The Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) has taken a bold step towards modernizing business processes with the launch of its Single Digital Portal (SDP) at an event held at Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre on Wednesday.
This innovative platform, developed with funding from the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the support of TradeMark Africa (TMA) Malawi Country Programme.is set to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and foster economic growth across Malawi.
Speaking at the launch event in Blantyre, MCCCI President Wisely Phiri described the portal as a game-changer for the business community.
“This advancement empowers businesses of all sizes, from startups to established enterprises, with easy access to vital information and resources. Further, the platform simplifies and expedites administrative procedures, reducing administrative hurdles and fostering a more conducive business environment.”
“It also has portal will connect buyers and sellers in a dynamic environment, promoting competitive and innovative approaches to foster a more vibrant, resilient, and inclusive economy that benefits all Malawians,” he said.
The SDP automates critical processes such as membership applications and renewals, event participation requests, property applications, marketplace functionalities, and the issuance of Certificates of Origin. By integrating these services into a single platform, the portal is expected to reduce costs and processing times, making it a vital tool for businesses of all sizes.
“On his part Minister of Trade and Industry Vitumbiko Mumba, who was the guest of honor at the event commended MCCCI for its forward-thinking approach adding that the initiative also aligns perfectly with the Malawi 2063 agenda, which envisions a self-reliant, industrialized, and middle-income country.
“The MCCCI Single Digital Portal is a tangible manifestation of this vision. By leveraging technology to enhance trade facilitation, we are taking significant strides towards achieving the goals outlined in Malawi 2063. The portal embodies our commitment to innovation and progress, ensuring that we remain competitive in the global market,” he remarked.
The SDP automates critical processes such as membership applications and renewals, event participation requests, property applications, marketplace functionalities, and the issuance of Certificates of Origin. By integrating these services into a single platform, the portal is expected to reduce costs and processing times, making it a vital tool for businesses of all sizes.
Weighing in, TradeMark Africa Director for the Southern Africa Region Jovin Mwemwezi hailed the rollout of the new system as a shot in the arm for Malawi’s trade and business environment.
“This is an important milestone in our trade facilitation efforts, particularly through the partnership with the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Manual processes can be costly and time-consuming, limiting the competitiveness and profitability of businesses, especially small enterprises, which provide a source of income and livelihoods to a large section of the country’s population.
“Previously, businesses could spend a lot of hours and incur substantial costs just to obtain essential trade certificates, understandably, due to , manual, costly processes that are prone to errors. This will no longer be the case,” Mwemezi said
MCCCI Chief Executive Officer Daisy Kambalame reflected on the organization’s journey toward this milestone.
“The SDP is more than just a technological advancement; it is a reflection of our commitment to innovation and service excellence. We are proud to provide our members and stakeholders with a tool that simplifies processes and enhances accessibility,” she said.
The launch event was attended by key stakeholders, including government officials, private sector representatives, and development partners. With the portal now operational, MCCCI has reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for economic development, empowering businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
The portal can be accessed at https://services.mccci.org/public/
