MCD urged to tap commodities for market growth – The Times Group
Key Business Points
- Explore commodity trading to boost farmer incomes.
- Encourage cross-border dual listings for capital access.
- Support SMEs with lower listing barriers.
Business leaders in Malawi are being urged to pay attention to the call for the Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE) to explore agriculture commodities trading. Commodity trading can open a new market for farmers while giving manufacturers easier access to raw materials. Cross-border dual listings are another priority highlighted by experts who visited the Botswana Stock Exchange. By allowing companies to list on more than one exchange, a firm can tap capital from neighboring investors and spread risk across borders. Such a step would make it easier for Malawian firms to raise money without needing a separate listing abroad. In addition, representatives from the Botswana exchange called for stronger support for SMEs by lowering the hurdles that traditionally block small firms from entering the public market. The country’s own mentorship programme, introduced in 2019, has already helped several businesses navigate the listing process in three months of training. Experts say that if the MSE adopts a similar low-cost pathway, more entrepreneurs will feel confident to seek capital from the public.
The Botswana visit was sponsored by National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc, whose marketing chief Akossa Mphepo Hiwa said the tour aimed to strengthen ties with journalists and broaden understanding of regional capital market strategies. “This has been very valuable and we hope to continue with such learning trips,” she said. The journalists heard how Botswana’s exchange collaborates with pension funds, private equity firms and government agencies to keep the market open for new listings. Regular dialogue, they argued, is essential to make capital markets more accessible and to attract fresh listings that can drive economic growth.
For Malawian entrepreneurs, the key takeaway is to start preparing for a future where commodities can be bought and sold on a regulated platform. Farmers should begin organising into cooperatives that can meet quality standards required by buyers on such exchanges. Early engagement with the MSE and participation in pilot projects can position them to benefit from higher prices and better market information. At the same time, business owners should explore the possibility of dual listings that give them access to a wider pool of investors across the Southern African region. By reducing listing fees and providing technical assistance, the exchange could encourage more startups to consider public financing as a growth tool.
In summary, the push for agriculture commodity trading, cross-border listings and SME support creates a clear pathway for expanding investment opportunities, strengthening the boma of the market, and fostering inclusive economic development. Stakeholders who act now will be better placed to capture the benefits of a more vibrant capital market.
Adopters can benefit from incentives that reward firms investing in agricultural value chains. Partnering with local research institutes lets companies develop better processing techniques that raise product quality and attract premium prices on the exchange. Training modules offered by the MSE can be expanded to cover commodity grading and price forecasting, giving participants tools to manage risk. As market matures, linking exchange to regional networks will let investors from neighboring countries trade Malawian commodities with confidence. This approach broadens pool of capital and reinforces country’s reputation as reliable source of food produce. entrepreneurs who embrace these opportunities now will help shape resilient prosperous economic future for Malawi.
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