Our Malawi Partnership is helping farmer-owned co-operatives thrive. By connecting producers in Malawi with markets, expertise and supporters in the UK, we create new opportunities for communities to trade successfully, strengthen local leadership and build sustainable futures.
But this is about far more than products reaching new markets.
We're helping build the foundations of a stronger co-operative movement in Malawi. From developing local leadership and strengthening co-operative networks to creating new trading opportunities, the partnership enables farmers to take greater control of their businesses and their future.
A key part of this work is supporting MAFECO, Malawi's national co-operative apex organisation. Together, we're helping build a stronger and more resilient co-operative sector that can support farmers across a wide range of agricultural industries.
Since 2022:
The partnership is already delivering tangible benefits for producers across Malawi.
Membership of HIMACUL has grown by 30%, Fairtrade certification has been achieved, and exciting new opportunities in local processing and macadamia oil production are underway.
Farmers supplying the Nalipiri tea line have seen average incomes increase by 26%, helping families invest in their farms and communities.
A new Regional Honey Cooperative Union has been established, improving farmers' bargaining power and helping to secure better prices for beekeepers.
Today, the partnership supports thousands of co-operative members directly and positively impacts more than 100,000 people through farming households and wider communities.
In 2026, the UN's International Year of the Woman Farmer highlighted the vital role women play across global food systems. Across Malawi, that commitment is being reflected in action.
Women-led co-operatives have benefited from targeted support, female leadership is growing within member organisations, and new partnerships are helping create additional opportunities for women farmers to succeed.
Strong co-operatives need strong markets. That's why Our Malawi Partnership has developed valuable trading relationships with UK partners who are helping bring high-quality Malawian products to wider audiences.
Established relationships with organisations including Revolver Co-op, True Origin, Nutcellars and Liberation Foods are creating routes to market and opening up future opportunities across products including rice, macadamia, coffee, honey and tea.
At its heart, Our Malawi Partnership is about people.
In 2026, Reverend Kevin Price, an OurCoop member from the UK, travelled to Malawi to meet tea and macadamia farmers firsthand. His visit demonstrated the power of co-operation in action, bringing members together across borders to share knowledge, experiences and solidarity.
Together, we're building stronger co-operatives, creating fairer trading opportunities and helping farming communities build a more sustainable future.
