Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) anticipating to have their own business chamber this November will have to wait a little bit longer as it will not be operational until early next year, it has been learnt.
The proposed Malawi Chamber for Small and Medium Business Associations being championed by the Small and Medium Enterprises Association (Smea) will seek to address sector-specific issues affecting SMEs once it rolls out.
In an interview yesterday, Smea president James Chiutsi said they want to be thorough to ensure that they form a formidable establishment capable of lifting Malawi out of poverty.
Despite the delay, he said they have made progress and have formed a task force which consists of 10 people and will meet in Lilongwe on December 2 to come up with the actual date for the launch early next year.
“The task force will among other things come up with a roadmap for launching the chamber and include representatives from different associations such as National Association of Business Women (Nabw), Agro Dealers Association, Malawi Women in Mining and Solar Trade Association, among others.
The task force also includes private practice lawyer Wapona Kita to advise on legal matters.
Small businesses in Zambia, South Africa and Zimbabwe also have chambers that represent their interests. n
