By Durell Namasani- UK
Alfred Chauwa has emerged as one of the most powerful and consistent voices defending Malawi’s tobacco sector, a role that has earned him recognition as an unsung hero in an industry critical to the nation’s economy. Currently serving as Chairperson and President of the Media Network on Tobacco (MNT)—a network established in 2016 to advocate for and promote tobacco farming in Malawi—
Chauwa has driven critical reforms across the entire value chain.
Under his leadership, the MNT has led stakeholder engagement to fight child labour in tobacco farming, pushing for higher leaf quality standards by eliminating nesting and Non-Tobacco Related Materials (NTRM). He has publicly denounced vendors who exploit farmers by buying tobacco as low as K400 per kilogram before official markets open, urging farmers to store their leaf properly and wait for fair prices.
Chauwa also calls on MNT journalists to report accurately and positively on tobacco, covering every stage of the value chain, and insists that stakeholders—from the Tobacco Association of Malawi (TAMA) to buyers—must be in the fields supporting farmers to secure quality leaf and better prices. He has repeatedly challenged tobacco buying companies over their persistently low levels of corporate social responsibility, urging concrete action to support farming communities.
On sustainable farming, Chauwa encourages growers to meet quality standards, diversify into early-maturing crops under the 2019 Tobacco Industry Act, plant trees to offset the demand for curing firewood, and access more extension workers for technical support. Reporting directly from the Lilongwe Tobacco Auction Floors, including during market suspensions when prices fell as low as $0.50 per kilogram, he has ensured transparency on the issues farmers face.One of his most notable legislative achievements came when he mobilized journalists to advocate for the Tobacco Industry Bill, which Parliament passed into law in 2019—a major win for sector reform. Under his leadership, the MNT has engaged major stakeholders including Alliance One, JTI, Farmers World, Namuleri, Gala Farms, and the Tobacco Commission to advance industry standards and sustainability.
Chauwa is a seasoned journalist and currently serves as Senior Business Analyst with Nyasa Times. He holds an Advanced Diploma in Journalism and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Exploit University, and he was one of only two Malawian journalists selected for specialized online reporting training in South Africa, supported by OSISA. Alfred Chauwa remains a true champion—consistently defending farmers, pressing companies for accountability, and lobbying for the sector’s image and long-term sustainability.
Alfred Chauwa remains a true champion—consistently defending farmers, pressing companies for accountability, and lobbying for the sector’s image and long-term sustainability.
