Malawi: Market access and trade capacity-building support for agro-industrial products (MATCB) project

Trade is an engine for growth that may lift many Malawians out of poverty. Currently, Malawi is unable to significantly penetrate foreign markets due to limited quality infrastructure and the absence of an internationally recognized accreditation body. Conformity assessment activities (testing, calibration, certification and inspection) require accreditation to ensure the country’s growth in exports. The Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) sets and implements standards and conducts conformity tests on selected imports and exports. However, certificates from MBS are not widely recognized and exporters incur high costs to obtain certification overseas.

Developmental partners have recognized the importance of coordinated interventions and technical assistance to provide Malawi with the support to overcome supply-side constraints and to upgrade its industrial base. UNIDO has signed an Administrative Agreement with NORAD for the implementation of the MATCB Project in Malawi. This project, which is being implemented in conjunction with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Private Sector Development since July 2013 aims to enhance Malawi’s capacity for product certification, which is critical for the promotion of exports in line with the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS II). 

The MATCB Project in Malawi aims to support the enhancement of the national quality infrastructure (NQI). Its purpose is to improve quality, safety and marketability of Malawian goods and services by removing technical barriers for trade.

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 For more information:  Mr. Juan Pablo Diaz Castillo  (J.Diaz-Castillo [at] unido.org (J[dot]Diaz-Castillo[at]unido[dot]org))