Malawi's Giant Greenhouse Farm Grows Jobs on Barren Land

Barren land near Kamuzu International Airport has become Southern Africa's largest greenhouse farm, producing fresh vegetables year-round and creating 130 jobs for Malawians who once had no opportunities there.

GBI Greenhouse Limited spans 27 hectares and houses 16 state-of-the-art greenhouses, each covering a full hectare. The farm produces premium bell peppers, tomatoes, watermelons and butternut squash for local supermarkets and international markets.

The ambitious project started in 2018 when businessman Izhak Kanes met with then-President Peter Mutharika to discuss a vision for transforming Malawi's agriculture. Six years later, that vision is delivering real results.

Monthly production now exceeds 20 tonnes of tomatoes, 10 tonnes of bell peppers, 24,000 watermelons and 24,000 butternut squash. The farm operates through a seven-year joint venture between global firm Inosselia Commercial and the Malawi government through the Greenbelt Authority.

A fully local management team runs the operation, led by Farm Manager Tamandani Chanza. The site features 10 boreholes feeding a computerized irrigation system, modern packing facilities, cold storage and a training center.

The Ripple Effect

The farm is saving Malawi money by reducing vegetable imports while generating vital foreign exchange through exports. Major hotels, resorts, wholesalers and local markets now rely on the greenhouse as one of their most dependable suppliers of high-quality fresh produce.

Michael Gorelik, Inosselia's Country Director for Malawi, says results have exceeded original expectations. He calls the farm proof that well-structured partnerships between government and private companies can deliver genuine economic and social benefits.

The project prioritizes rural communities, women and young people. Kanes, who says his faith drives the work forward, hopes the successful model will encourage other investors to put money into Malawi.

"The ambition is not just to grow vegetables, but to grow hope and opportunity for Malawi's future," Kanes said.