MCCCI woos businesses, consumers to farmers’ markets

The Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) has urged local businesses and consumers to patronise its upcoming regional Farmers’ Market Trade Expositions.

The expositions are slated for October 27 and 28 at the Mzuzu Shoprite Car Park Ground, October 28 at the Chichiri Trade Fair Grounds in Blantyre and December 1 and 2 at the Gateway Mall in Lilongwe.

In an interview with Business News, MCCCI communications executive Orama Chiphwanya said, while providing business linkages, the events will also provide an opportunity to businesses to showcase and sell their products and services.

She said: “This is a great opportunity for businesses, especially those operating on small scale with limited access to markets, advisory and financial services. The events also provide a perfect space for them to promote their brands and understand customers’ needs.

“Corporate companies who work closely with small and medium enterprises [SMEs] can also take advantage of such platforms to interact with them. We are calling upon the entire business community to take part in these events.”

Recently, the World Bank said despite their number, business reforms and potential to contribute more to the economy, the micro small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) continue to struggle in their quest to scale up.

The 2019 Malawi Finscope MSME Survey estimates that there were almost 1.6 million small businesses in Malawi, employing about 1.8 million people.