Private sector supports MIF 2018, says Mitc

As preparations for the third edition of the Malawi Investment Forum (MIF 2018) gathers momentum, some companies have come in to support the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (Mitc) in its efforts to execute a successful event.

Mitc spokesperson Deliby Chimbalu said in an interview on Friday that more than 11 companies have confirmed their sponsorship towards the MIF 2018.

“So far, we have received sponsorship confirmations from about 11 companies. We are hopeful that others will also come on board to support this important event,” she said.

MIF 2018 will be held on 11 and 12 June in Lilongwe under the theme Private Sector-led Growth: Key to Malawi’s Sustainable Development.

The forum will focus on five sectors, namely agriculture and agro-processing, tourism, manufacturing, transport and infrastructure and energy.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism Henry Mussa said the forum has been designed to facilitate the implementation of both domestic and foreign direct investment from the public and private sector.

He said MIF has proved to be an important platform to market the investment and trade opportunities for the country.

MIF 2015 had over 10 recorded commitments in power projects, railway, mining, water development, and marine transport, among others, according to Mitc.

MIF 2016 resulted in the signing of 10 prospective Public Private Partnerships (PPP) and recorded 14 commitments from the private sector.

Mussa said all preparatory work for the event are almost done and registration is now open through the event’s website www.mif.mw.

“Participation to the MIF 2018 is through prior registration. This means that if you don’t register in advance, you won’t be allowed to be part of the deliberations,” he said.

In terms of project profiling, Mussa said  so far, there are 24 projects already packaged and these will be marketed during the forum.