Malawi: World Bank to train 60 small and medium enterprises

MEPC general manager, Lawrence Chaluluka, said the move intends to boost export capacity for local exporters who have been struggling to get rid of hurdles due to the lack of capital and human capacity.

The IFC, through the Small and Medium Enterprises - Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (SME-EDI), will inject US$98,050 into the undertaking of an export sector mapping within the year.

However, SMEs that will be interested to take part in the training will also be required to cough up US$100 as their contribution.

“We will achieve this by providing technical and financial support that directly assists and changes the lives of the poor people,” said Cuthbert Tembedza, the IFC's business and development officer.

He explained that the direct support to SMEs would help finance and provisions of training management and information on how the SMEs can access export markets.

Chaluluka said that, between July 21 and August 8, the MEPC will conduct a two-week training workshop for SMEs in the export sector in the commercial city of Blantyre and Lilongwe.

“It is expected that the training will provide insights and capacity among the SMEs since the export sector currently faces serious challenges ranging from lack of training to ready capital resources… We also expect the initiative to promote Malawian exporting SMEs through comprehensive export training and awareness training workshops,” said Chaluluka.