The family and farmers’ market day at the ongoing Malawi International Trade Fair (Mitf) in Blantyre on Saturday attracted passionate cooperatives and agribusinesses that showcased their products to demonstrate transformative potential of agriculture in rural communities.
One of the exhibitors, Zakumunda Cooperative based in Bvumbwe, Thyolo, showcased its health-conscious products such as tomato jam, hibiscus juice, wine and a variety of herbal remedies at the fair, which is organised by Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI).
The cooperative’s director of marketing and processing Veronica Jeremiah said in an interview that they have been supported by the Ministry of Trade and Industry since inception in 2004.
She said they rely on homegrown fruits and herbs, often substituting sugar with honey to add nutritional value.
at the trade fair. | Gomezgani Msiska
“What makes us different is that we use honey instead of sugar to make our products healthier,” said Jeremiah, adding that the cooperative participates in the trade fair every year to connect with new markets, especially players in the hospitality sector.
Despite the cooperative’s consistent growth, Jeremiah said they face challenges in terms of packaging materials.
“We are calling on local companies to start producing quality packaging such as glass bottles and jars, which can take our products to another level,” she said.
From Neno District came Chandamale Cooperative Society, which produces potato crisps and pigeon pea-based products such as chipere (dhal) and flour.
The cooperative’s chairperson Yustino M’bweza said having participated in the trade fair for several years, they understand its long-term value.
He said: “Prices of spices and flavourings are unstable. We used to buy flavourings at K4 000 per kilogramme [kg], now we are buying at K12 000 per kg.
“The cost of production is too high for small manufacturers like us, especially with water and electricity tariffs being similar to those in urban factories.”
On the seed production front, SeedCo Malawi Southern Region adviser Lawrence Kuze detailed the company’s strategy of combining innovation with accessibility.
“Events such as this one help us to engage with smallholder and commercial farmers,” he said.
One of the patrons from Ndirande Township in Blantyre, Ballack Zenengeya, said the trade fair is helping them to access new innovations and technologies at one place.
In his address during the opening of the eight-day fair on Thursday, President Lazarus Chakwera said the private sector is supposed to drive the economy, adding that the role of government is not to fight businesses, but to grow them.
On his part, MCCCI president Wisely Phiri said says the country’s Industrialisation Policy requires complete overhaul to align with Malawi 2063 goals to attract investments.
The fair, being held under the theme ‘Promoting economic growth through private sector-led economic transformation’, is running from May 22 to 29 2025 at Chichiri Trade Fair grounds in Blantyre
