Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) has announced a funding opportunity, worth €25 million, for players in the horticulture sector. The funding is part of the Caribbean Pacific Liaison Committee (COLEACP) framework programme on agricultural value chains under the Fit for Market + programme financed by the European Union.

The Fit for Market+ programme is aimed at providing technical support to African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries like Malawi to maintain and improve the capacity of smallholders, farmer groups and horticultural Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to access domestic, regional and international markets.

Public Relations Manager for MITC Deliby Chimbalu has described the funding as a great opportunity for business people in the horticulture sector.

‘One of the key challenges facing our businesses is lack of finance or funding to implement their projects that could benefit the country’s economy. Opportunities like these need to be utilized that’s why we are encouraging those operating in the horticulture sector to apply for this funding.’

‘This Fit for Market+ programme under COLEACP will run for five years and it is very important because the technical assistance that they provide focused on building capacity of MSMEs in areas of developing export market plans, preparing business plans, export standards awareness and improving their access to national, regional and international horticulture markets among others.’

COLEACP designs and manages development programmes in the agriculture and food sector funded by donors, mainly the EU and the organization of ACP states.

To apply for funding follow the link https://www.coleacp.org/apllication-support-en/

investment destination; retains and expands trade and export activities and links opportunities to the developmental needs of the Malawi community. It operates as a One-Stop Service Centre for business start-ups in Malawi.