The 35th Malawi International Trade Fair (MITF) came to a close on Thursday, after eight days of intense business activity, regional trade discussions, and numerous networking opportunities.
The annual event, organised by the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI), brought together businesses from across the country and beyond, with 212 exhibitors exhibiting under 265 pavilions.
Local products including coffee, rice, locally made shoes, cooking oil, confectionary, beverages and financial products and machinery including modern farming technologies, agro products were among numerous items on display at the trade exhibition.
Meanwhile, exhibitors and participants at the just ended Fair have branded the event as an essential platform for forming linkages with local and international peers and enhancing visibility.
Slyvia Mambelera, founder of Coming Home Creations, praised the fair for facilitating productive interactions in an engaging environment.
“We attracted potential customers and partners who were impressed by our products. We are particularly grateful for the opportunity to interact with potential buyers and the sessions which opened up opportunities for markets for our products.
“Through this fair we have interacted with management of Sana Stores whom we agreed to supply our cooking oil and peanut butter. We have also secured deals with local Indian companies to supply the same and two companies in Zimbabwe and Bostwana to be supplying them 600 kilograms of cotton cake weekly each,” Mambelera remarked.
Mack Milk, one of the country’s growing dairy processor, also secured new distribution and supply agreements in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, further strengthening Malawi’s footprint in the regional dairy industry.
“We are thrilled with the connections we made at MITF. These deals will help us expand our reach and ensure our products are available across Southern Africa,” said Moses Phiri of Mack Milk.
SMEs, many of whom were sponsored by National Bank of Malawi (NBM) and First Capital Bank (FCB), also gained significant exposure.
These enterprises showcased their products to potential investors and buyers, opening doors to new opportunities.
Among them was Sky Energy Africa who praised the exhibition for its positive impact on thier business, expressing optimism for the future.
“Our main objective was to connect with companies and individuals to showcase our products and we are grateful to National Bank for sponsoring us.
“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 potential buyers and will surely pursue these links,” explained Asante Kalilombe, Sky Electronics Marketing Executive.
Youth entrepreneurs under the National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) also made an impact at the fair.
The businesses such as Mchepa Pottery, KB Garments, and Harvest Blend Oils reported strong sales, with many exhibitors selling out their stock before the fair ended.
Mchepa Pottery secured a bulk order for ceramic plates, while KB Garments landed serious orders for their locally made leather boots.
“We came here hoping to showcase our work, but we are leaving with confirmed orders and new business relationships,” said a representative from KB Garments.
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.
A patron from South Africa, Nonkuleleko Mthembu who attended the fair in her capacity as Deputy Head of SMME in EThekwini Municipality, also spoke highly about the fair and the caliber of SMEs she interacted with.
“We have identified promising businesses such as CMPP Trading that align with our market needs, and we look forward to fostering long-term trade relationships,” she said.
MCCCI has for decades hosted the Malawi International Trade Fairs to bring together exhibitors from within and outside the country, facilitating experience sharing and market expansion.
The fair, held at the Chichiri Trade Fair Grounds in Blantyre, was officially opened by president Lazarus Chakwera,
In his opening remarks, President Chakwera emphasized the importance of private sector-led industrialization in driving economic transformation.
He urged businesses to seize opportunities presented at the fair to expand their market reach, secure partnerships, and enhance competitiveness.
“Malawi’s economic future depends on the ability of businesses to innovate and collaborate,” President Chakwera stated. “This trade fair is a testament to the resilience and ambition of our entrepreneurs.”
MCCCI President echoed these sentiments, highlighting the fair’s role in strengthening Malawi’s business landscape.
“Mitf continues to be a crucial platform for businesses to showcase their products, engage with investors, and explore new markets,” he said.
This year’s event was held under the theme: ‘Promoting Economic Transformation Through Private Sector-Led Industrialisation’.
