Malawi's tobacco sales grew by 55% to around $282 million in the most recent growing season, up from $182 million the previous year, according to the country's industry regulator.
Despite being greater than a year before, Malawi's tobacco sales in 2023 fell short of prior years, when they topped $350 million.
According to Telephorus Chigwenembe, spokesperson for the nation's Tobacco Commission, tobacco production has increased to more than 121 tons in the most recent season, up from 85 tons the previous season, thanks to better weather.
The average price has also gone up from $2.14/kg to $2.35/kg.
In 2021, Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera warned that the product's sales were on the verge of collapse and encouraged a shift to high-growth crops like cannabis.