By Benadetta Chiwanda Mia:
The Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) on Wednesday launched its Single Digital Portal (SDP), a web-based platform designed to streamline business and trade processes for its members.
Speaking during the official launch held in Blantyre on Wednesday, MCCCI President Wisely Phiri described the initiative as a groundbreaking milestone in Malawi’s journey towards digitalisation and economic growth.
“This portal will serve as a one-stop hub for our members, offering seamless access to a wide range of services, resources and information,” Phiri said
The portal automates essential processes, including membership applications and renewals, event participation requests, property applications, marketplace functionalities and the issuance of certificates of origin.
Phiri said by integrating these services into a single platform, the SDP is expected to reduce costs and processing time by approximately 50 percent.
“A key feature of the portal is its marketplace functionality. This vibrant feature transforms the way commerce is conducted by offering businesses a powerful platform to showcase their offerings, facilitates seamless transactions and fosters invaluable trade partnerships,” he said.
He assured stakeholders of the portal’s robust security measures to protect user data and ensure safe transactions.
“Our marketplace is designed with user trust in mind, incorporating data encryption and stringent verification processes to create a secure and trustworthy environment for all participants,” he said.
Trade Minister Vitumbiko Mumba said the innovation reflected the government’s commitment to modernising trade facilitation and strengthening the private sector.
He said there was a need to market the platform to the global market as well as utilise it to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by providing them with a seamless and accessible digital platform that connects them to local and international markets.
“By integrating essential processes such as the issuance of certificates of origin, we are enhancing trade competitiveness, improving the ease of doing business and fostering a more efficient and competitive trade environment,” Mumba said.
He also emphasised the government’s broader efforts in trade facilitation, citing the implementation of key trade agreements such as the Simplified Trade Regime and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
TradeMark Africa Director for the Southern Africa Region John Mwemwezi said the platform was a critical step towards enhancing trade facilitation and economic growth.
“This platform marks a significant milestone in our collective effort to position Malawi as a key player in digital trade facilitation to drive regional integration, trade efficiency and global competitiveness.
The single digital portal has been developed by MCCCI in partnership with TradeMark Africa, using $394,700 from the United Kingdom.
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