Mpamba market’s sheltered success

By Chisomo Kambandanga:

Mpamba Trading Centre in Nkhata Bay District is a bustling hub, located about 10 kilometres from the scenic shores of Lake Malawi.

Nestled between the picturesque Kandoli Mountains, Mpamba enjoys a cool breeze descending from the surrounding forests.

Nearby stretches of Kaning’ina and Kandoli forests influence the local weather, which is often rainy throughout the year.

This climate has made the area a key production hub for bananas, maize, cassava and mangoes, which are then brought to Mpamba for better market access.

“Every day is busy here. Many people come daily to buy produce, especially bananas, maize and cassava,” says Naomi Jere, a banana supplier.

Jere recounts that Mpamba has become a busy trading area, attracting traders from as far as Lilongwe and Mzimba, as well as nearby towns like Mzuzu and Nkhata Bay.

“Our biggest challenge was the lack of proper market sheds, given the frequent rain. Doing business outdoors was difficult,” she explains.

Nkhata Bay District Council recognised this issue and planned to construct modern market sheds to boost business activities at the region’s busiest trading centre.

Nkhata Bay Director of Planning and Development Edgar Chihana says Mpamba deserves modern market facilities, given its rapid growth as a vital trading area.

“As a council, we recognised the potential of Mpamba in trading activities and acted quickly to build better market sheds,” Chihana says.

“I am pleased to report that our goals have been met. Vendors can now operate year-round and revenue collection for the council has been simplified.”

Market users, interviewed randomly, expressed satisfaction with the new facility, which was officially handed over in September 2023.

Martha Banda, a 45-year-old tomato vendor, praises the sheds for their quality and the convenience they offer to both sellers and buyers.

“I started selling tomatoes a decade ago and it was difficult working in an open space, often braving the rain,” Banda says.

She recalls how these conditions nearly forced her to quit.

“When my husband passed away, his relatives took everything we had, but I had no choice but to continue with the business to support my children, despite the lack of market sheds,” Banda narrates.

Since the opening of the new market structure, Banda’s business has flourished.

She can now provide for her family with ease and is able to pay school fees for her children.

“I have secured a plot. I plan to build a good house by the end of this year. I have also bought two goats, two pigs and I continue my late husband’s chicken farming venture,” Banda says.

She adds that the new market shed provides an environment suitable for all weather conditions.

“I can sell even in the rain, and on a good day, I make up to K40,000 in profit,” the vendor adds.

Thomas Phiri, a 40-year-old beans and fish seller, also benefits from the new market sheds.

Phiri explains that the new sheds have helped him build trust with his customers, as they know where to find him.

“I receive new customers every day, which encourages me to diversify my offerings and increase my profits,” he says.

Chairperson of Mpamba Market, Soko Banda, says he frequently receives messages from buyers and sellers and expresses satisfaction with the new facility.

“We are excited about this market, and we would appreciate it even more if the council could build a fence and a car park,” Banda says.

Acting Director of Trade and Commerce at Nkhata Bay District Council, Thanila Gondwe, expresses delight at seeing traders benefit from the new sheds.

“Already, we can see the positive impact of this project. Mpamba Market has boosted revenue collection, with ticket sales now averaging K50,000 on a good market day,” Gondwe says.

The new market sheds accommodate 120 vendors, with enough space for easy movement.

It mirrors the success of Chintheche Market under Senior Chief Malanda, which also provides support to buyers and sellers from the southern part of the district and surrounding areas like Dwangwa, Nkhotakota and Salima.

Ministry of Trade and Industry spokesperson Patrick Botha comments that markets like Mpamba align with Malawi 2063, which focuses on agricultural commercialisation, industrialisation and urbanisation.

“Providing modern markets plays a key role in both improving access for producers and supporting urban development. It also motivates producers to offer higher-quality products to stay competitive,” he says.

Nkhata Bay District Commissioner Rodgers Newa reassures vendors that the council will continue to seek funding for additional market sheds.

“As a council, we must serve all communities in the district. While we have provided two sheds, it is not enough. We plan to increase the number to six to better accommodate vendors,” Newa says.

The market was funded through the Governance to Enable Service Delivery project with a K60 million grant from the Multi-Donor Trust Fund and the World Bank.—Mana