Mining & Trade News

Assignment: Emergency works for the rehabilitation of Nasolo Bridge at Ndirande Township in Blantyre City

Client: Blantyre City Council  

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 14 September, 2023

Contact:  The IPDC Chairperson, Blantyre City Council, Civic Center, Town Hall, Private Bag 67, Blantyre.   

Assignment: Supply of stationery, fertilizers (NPK, CAN, Super D), Pesticides (Dithiane, steward, chlorpyrites), cement, hardware, vetiver grass, fruit trees seedlings, local goats, chickens, maize shellers, drugs and drugs boxes and, micronutrient powders.

Client: TAPP Malawi

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 28 August, 2023

Contact: The Chairperson, TAPP Internal Procurement Committee, Along Likuni Road next to MDI filling station, Private Bag A21, Lilongwe. 

Tell: +265 987 062 225

Email: tapp@tappmalawi.org

Assignment: Provision of procurement system   

Client: Lighthouse Trust

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 29 August, 2023

Contact: The Chairperson, Internal Procurement Committee, Lighthouse Trust, (Conference Room), Area 33, Kamuzu Central Hospital Campus, P.O Box 106, Lilongwe.

Email: procurement@lighthouse.org.mw  

Assignment: Supply and delivery of computers, printers and scanners  

Client: Ministry of Transport and Public Works

Delivery Period: Within 6 weeks

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 15 September, 2023

Contact: The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee, Ministry of Transport and Public Works, Capital Hill, Private Bag 322, Lilongwe 3.  

Email: litessmulilima@gmail.com ; bazalelivvy@yahoo.com; charlesmtonga@gmail.com

Assignment: Completion of office, ablution blocks, generator house, staff houses and its associated external works at Dwangwa weighbridge station in Nkhotakota.

Client: Ministry of Transport and Public Works

Delivery Period: within 12 weeks

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 15 September, 2023

Contact: The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee, Ministry of Transport and Public Works, Capital Hill, Private Bag 322, Lilongwe 3. 

Email: litessmulilima@gmail.com ; bazalelivvy@yahoo.com; charlesmtonga@gmail.com

Assignment: Completion of works for construction of a Laybye road, holding yard and associated works at Dwangwa weighbridge in Nkhotakota.  

Client: Ministry of Transport and Public Works

Delivery Period: Within 12 weeks

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 15 September, 2023

Contact: The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee, Ministry of Transport and Public Works, Capital Hill, Private Bag 322, Lilongwe 3. 

Email: litessmulilima@gmail.com ; bazalelivvy@yahoo.com; charlesmtonga@gmail.com

Assignment: Provision of consulting services for construction supervision  of offices, ablution block, generator house, staff houses and associated external works and a laybye road, holding yard and associated works.

Client: Ministry of Transport and Public Works

Delivery Period: within 12 weeks

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 15 September, 2023

Contact: The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee, Ministry of Transport and Public Works, Capital Hill, Private Bag 322, Lilongwe 3. 

Email: litessmulilima@gmail.com ; bazalelivvy@yahoo.com; charlesmtonga@gmail.com

Assignment: Supply and delivery of motor vehicle

Client: Public Private Partnership Commission

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 12 September, 2023

Contact: The Chairman, Public Private Partnership Commission, 2nd Floor, Livingstone Tower, Glyn Jones Road, P.O Box 937, Blantyre. 

Tell: +265 1 823 655

Email: info@pppc.mw

Assignment: Supply and delivery cleaning materials, consumable stores, stationery, and security services.  

Client: Chikwawa Teachers Training College

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 14 September, 2023

Contact: The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee, Chikwawa Teacher Training College, P.O Box 125, Chikwawa. 

Assignment:  Consultancy services for designing and supervision of construction of perimeter fence at Mchinji Fuel Depot

Client: National Oil Company of Malawi Limited

Delivery Period: 4 to 6 weeks

Delivery Site: Mchinji Depot

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 31 August, 2023

Contact: The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee, National Oil Company of Malawi Limited, NOCMA Board Room, Kang’ombe House, 4th Floor, East Wing, City Center, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Assignment:  Supply and delivery of trailer mounted diesel powered generator

Client: National Oil Company of Malawi Limited

Delivery Period: 4 to 6 weeks

Delivery Site:  Lilongwe Depot

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 31 August, 2023

Contact: The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee, National Oil Company of Malawi Limited, Kang’ombe House, 4th Floor, East Wing, City Center, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Assignment:  Provision of catering services on framework agreement

Client: National Oil Company of Malawi Limited

Delivery Period: 4 to 6 weeks

Delivery Site:  Blantyre and Lilongwe Depots

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 31 August, 2023

Contact: The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee, National Oil Company of Malawi Limited, NOCMA Board Room, Kang’ombe House, 4th Floor, East Wing, City Center, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Assignment: Provision of external auditing services

Client: World Vision Malawi

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 7 September, 2023

Contact: The Procurement Committee Chairperson, Off Mchinji Road, Ngerengere Complex No. 2. World Vision Malawi, P.O Box 692, Lilongwe. 

The Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) says it is optimistic that the upcoming 17th CII Exim Bank conclave on India-Africa growth partnership exhibition scheduled to take place from July 19 to 20 July, 2022 in New Delhi, India, will benefit private sector companies in Malawi.

MITC says in a press statement that the 17th CII Exim Bank Conclave meeting aims at exchanging knowledge and expertise in business regarding export, trade, and investment.

Public Relations Manager for MITC Deliby Chimbalu has described the meeting as an important platform that can benefit private sector companies in Malawi.

Chimbalu has invited all private sector players to take part in the conclave as one way of selling their products and services to the outside world.

She said: “The Conclave on India and Africa is a great opportunity for our private sector companies to meet and forge business partnerships with other businesses in India and even those that will be attending from other countries.”

“You know over the years, the Conclave has increased the level of economic engagement between India and Africa and we envisage that this year’s event will create new opportunities for setting new partnerships between India and Africa hence our call to Malawi private sector to be part of this event.”

As a national investment and trade promotion and facilitation agency, MITC identifies, develops and packages investment opportunities in Malawi; provides a professional service to all clientele; brands and markets Malawi as an investment destination; retains and expands trade and export activities and links opportunities to the developmental needs of the Malawi community.

This year’s meeting is focusing on agriculture and food processing, power and energy, infrastructure development, and financial partnerships and will feature an exhibition of products and services from India and African companies.

The CII- EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Project Partnership was launched in the year 2005 with the support of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry of the Government of India.

Over the last sixteen editions, the Conclave has played a pivotal role in encouraging Indian companies to establish and grow their footprints in Africa.

The level of economic engagement between India and Africa has grown multi-dimensional and to reflect the changing contours of this dynamic relationship, the Conclave is being rechristened as “CII EXIM Bank Conclave on India Africa Growth Partnership” expanding the earlier focus on “Project Partnership”.

The upcoming edition will focus on project exports, trade, investments, exchange of knowledge and expertise creating shared value for business and industry at large between India and Africa

Being the continental economic partnership, the conclave has not only set the ground for many new cross-border partnerships to take roots, but also conducted a critical evaluation of the existing collaborative arrangements on the basis of which a new roadmap for future Africa partnerships would be designed.

The World Bank says Malawi’s mining sector has the potential to drive the country’s economic growth and address fiscal and foreign exchange constraints currently being faced.

In its 17th edition of Malawi Economic Monitor released in July 2023, the Brettonwood Institution says despite such potential, the sector currently, plays a relatively small role, accounting for less than one percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Reads the report: “Currently, seven larger projects are moving ahead and may begin production before the end of the decade, with many of these likely to produce so-called green minerals necessary to support the energy transition.”

“However, past mining projects in Malawi and elsewhere in the region have often failed to deliver on their promise while projections from mining firms indicate that the sector could play a significant role in the economy, these projections need to be treated with caution at this stage given the many variables that could influence the materialization of these benefits.”

“Moving ahead it will be important to ensure that these assets, which belong to the country, are not squandered.”

The World Bank also acknowledged delays in production saying the tendency and price fluctuations can create significant uncertainty around likely revenue and export outcomes.

It says: “The ongoing debt crisis in Ghana, was the result of, among others, heavy borrowing following the discovery of oil and poor public investment decisions.”

“This means there is need for both incentivizing investment and ensuring that the Government maximizes the fiscal gains from these resources over many years, and spends these resources effectively to benefit the population which will require a stable (but not necessarily low tax) fiscal regime, as well as careful assessments of the potential impact of different incentives.”

“The government is currently reforming the legal and institutional structure to support the sector and in this context, it will be important to ensure that expertise is sought to support negotiations and that all contracts are made public.”

“Malawi’s participation in the Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) creates an important institutional framework to support this.”

On the energy sector, the Bank states that despite having a number of projects in pipeline, Malawi has one of the lowest electricity access rates in the world where by the electricity access rate for 2023 is estimated at 19 percent with severe disparities between urban 42% and rural areas 5%.

