Malawi Launches Mlimi App to Transform Farming
Malawi has taken a major step towards modernizing agriculture with the launch of the Mlimi Mobile App, unveiled by Agriculture Minister Sam Kawale during the 7th Africa-Wide Agricultural Extension Week (AAEW) 2025. The app is designed to give smallholder farmers instant access to agricultural advice, market updates, weather forecasts, and guidance on pest and disease management.
Minister Kawale described the app as a “game-changer” for farmers, saying it will help them make smarter decisions, boost productivity, and access markets more easily. The initiative aligns with Malawi’s Vision 2063, which aims to create a vibrant agricultural sector that supports income growth for households across the country.
The Mlimi App features crop and livestock advisories, market price updates, weather alerts, financial tips, and a digital wallet to simplify transactions. All these tools aim to empower farmers to plan better and grow more effectively, regardless of where they are.
Developed by Farm Radio Trust (FRT) in collaboration with the Government of Flanders, AGRA, and IFAD, the app bridges the gap between farmers and agricultural extension services, especially for those in remote areas. Farmers can now get timely guidance without having to travel long distances.
Flora Khonami, Programs Director at FRT, explained that the app overcomes traditional challenges such as distance, limited access to information, and delayed advisory services, ensuring farmers are equipped with knowledge at the right time.
The launch of the Mlimi App marks a major milestone in Malawi’s agricultural journey. By combining technology with farming, the country is creating opportunities for smallholder farmers to increase yields, access markets, and improve food security nationwide.
