The COMESA Business Council (CBC) is conducting a training and capacity-building workshop for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Lilongwe, Malawi, focusing on enhancing local sourcing for Agro-processors.
The training, themed “Roots to Market: Enhancing Local Sourcing for Small and Medium Agro-Processors,” marks the second time the CBC has brought this valuable initiative to Malawi.
Speaking at the training, CBC Board President Mr. James Chimwaza highlighted the workshop’s goals of equipping Agro-food suppliers with essential skills in food safety, quality management standards, and compliance.
Additionally, the training aims to facilitate robust business relationships between SMEs and corporate entities, integrating local suppliers into procurement systems.
“Achieving these objectives aligns with Malawi’s 2024–2025 budget implementation agenda, which aims to build the capacity of micro, small, and medium enterprises and promote and facilitate value addition by cooperatives,” Mr. Chimwaza noted.
The joint project between Business African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) and the CBC is dedicated to improving the business environment, supporting private sector growth, strengthening microfinance, and catalysing private investments.
A representative from the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Malawi, Mr. Alexander Chimbeni, emphasised that the training will open more opportunities for SMEs to have market access in Malawi and the COMESA Region.
Other attendees of the training which is taking place from May 21st to May 23rd, included representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI), and the Malawi Bureau of Standards.
The Previous Local Sourcing for Partnership trainings have taken place in Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Egypt, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya, training approximately 850 SMEs and integrating over 500 into supply chains.
By forging strong partnerships between corporate entities and SMEs, the CBC aims to enhance market access and foster a culture of collaboration and inclusivity.