The Bank laments that Malawi has set ambitious policy goals in the energy sector, but implementation has often lagged behind.

The Government of Malawi set a goal to achieve universal energy access by 2030 whereby in 2018, it published a revised National Energy Policy (NEP 2018), which serves as the main guiding document for the sector.

NEP 2018 set the target of universal access by 2030, in line with the Government’s commitment to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7.

This builds on the experiences of longstanding programs to increase electricity access and also incorporates recent programs, such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded “Kick-Starter Program” and the World Bank-funded Malawi Energy Access Program (MEAP).

In 2019, the Ministry of Energy prepared a National Electrification Strategy in line with policies in the NEP 2018 whereby the NES proposes a framework through which the Government will guide accelerated access to households and businesses at acceptable quality and levels of service that is anchored in the priority policies presented in the NEP 2018.

The strategic elements of the NES are organized in four thematic pillars institutional, policy and regulatory, technical and planning, and financial that taken together define the means and processes by which electrification expansion will be implemented.  

The Malawi Government has urged exporters in the country to have their products certified by the state of the art laboratory being operated by Malawi Bureau of Standard (MBS) to ensure that the local products are consumable as well as compete on the international market.

Minister of Trade and Industry Simplex Chithyola made the remarks at the Malawi Exporters Awards conference in Lilongwe which was organized by Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) under the theme ‘Rewarding Excellence, Unlocking Global Exports.’

Chithyola said the laboratory has the potential of driving local products away from the embarrassment of being sent back when exported to outside market due to being substandard.

He said: “It is a major concern when Malawian products are declared not good for consumption when exported.”

“But now we have state of the art laboratory which is being managed by MBS which makes sure that we improve in terms of standard and quality.”

“As Ministry, we would like to urge those exporting products that they should certify with MBS to avoid embarrassment.”

The Malawi Exporters Awards aims at influencing local producers to be exporting local products in order to attract foreign exchange into the country.

Responding on the exposure of the local products to possible foreign buyers, Chithyola disclosed that the Ministry is committed to support the local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in finding international markets.

Chithyola said: “We are now operationalizing the National Export Strategy II which creates conducive environment for exports.”

“At the same we are also coming up with policies and legal and regulatory frameworks which favours those doing businesses.”

“To ensure access to information, we have set up a market intelligence strategy where by people are able to get markets through the Ministry or by just visiting our website.”

In his presentation, MITC Chief Executive Officer Paul Kwengwere said his institution organized the awards to address a number of business constraints being faced in the sector.

Kwengwere said the programme will help in raising awareness of export potential of services and goods that SMEs produces in the country.

He said: “We have organized this event to share export opportunities with the business community and also build export readiness through counselling and motivational sessions.”

“At the same time we are trying to increase awareness of government policies and strategies to grow Malawi’s export base.”

In his remarks, Executive Director for Ecobank Limited Weluzani Chingota said the bank will continue providing support towards alleviating some of the challenges that SMEs are facing in the sector.

Chingota acknowledged that SMEs in the country are facing challenges including: lack of financial support, lack of markets, lack of reliable water and power supply and; higher dependency on rain fed products.

He said Ecobank has introduced continental single market trade hub to help countries endure the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA).

He said: “The African continent’s single market, established through the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), has created exciting opportunities to foster intra-African trade and investment.”

“At Ecobank, we have launched the Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub to help SMEs grow their business under the AfCFTA.”

In 2021, the Malawi Government launched National Export Strategy II (NES II) which will run from 2021 to 2026 with the target of increasing exports of ‘Made in Malawi’ products and services by 22% in the next five years through export promotion, export development, export facilitation and organization efficiency and effectiveness.

The focus is on high value strategic products in the four export sectors, namely agriculture, manufacturing, services, and mining.

The new strategy has prioritized specific markets for the region and internationally with a focus on capitalizing CFTA and emerging markets in which Malawi has potential to export competitively.

