The signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institute (SMEDI) and the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) to foster coordination approach among MoTI, SMEDI and MDF.
On Friday, July 28th 2023, MoTI, SMEDI and MDF agreed to build cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on implementing the MSME Order of 2020 by allowing MDF to access and use SMEDI’s Leather and Design Studio (LDS) facilities at Chatha in Blantyre to manufacture leather products in the spirit of achieving import substitution and enhancing SME’s productivity, trade promotion, skills transfer, technology transfer and market development.
The MoU signing ceremony took place at Ministry of Trade and Industry Offices in Lilongwe. The MoU was signed by the Minister of Trade and Industry-Hon. Simplex Chityola Banda (MP) representing MoIT, Minister of Defence-Hon. Harry Mkandawire (MP) representing Ministry of Defence, Brigadier General John Chaika representing Malawi National Service of the Malawi Defence Force and Mr. Liberty Neba-Acting Chief Executive Officer representing SMEDI
The three organizations are committed to strengthen productive capacities of the leather sector in order to contribute to the economic growth and sustainable development of Malawi.
MoTI, SMEDI and MDF also agreed to promote utilization of SMEDI’s LDS as well as enhancing production skills transfer and competitiveness of the leather and leather products sector in Malawi.
In his remarks during the signing of the MOU, Minister of Defence-Hon. Harry Mkandawire (MP) pointed out this MoU will ensure that the mutual objectives and shared vision set out in the MoU will be achieved for the benefit and development of the country.
In his turn, the Minister of Trade and Industry-Hon. Simplex Chityola Banda (MP) said he will make sure that this agreement will be a success and he will provide his full support wherever possible and I take this opportunity to congratulate SMEDI and MDF on this great achievement.
The two Ministers (shaking hands) with MDF, SMEDI and MoTI top management officials posed for a group photo after signing the MoU.
SMEDI Board Chair Henry Chete (left), MDF Major Kalipinde & SMEDI Acting CEO Liberty Neba
with the leather boots produced at SMEDI's Leather Design Studio.
SMEDI Board Chair Henry Chete speaking to the media after the signing of the MoU.
Minister of Trade and Industry and Minister of Defence appreciating the boots made at LDS products.