By Jones Gadama
The Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (SATP) has launched a training programme aimed at building the capacity of potential exporters in Malawi’s key trade routes with Zambia and Mozambique. The five-day training programme, held in Mwanza and Phalombe, is designed to equip small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in the international market.
According to SATP Communications Specialist Joab Chakhaza, the training programme focuses on packaging, marketing, and customs procedures, with the goal of increasing the quality and presentability of Malawian products.
“We want to boost the export base by increasing the quality of the products that are being produced in Malawi, but also how presentable they look so that they can compete with other products that are on the international market,” Chakhaza said.
The project, implemented in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institute (SMEDI) and supported by the World Bank, has allocated K390 million to facilitate the trainings. SATP aims to strengthen the capacity of SMEs in districts along the Nacala and Beira Corridors, enabling them to export quality goods to Mozambique and Zambia.
SMEDI Training Manager Francis Mwamadi emphasized that the training is focused on strengthening value chain actors with the ability to export quality goods to regional markets.
“The training is focusing much on strengthening value chain actors with the ability to export quality goods to Mozambique and Zambia as a way of integrating small businesses into the regional trade,” Mwamadi said.
The SATP training programme is a significant step towards enhancing Malawi’s export capacity and promoting economic growth.
By equipping SMEs with the necessary skills and knowledge, the project aims to increase the country’s competitiveness in the regional market and improve the livelihoods of small business owners.