Assignment: Provision of insurance services

Client: National Economic Empowerment Fund

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 14 March, 2023

Contact:  The Chairman, Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee, National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), Area 6/28, P.O Box 779, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Tell: 265 999 938 333 / 999 941 333

Email: procurement@neef.mw

Assignment: Construction for selected bridges on Mangochi – Makanjira[L1]  Road

Client: Department of Disaster Management Affairs

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 11 April, 2023

Contact:  Department of Disaster Management Affairs, Economic Planning and Development Building, Capital Hill Circle, Capital City Lilongwe, Procurement Unit, 2nd Floor, Room 86, Private Bag 366, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Tell: +265 1 789 188 / 999 522 711 / 999 331 528

Email: jedeluka@gmail.com / malianoellen@gmail.com

Assignment: Expression of interest for construction of School of Basic Sciences

Client: Ministry of Education

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 27 March, 2023

Contact: The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee, Ministry of Education, Private Bag 328, Capital Hill, Lilongwe, Malawi.

Tell: +265 995 399 754 / 999 613 500 / 1 789 153

Email: Juliana.kalonde@mail.gov.mw / gondwe.fre@gmail.com

Assignment: Provision of insurance brokerage services

Client: Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 16 March, 2023

Contact: The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee, Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority, New MERA Head Office Building, Next to CIVIC Office, City Centre, P/Bag B296, Lilongwe 3.

Assignment: Supply and delivery of motor vehicles

Client: Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 16 March, 2023

Contact: The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee, Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority, New MERA Head Office Building, Next to CIVIC Office, City Centre, P/Bag B296, Lilongwe 3.

Assignment: Construction of Dowa Dambo Irrigation Scheme in Dowa District

Client: Ministry of Agriculture

Bidding procedure: International Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 10 April, 2023

Contact: The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee, Ministry of Agriculture, P.O Box 30797, Lilongwe 3, Malawi.

Email: ifadpridemanager@gmail.com

Assignment: Provision of consultancy services to design and deliver a training on the balanced scorecard for PPPC

Client: Public Private Partnership Commission

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 31 March, 2023

Contact:  The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee, Public Private Partnership Commission, 2nd floor, Livingstone Tower, Glyn Jones Road, P.O Box 937, Blantyre Malawi. 

Tell: +265 1 823 655

Email: info@pppc.mw

Assignment: Provision of cleaning services

Client: Public Procurement Disposal of Assets Authority

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 05 April, 2023

Contact:  Jireh Bible House, PPDA Tender Box situated in the corridor on 1st floor, Private Bag 383, Lilongwe 3.  

Assignment: Provision of legal services

Client: Public Procurement Disposal of Assets Authority

Bidding procedure: National Competitive Bidding

Deadline: 05 April, 2023

Contact:  Jireh Bible House, PPDA Tender Box situated in the corridor on 1st floor, Private Bag 383, Lilongwe 3. 

In an effort to address the electricity access challenges, the Malawi’s Ministry of Energy has launched the Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee Fund with the target to add 5% national rural electricity access rate by 2024.

The US$20-million Fund is being bankrolled by the World Bank through the Malawi Electricity Access Project (MEAP) to enable eligible solar off-grid companies to import and distribute over 200,000 solar home systems to rural households across Malawi.

During the official launch in Lilongwe, Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola said the project aims at increasing access to electricity through grid densification of Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) component, and Off-grid Market Development, which is Ministry of Energy component.

Matola said: “With this project’s component, Malawians, especially those living in rural and remote areas that are far from the national grid, will enjoy the benefits of electricity.”

“This project is, therefore, complimenting Government’s efforts to reach more people in rural areas with access to electricity where the Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP) which is now in Phase 9, is yet to reach.”

“This Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee Fund we are launching today is a complete package of interventions to unleash the potential off-grid solar market to cover 70% of electrified households in Malawi as aspired for in the National Energy Policy of 2018.”

“By assisting the off-grid solar companies, this Fund is fulfilling another aspiration in the National Energy Policy, to establish a vibrant, reliable, incentivized and sustainable private sector-driven Renewable Energy Technology industry.”

“Not only will this project benefit off-grid solar companies but, financial institutions will also benefit a lot from this initiative through the Technical Assistance Window which will provide training and capacity-building.”

The technical assistance includes: promotion and awareness building; quality assurance activities including the adoption and enforcement of Verasol quality assurance framework, efficient financial management and monitoring of collection efficiency; training of trainers, consumers and technicians to facilitate the efficient installation and maintenance of solar home systems.

Currently, the electrification rate is at 18% with 11.4% coming from the National grid and 6.6% from Off-grid solar solutions.

The fund will provide loans to eligible off-grid solar companies as working capital to expand their operations and speed up procurement and importation of the off-grid solar home systems.

He also said the project will also offer Result Based Grants to provide end-user with subsidies to close the affordability gap of rural customers that cannot afford solar home systems at the current commercial prices.

