Deals worth more than K2.2 billion were sealed during the just-ended 22nd National Agriculture Fair (Naf) held in Blantyre last week.
The Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) says the development highlights potential in the agriculture value chain.
MCCCI, which organised the fair, says the commercial outcomes included tractor sales worth over K2 billion secured by Khoza Investments, while exhibitors also recorded new markets, supply agreements and business partnerships.
MCCCI Director of Membership Wezi Mungoni said the deals and partnerships demonstrated the fair’s role in creating practical opportunities for businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, women and youth-owned enterprises.
“The impact of these engagements will extend beyond the fairgrounds. These outcomes have consolidated the fair’s role as a driver of agribusiness growth, industrial diversification and regional competitiveness,” Mungoni said.
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Apart from tractor deals, Tata reported potential market opportunities valued at about K200 million after securing actual buyers while Kwithu Kitchen recorded sales exceeding K1 million and secured supply agreements.
Nkochi Dairy Cooperative from Lilongwe also secured a new market valued at more than K2 million while agro-processing firms and cooperatives recorded bulk orders and established new supply-chain linkages.
According to the chamber, some youth-led enterprises reportedly sold out their merchandise and secured long-term partnerships while financial service providers registered new clients and promoted products tailored to agribusinesses.
Agriculture policy analyst Leonard Chimwaza said the quality of products and services showcased was aligned with the theme of innovation, market linkages and value addition.
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Meanwhile, the fair also hosted the first-ever Agribusiness Forum, which focused on unlocking finance for agricultural growth and trade.
The forum brought together stakeholders who discussed issues such as financing opportunities for SMEs and agribusinesses, export readiness, climate-smart agriculture and the need to improve transparency in commodity pricing.
Speaking at the Naf official opening ceremony, Agriculture Minister Roza Mbilizi expressed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling policy environment where the private sector can fully participate in supporting transformation in the agriculture sector.
