MCCCI steps up SMEs expo preparations
By Sharon Chirwa:
The Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce (MCCCI) has announced plans to introduce a Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Expo, an annual event aimed at bringing together SMEs to share business ideas among other things.
The forum would also accord the participants a chance to showcase their products and services.
MCCCI says is set to host an inaugural expo between April 26 and 28 at the Chichiri Trade Fair Grounds in Blantyre.
The fair would be held under the theme “SME Growth through Business Linkages”.
This comes amid challenges of structural barriers to finance among SMEs.
It also comes as Malawi is failing to diversify the base of its economy from reliance on agricultural production to direct investment in multiple sectors.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, MCCCI Head of Communications, Millie Kasunda, said the forum would help facilitate growth among SMEs.
“The SME Expo is set to attract all — local sector and regional businesses, including SMEs, corporates, financial service providers, business advisory service providers, business information providers, academic institutions and other institutions provide business development services,” Kasunda said.
She said the expo would also accord stakeholders to brainstorm solutions to challenges facing SMEs.
She said holding the event is in line with the chamber’s aspirations of promoting trade in the country.
“The event intends to bring a diverse spectrum of businesses as it brings solutions to the numerous challenges that SMEs face.
“The solutions are meant to bring about transformation of the SME businesses, hence ‘Enhancing Growth,” Kasunda said.
