By Orama Chiphwanya, contributor:
The city of Zomba, known for its rich history and scenic landscapes, witnessed a groundbreaking event last week.
For the first time, the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) hosted the Zomba Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Fair and Farmers’ Market, an initiative aimed at unlocking growth in small and medium-sized businesses.
The fair, held from September 27 to 28, was a success, marking a new era of economic development for the city.
Themed ‘Supporting local, Enhancing Economic Growth,’ the fair, brought together over 100 SMEs from various sectors, transforming the city into a bustling hub of opportunity.
For farmers under the Zikometso Association, recent engagements at the Fair marked a significant turning point for their ventures.
“Our main objective as an association was to connect with companies and individuals to showcase our products here in Zomba,” said Alexis Mangulama, Vice Chairperson for the association.
The event, MCCCI’s premier trade promotion event for the old capital city, provided a platform to strengthen and promote links between businesses and financial services, networking opportunities with potential customers, partners and suppliers, and improve brand awareness by increasing visibility.
Machinery, modern farming technologies, agro products and financial products were among numerous items on display at the two-day trade exhibition.
Mangulama praised the exhibition for its positive impact on his business, expressing optimism for the future.
His experience echoes that of Natasha Kaphuka of Umodzi Green Collect who also recounts getting numerous inquiries on their products and potential buyers.
“The exhibition proved beneficial for our company as we connected with numerous potential buyers, one of which is a cooperative from as far as Phalombe which has expressed interest to be my off-taker, “she said.
Mtendere Tea and Horticulture Cooperative Board Chairperson Wilfred Custom also praised the Fair for giving them exposure.
For Palisha Ghambi of Synthesis Agriculture the trade fair has been beneficial for their agri-based company.
“We have been participating in the MCCCI fairs because they have helped us gain exposure and introduce various farming innovations to the market,” Ghambi said, reflecting on the positive impact of the event on their business.
Besides the exhibitions, MCCCI also lined up activities aimed at enabling participants to establish business partnerships and networks.
The activities included business meetings and information sessions where businesses got new information on doing business.
The inaugural fair was presided over by Principal Secretary for SMEs in the Ministry of Trade and Industry Francis Zhuwao.
Zhuwao committed to ensure SMEs are provided with an enabling environment to thrive and commended MCCCI for holding the fair
He said: “Realising the important role entrepreneurs play in developing the economy, we have put in place a number of measures in place to assist and support entrepreneurs. We have initiatives as a government such as access to affordable financing and several others to help SMEs grow.
“We applaud MCCCI for creating this opportunity which has brought together financial institutions and other key institutions such as the Malawi Bureau of Standards to share information with the SMEs.”
MCCCI Chief Executive Officer Daisy Kambalame emphasised the importance of supporting SMEs, highlighting this resonates with the nation’s economic journey, as the country seeks to empower locals, strengthen local industries, and ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared by all.
“For our economy to grow sustainably, we must actively support our local industries regardless of their sizes,” she said.
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