During the Africa-wide Agriculture Extension Week 2025, Malawi’s Agriculture Minister, Sam Kawale launched the Mlimi Mobile App developed by Farm Radio Trust (FRT) designed to provide farmers with various advisories and marketing services.
Officiating at the event, Minister Kawale noted that the introduction of this app is a bold statement of Malawi’s commitment towards harnessing technology driven agriculture extension services for the modernization and transformation of the farming sector.
“This app is more than just a digital tool. It embodies Malawi’s reasonable pledge to propel innovation as a cornerstone of agriculture development in a world where technology bridges gaps, unlocks opportunities,” said Kawale.
He further remarked that the App not only stands as a beacon of progress in line with extension services and market linkages but also aligns to Malawi’s vision 2063 which envisions a vibrant agriculture sector that addresses income generation at household level.
“The Mlimi app seamlessly aligns with Malawi’s vision 2063 with emphasis on agriculture productivity and commercialization. This app will play a pivotal role in modernizing and transforming the sector since technology bridges gaps in knowledge and opportunity,” Kawale added.
Subsequently, Kawale underscored the significance of FRT’s partnership in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and support from IFAD, which partnership is hoped to ensure that farmer organizations are no longer constrained by distance or information gaps.
He acknowledged AGRA and Care International’s collaboration towards empowering young people who have strengthened farmer business schools proving that when agriculture and extension are combined, unstoppable momentum towards extension can be created.
“Together, we can ensure that every farmer regardless of location has access to knowledge and markets that need to succeed,” noted Kawale adding that by launching the Mlimi Mobile App, Malawi is not just adopting technology but setting herself to be the leader in the use of technology in extension services.
He concluded with a call for continued partnerships and listening to ideas that will help Malawi to develop the agriculture sector not just in the country but throughout the continent.
About the Mlimi Mobile App
The Mlimi App, a product of Farm Radio Trust (FRT) is designed to enable farmers to access agricultural advisory services and promote their products and services online.
The app offers a range of agricultural features including real-time agricultural advice, pest and disease management tips, Market prices, weather updates, financial tips, Mlimi wallet and more.
This innovation is made possible through a partnership between Farm Radio Trust and the Government of Flanders, with support from AGRA and IFAD.
Speaking at the same event, the Programs Director for FRT, Flora Khonami noted that the application will empower smallholder farmers with digital agricultural extension services regardless of distance or time which have been a long-time challenge.