Cannabis Regulatory Authority (CRA) Malawi Director-General Chris Chaima Banda (pictured here) says he wants industria and medical cannabis to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s GDP.
In announcing the drive to issue new licenses on 31 August 2026, Banda said that industrial hemp was the pathway to cannabis development in Malawi and that data collection was important in building a foundation for the industry.
Speaking in Blantyre, the CRA DG said his organisation had already issued 55 licenses in the first quarter of 2026 as part of efforts to expand the industry and hopes to issue at least another 130 iceses, across various categories, by December 2026.
“The Industrial hemp products being made by one of the industrial players are now being distributed in over 100 outlets and we are able to collect data in terms of the contribution of this industry to the national GDP.
“We will be reporting that to the central government and Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture so that they understand the true local economic value,” said Banda.
Commenting on the license drive, agriculture expert Leonard Chimwaza said the authorities needed to be vigilant about how they increased the number of producers, needed to resolve registration fee issues and provide off-take agreements.
However, many of Malawi’s farmers don’t believe government is doing enough to include them and have urged authorities to bring down the cost of licenses.
“The licenses are expensive and unaffordable for most locals hence many are resorting to continue cultivating the local variety, which is a crime,” wrote John Chadwala, responding to Banda’s announcement on social media.
Licensed growers are prohibited from cultivating popular Malawi signature landrace strain, Malawi Gold, under current CRA’s cannabis guidelines. General adult-use consumption remains illegal in the country, but this hasn’t deterred thousands of illicit farmers who make their living from black market sales.
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Another citizen, Stephen Kapito, criticised government’s cannabis empowerment drive as grossly inadequate. “The licences are expensive and we are over 22 million people in Malawi. You are thinking of issuing 130 licences?”
Chaima Banda’s announcement followed the CRA’s appearance at the 22nd National Agriculture Fair which ran from 27-29 August 2026 at the Chichiri Trade Fair Grounds in Blantyre.
In an opening address, Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Minister Roza Fatch Mbilizi emphasised the importance of innovation, value addition, private sector participation and women and youth involvement in transforming Malawi’s agriculture sector.
CRA in alignment with the fair theme showcased public services it provides in regulating and promoting the cannabis industry, including the issuance of licences, provision of extension services, facilitating market linkages, enforcement and compliance services, among others.
CRA was joined at the event by partner stakeholders and licensees, including Nexgen Medical Limited, which operates in Mulanje and Blantyre, and Kamphulu Cooperative from Kasungu.
It showcased THC medicinal cannabis and CBD industrial hemp (CBD) products, along with other locally-processed semi-finished and finished products, in an exhibition that highlighted the potential of innovation, value addition and market linkages in supporting industry growth and development.
CRA staff guided visitors through the cannabis licensing system and application process as well as on available opportunities and cannabis products and services.
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