SMEs urged to target international markets

Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (Mitc) has urged small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to ensure that their products penetrate the global market to strengthen the country’s bid to become an exporting economy.

Mitc board member Fumbani Nyangulu said this on Thursday during the opening of a three-day Mini SME Trade Fair in Lilongwe.

During the fair, which ended on Saturday, SMEs showcased their products which included honey, juices and agricultural produce.

Nyangulu observed that what has been holding the SMEs back is the capacity to meet the export demand as most of them operate with inadequate capital.

He said: “Through events like this trade fair and other engagements with the SMEs, we encourage them to work in groups so that they can sell their products in bulk.

“The other challenge SMEs face is that some of their products are not certified by the Malawi Bureau of Standards. We are also encouraging them to secure certification to ensure that their products are fit for consumption and use.”

One of the exhibitors, Hendrina Maxwell of Dwale Supplies and General Dealers, said they face competition for business with established firms.

She said: “Our capital as SMEs is low and we find ourselves competing with bigger companies when selling our products and even when buying raw materials.

“We, therefore, find it difficult to survive. What we are trying to do is grow our capital so that we are competitive on the market.”

Maxwell said the fair helped SMEs to network, establish market linkages and gain exposure which will spur the sector’s growth.