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 SME Fair and Farmers’ Market, an initiative aimed at unlocking growth in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The fair, held from September 27 to 28, was a resounding 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 Zikometso Association in 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.
“We are particularly pleased and content with the number of companies and individuals who have shown great interest and support for our products. We have been linked to other farmers for raw materials and potential buyers including hotels and restaurants here in Zomba,” explains 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, 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.
He thanked the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) for creating the opportunity.
“We established contacts with several local companies and individuals, which has opened up new avenues for our business. We have also had the opportunity to meet with Malawi Bureau Standards to keep us on track in terms of certification,” he remarks.
His experience mirrors that of Natasha Kaphuka of Umodzi Green Collect who also recounts getting numerous inquiries on their products and potential buyers.
“We used to be a charitable organsiation until recently when we went commercial. I have attracted potential customers and partners who were impressed by our products. I have also created a database of prospects and expect to see improvements in my business soon,” she said.
“The exhibition proved beneficial for our company as we connected with numerous potential buyers one of which is a cooperative from as far a Phalombe which has expressed interest to be my off-taker, she said.
Mtendere Tea and Horticulture Cooperative Board Chairperson Wilfred Custom also praise 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 gained 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 to business meetings and information sessions where businesses got new information on doing business.
The inaugural fair was presided over 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: “Realizing 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 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.”
On her part, MCCCI chief executive officer Daisy Kambalame emphasized 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.
“We must buy local, invest in local businesses, and encourage innovation. Our SMEs and farmers can only thrive if we, as a nation, commit to creating a market for their products. By supporting local, we not only enhance growth but also ensure that wealth circulates within our communities, creating jobs and lifting families out of poverty,” she said.
