Stakeholders in Malawi’s tobacco sector have launched urgent consultations following a sharp increase in rejection rates at auction floors during the 2026 marketing season.
The Tobacco Commission is today holding talks with tobacco buying companies and Minister of Agriculture Roza Mbilizi in a bid to address the situation and identify immediate corrective measures.
Reports indicate that rejection rates have risen to as high as 98 percent of tobacco delivered to auction floors, sparking concern among growers and industry stakeholders.
Tobacco Commission spokesperson Telephorus Chigwenembe said the discussions are aimed at reversing the trend and ensuring that tobacco brought to the floors is accepted and sold.
He added that daily rejection rates have recently fluctuated between 95 and 100 percent, describing the situation as highly disruptive to market operations.
Agricultural economist Professor Patrick Kambewa has called for a detailed investigation into the causes of the high rejection levels to establish workable solutions.
He further warned that tobacco is steadily losing its dominance on the global market, urging Malawi to fast-track investment in alternative strategic crops to strengthen long-term economic stability.
