Joshua Varela (MA, BSc)

Joshua is a seasoned agribusiness professional with over 28 years of experience in Malawi’s agricultural and industrial sectors. His career spans leadership roles across the agriculture value chain including input supply, market access for smallholder farmers, and agribusiness information systems. He has worked with leading organizations such as Auction Holdings Limited, NASFAM, Transglobe Produce, Malawi Mangoes, and the Government of Malawi.

He has extensive hands-on experience in commercial farming and agricultural value addition, having managed large-scale operations including 250+ hectares of irrigated banana and mango production. He also served as a government advisor in the Office of the Vice President from 2014–2024, supporting private sector development in agribusiness, transport, trade, and energy.

Currently, Joshua is the Operations Director at Mchenga Coal Mines, where he is leading efforts to restore operational sustainability through strategic maintenance and production initiatives. He is also actively involved in entrepreneurial ventures across transport, mining, entertainment, and light manufacturing.