The history of coffee in Malawi began in the 1920s, when British colonists began cultivating coffee in the country. One of the main coffee-growing regions is the Dedza District, where most of the plantations are now located.

Coffee production in Malawi peaked in the 1970s, but in subsequent years many growers abandoned coffee cultivation in favor of other, more profitable crops. In the mid-1990s, the Malawi government took steps to revive the country's coffee production, which contributed to an increase in the number of plantations and coffee production.

Today, Malawi coffee is prized for its quality and unique flavor. Most of Malawi's coffee is naturally grown and harvested by hand. There is also a sustainable coffee production initiative that focuses on improving working conditions on plantations and protecting the environment.