Illovo Sugar Malawi Plc commences 2026 sugar production season

Illovo Sugar Malawi Plc has announced that the 2026 sugar production season at both of its estates in Nchalo, Chikwawa and Dwangwa in Nkhotakota started last week on April 22, 2026.

A statement issued signed by Illovo Managing Director Rolnad Ngwira says this marks an early start to the season, with production commencing almost a week ahead of the original schedule.

Ngwira emphasized that the company’s focus is on executing a safe and responsible production run while continuing to work closely with key stakeholders to support the needs of the domestic market.

He added that although the sugar market has shown improved stability in recent weeks, protecting local supply remains a shared priority.

“Safeguarding sugar availability for Malawi is critical. Factors such as market leakages, including illegal exports, require continued collaboration. We will continue to work in close partnership with the Government of Malawi and other stakeholders to strengthen measures that safeguard domestic sugar availability,” said Ngwira.

Ngwira further noted that the recommended retail price remains K4,600 per 1kg packet of sugar, reassuring consumers of the company’s commitment to ensuring both affordability and availability on the market.

The company has also assured the public that further updates will be provided as the season progresses through the media and its official social media platforms.

Illovo Sugar Malawi Plc, part of Illovo Sugar Africa, is listed on the Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE) through Sucoma Holdings Limited, which holds 76% of the issued share capital, while the remaining shares are held by the public and other institutional investors.

Illovo Sugar Africa is the continent’s largest sugar producer, with extensive agricultural and manufacturing operations in six African countries—Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Eswatini, Tanzania, and Zambia—and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Associated British Foods (ABF) in the United Kingdom.

In Malawi, the company has developed significant agricultural and milling assets at its Dwangwa estate in Nkhotakota in the central region and at its Nchalo estate in Chikwawa in the south.

Both factories produce raw and refined sugar, with the Nchalo factory also manufacturing value-added specialty sugars. All Illovo sugar sold into the local direct consumption market is fortified with Vitamin A to help address micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among children under five years of age.

The company spends about K1.1 billion on its fortification programme, which benefits an estimated two million people. It is also one of Malawi’s largest private-sector employers, providing direct employment to about 9,000 people, including permanent, seasonal, and casual workers, as well as an additional 5,000 direct and indirect contractors, bringing total employment to around 14,000 jobs.

Illovo further contributes significantly to Malawi’s tax base through direct and indirect taxes and generates valuable foreign exchange through sugar exports.

In addition, many local industries depend on Illovo for their operations, with the employment created by these businesses supporting incomes for thousands of families beyond those directly employed by the company.

The company also supports an estimated 5,200 smallholder cane farmers through various outgrower schemes.