Matola also said the Fund will create a Market Catalyst Fund (MCF) of USD 500,000 to support small-scale off-grid market-based transformative solutions to scale-up the renewable energy transition, particularly by engaging the local off-grid solar companies in Malawi.

He said: “The idea is to make these local off-grid solar companies grow to the extent of being able to access capital on the market for the expansion of their businesses.”

“I, therefore, call upon the private sector companies to take advantage of this Fund and use it to expand their businesses in the off-grid solar market.”

“The terms of the loans have been made very competitive, as such, I do not expect any off-grid solar company to default on the loans they acquire from this Fund.”

“It is also my expectation that participating solar off-grid companies will operate within the principles of MEAP, the laws of Malawi and the World Bank’s operating framework.”

Matola further applauded World Bank for extending the loan and grant to the Government of Malawi, to implement the important project saying the Fund has come at an opportune time when the country needs massive investments in the energy sector to increase access to modern, clean, reliable and affordable energy.

He said the project will play a great role in fulfilling the Malawi Government goal of ensuring universal access to electricity by 2030, by providing the much needed financing to the Malawi off-grid solar market.

In his remarks, World Bank Country Manager for Malawi Hugh Ridelllauded solar off-grid power saying on-grid electricity is sometimes hard to reach rural, remote and the poor; and the fund will make Malawi to reach the United Nation’s Social Development Goal 7 (SDG7) which ensures access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

Ridellalso said the World Bank together with partners are working with Malawi Government in developing standards and policies in the next two years that will ensure the availability of a market where consumers are protected from low-quality products and benefit from lower prices driven by market competition.

“The World Bank acknowledges that expanding access to sustainable energy while protecting natural resources is essential to achieve climate and development goals. Expanding energy access is a catalyst to achieving sustainable and resilient economy with people firmly at the centre,” said Ridell.

Apart from the Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee Fund, World Bank is financing other energy projects including: The Mpatamanga Hydropower Project; technical assistance for ESCOM’s financial turnaround and; the Malawi-Mozambique Interconnector project.

A local umbrella body for pigeon peas farmers, Nandolo Farmers Association of Malawi (NFAM), has called for concerted efforts in empowering women in producing crops that will transform their lives

NFAM chairperson, Susan Chimbayo said crops like pigeon peas have the potential to transform the lives of many rural women in Malawi.

She was speaking on her arrival from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where she went to attend the 6th Empowering Women in Agriculture (EWA) on the margins of the 36th summit of the African Union.

According to Chimayo, women play a critical role in agriculture, and their empowerment is essential considering that the crop offers high nutritional value, income, and boosts soil fertility..

“NFAM is urging stakeholders to support our efforts to empower women in agriculture and unlock the potential of Nandolo as an export crop.” -She said

She said her organization was moving towards commercial farming, and collective marketing and aggregation of valuable roduce.

“NFAM sees its future in the value addition and processing of Nandolo into various products, creating demand beyond India, its primary consumer” she said

NFAM represents over 10,682 smallholder farmers from 45 cooperatives, of which 7,478 are women and 3,204 are males. The organization aims to equip Nandolo farmers with education and skills that will make them more efficient and facilitate maximum output. It also seeks to create a conducive agricultural operating environment for improved variety, productivity, and profitability.

The EWA initiative targets ten pilot countries, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Morocco, Djibouti, Liberia, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Malawi. The initiative has taken various activities since 2012, such as the development of EWA indicators to track progress in empowering women in agriculture, a baseline survey on mapping of initiatives on women and agriculture in Africa, and a case study of initiatives by GIMAC members at the country level.

The EWA initiative also aims to mobilize and engage various stakeholders to increase the capacity of women cooperatives in the pilot countries, as well as key actors and business opportunities. The initiative seeks to increase stakeholders’ awareness and engagement at the national and regional levels, advocating for its success across Africa.

The Event was graced by various African Leaders including: President Sahle-Work Zewde, of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Co-Chair of EWA Dr. Olusegan Obasanjo, Former President of the Republic of Liberia and Co. Chair of EWA, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Malawi’s Former President Dr. Joyce Banda.

The newly launched Malawi Exporters Awards 2023 by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, in conjunction with the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) is set to increase local exports by encouraging local companies to be exporting competitive products. 

Former Minister of Trade and Industry Mark Katsonga Phiri launched the Malawi Exporters Awards on January 12, 2023 in Lilongwe.

This year, the Malawi Exporters Awards 2023, has been scheduled to take place from March 29th to 30th, 2023, at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.

