector. Here are a few examples of opportunities in Malawi:

● Mobile money solutions dominate Malawi’s payment landscape. With only 20% of the adult population having bank accounts and 1% using credit cards, mobile wallets are used by 56% of adult Malawians, making them the primary digital payment method.

● E-commerce in Malawi is on the rise, with a 21.7% expected compound annual growth rate year over year, reaching 644 million by 2029. The number of online shoppers is expected to increase by almost 50% over the next four years.

● Mobile penetration for adults in Malawi is at 82% (age 15+), and ongoing government initiatives are improving internet infrastructure. Affordable smartphones are also driving greater adoption of digital services.

The strategic investments in infrastructure will fuel the expansion of the e-commerce sector in Malawi, making it an attractive market for international merchants.