Deputy Director for the Department, Ted Kamoto, however, expressed concern with a few individuals and companies that are coming forward to apply for the same.

"The number of individuals and companies coming to apply for charcoal production and retail licenses is not convincing as few are coming forward," said Kamoto.

He said at the moment, five other applications are on the pending list and await the department appraisal.

While acknowledging demand for charcoal resulting in deforestation in the country, Environmental Activist, Godfrey Mfiti has dared government to help local communities allegedly producing charcoal illegally in forming cooperatives for easy issuing of licenses.

"Illegal charcoal production still remains a challenge in the country. However, there is a need for government to help local charcoal producers in forming cooperatives to easily be issued with licenses," said Mfiti.

The Forest Act of 1997 says individuals and organizations seeking to apply for a charcoal license must provide documented evidence that the charcoal will be produced at a sustainably managed forest.

Kawandama Hills Plantation was the first company to be issued with a sustainable charcoal license to produce and retail legal charcoal in Malawi in 2015.