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How to Invest in Malawi: MITC's Investment Certificate and One Stop Service Cent

updated on : Thursday, 1 Oct, 2026 · 2 min read · from 3 official sources

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Table of contents
  • Your project must be new or expanding, legally registered in Malawi, and meet sector-specific minimum capital requirements to qualify2
  • MITC evaluates projects on job creation, skills transfer, local materials use, export potential, environmental standards, and innovation2
  • Apply for an investment certificate through MITC's online registration system2
  • The One Stop Service Centre at MITC provides fast-tracked support for licensing, permits, and regulatory compliance2
  • Both local and foreign investors are eligible2

The Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) is the Government of Malawi’s lead agency for investment promotion and serves as a one-stop centre for investors and businesses.1 To invest in Malawi, you apply for an Investment Certificate from MITC, which you can do through their online registration system.2

Who can apply

You are eligible to apply if you are a local or foreign investor with a new or expanding project that is legally registered in Malawi.2

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Project requirements

Your project must meet basic conditions including a minimum capital investment that varies by sector.2 For example, electricity generation, transmission and distribution requires a minimum capital investment of USD 30 million, and companies must achieve 35% value addition.2

How MITC evaluates your project

MITC assesses investment projects based on eight criteria: whether the activity is non-trading, creation of quality jobs, transfer of skills and knowledge, use of local raw materials, potential for export, potential to create backward and forward linkages, innovation and creativity, and adherence to environmental and sustainability standards.2

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How to apply

Submit an application for an investment certificate online through MITC’s online registration system, which has been developed to make the process more efficient and cheaper.2

One Stop Service Centre support

All investment-related services are coordinated through MITC’s One Stop Service Centre (OSSC), which offers investors fast-tracked support in project facilitation, licensing, permits, and regulatory compliance.2 MITC provides a streamlined single-window for business incorporation, investment certification, and allocation of land within Special Economic Zones.8

Official sources

  1. MITC Newsletter January_June 2026_5 mitc.mw · PDF
  2. Investment Guide MITC mitc.mw · PDF
  3. Invest in Malawi mitc.mw

Every fact in this guide comes from these official Government of Malawi pages, numbered to match. Fees, dates and rules change: confirm on the official site before you go. Spotted an error? Tell us.