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 SMEs Fair and Farmers’ Market, an initiative aimed at unlocking growth in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The fair, held from September 27 to 28, was touted as a success, marking a new era of economic development for the city.
Held under the theme ‘Supporting local, enhancing economic growth’, the fair brought together over 100 SMEs from various sectors, transforming the city into a bustling hub of opportunities.
For farmers under Zikometso Association, the participation at the fair marked a significant turning point for their ventures.
Said Alexis Mangulama, Zikometso vice-chairperson: “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.”
The fair provided a platform for strengthening and promoting links between businesses and financial services, networking opportunities with potential customers, partners and suppliers as well as improving 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 commended MCCCI for creating the opportunity to showcase their products.
Said Mangulama: “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 of Standards to keep us on track in terms of certification.”
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 organisation until recently when we went commercial. I have attracted potential customers and partners who were impressed with our products. I have also created a database of prospects and expect to see improvements in my business soon,” she said.
Kaphuka said the exhibition proved beneficial for their company as they connected with numerous potential buyers, one of which is a cooperative from Phalombe District, which has expressed interest to be their off-taker.
Mtendere Tea and Horticulture Cooperative board chairperson Wilfred Custom hailed 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,” she 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 by Ministry of Trade and Industry Principal Secretary for SMEs Francis Zhuwao.
He pledged to ensure SMEs are provided with an enabling environment to thrive and commended MCCCI for holding the fair
Zhuwao said: “Realising the important role entrepreneurs play in developing the economy, we have put in place a number of measures to assist and support entrepreneurs.
“We have initiatives as government such as access to affordable financing and several others to help SMEs grow.”
He applaued MCCCI for creating the opportunity, which has brought together financial 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 emphasised the importance of supporting SMEs, saying this resonates well with the country’s economic aspiration to empower entrepreneurs, strengthen local industries and ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared by all.
She said: “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.”
Kambalame said by supporting local enterprises, they are not only enhancing growth, but also ensuring that wealth circulates within our communities, creating jobs and lifting families out of poverty. Thus far, MCCCI has held the Malawi International Trade Fair and National Agriculture Fair at Chichiri Trade Fair grounds in Blantyre.