Commenting in a press statement, CEO for MITC Paul Kwengwere says the awards have been organized as a platform to sensitize the locals on the importance of increasing exports of Malawian made products, encouraging a culture of creating exports, as well as awarding best exporters in the country.

He said the winner’s selection process will comprise a detailed, well-planned criteria and the awards will include Best Non-traditional Exporter award, Best Female Exporter Award, Best Youth Exporter Award, Best Services Exporter Award as well as Best Financial Institution Award.

Kwengwere said: “Extending across industries and including both rural and urban presentation, the awards will serve as a celebration of the contribution exports have made to Malawi’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and forex earnings.”

“The event will comprise export awareness exhibitions which will provide a platform for B2B meetings and one on one B2G with Trade Support Institutions and Gala Dinner which will culminate to Exporter Awards Ceremony on the closing day.”

“MITC is therefore, calling upon local exporters and financial institutions, who are interested to be considered for the categories, including the Malawi Exporters of the Year Award, to visit our event website to fill out an application form and submit their information.”

MITC has just found a potential export market for rice in Gambia which was revealed during a virtual business meeting held between Malawian private sector and buyers from Gambia.

Speaking during the meeting, Finance and Economic Affairs Specialist and owner of Niro Company Ltd in Gambia, Sulayman Cham said they are ready to start importing rice from Malawi.

“Gambia requires 96,000 metric tons of rice per year based on its relatively low population. So we are ready to start importing from Malawi and we are mostly interested in buying 100% broken rice of any variety from Malawi because that is what is on demand,” Said Cham.

Commenting on the development, Kwengwere encouraged local exporters to explore this market opportunity in Gambia.

He said: “This is a great opportunity for those that are into rice production. As a trade facilitation agency we are more than ready to facilitate those that might be interested in exploring this opportunity in Gambia.”

“We are also told that apart from rice, Gambia is also interested in importing other commodities like Irish potatoes and onions from Malawi.”

“So we are still engaging the Ministry of Trade in Gambia on how best we can explore such export opportunities.”

Malawi’s trade engagement with Gambia is in line with the spirit of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) which encourages economic integration to promote trade and investment in the region.

After three-year hiatus due to Covid-19 pandemic, Malawi’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife has announced that it will host the fourth Takulandilani Malawi International Tourism Exposition (MITE) from April 26 to 27 this year at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.

The Ministry’s Public Relations Officer Simon Mbvundula said in an interview that the hosting of the international tourism fair will assist the country to market its tourism brand.

Mbvundula said: “A tourism fair brings buyers and sellers together in one place and facilitates face to face meetings and conclusion of deals.”

“It provides a cost effective platform for local operators who might not have had the chance to transact business to come face to face with international buyers.”

“Hosting of buyers from all over the world also provides an opportunity for the international and regional buyers to sample and experience the destination.”

“This provides them an invaluable opportunity to experience what their clients would experience when they visit the destination and also equip them to better appreciate and manage problems their clients would meet when they visit the destination.”

Mbvundula also said the tourism fair brings with it both international and regional media who collect and write positive stories about the destination and also investment and trade opportunities the country has on offer to the world.

The Ministry plans to host 12 international travel writers and documentary producers who will be in the country to collect Malawi Tourism content for their respective media houses that will be utilized to generate Malawi tourism visibility targeted towards consumers in the source markets.

Mbvundula said: “Those that visit the country also become automatic tourism ambassadors especially when they are satisfied and have enjoyed their stay.”

“They are also likely to recommend the destination to others when they go back home and are also likely to come back on holiday with their families.”

“Holding of a tourism fair creates huge business opportunities for the local population in the areas of Events Management, Stand Construction, Furniture, Flower and Equipment Hire, Transportation, Printing, Security and a host of their opportunities.”

Mbvundula stressed that the exposition is not only targeting exhibitors from the core tourism sector but also related service providers in various sectors.

This year the Ministry is reviewing the exhibition fees to ensure that a lot of players are given a chance to participate in the expo.

He said: “Therefore, in addition to accommodation units, tour operators, travel agents, airlines, car hire companies, tourism training institutions, we also target institutions that offer direct or indirect support to the tourism and hospitality sector to exhibit.

“It is not in our best interest to bar would be participants due to high exhibition fees. The fees are being reviewed to reflect the economic reality on the ground while ensuring that local exhibitors are not left behind.”

The 2023 Takulandilani expo will be proceeded by a number of activities including a public lecture themed ‘The value of tourism business; building national consciousness’ to take place on March 8, 2023.