SMEs bank on networks for business survival, growth

Revitalizing Malawi’s Economy: Ministry Endorses Innovative SMEs Incubator Programme for Business Growth

Post was last updated: November 4, 2025

Key Business Points

  • The Ministry of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism is supporting initiatives like the 265 Pitch Night Consortium to foster innovation and business incubation among young entrepreneurs in Malawi.
  • The 265 Pitch Night platform provides small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with opportunities for coaching, mentorship, financing, and market access, boosting growth and job creation.
  • Over 9,500 SMEs have been engaged through live pitching events, with over K350 million unlocked by de-risked entrepreneurs, demonstrating the potential for entrepreneurial growth and investment in Malawi.

The Ministry of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism has commended the 265 Pitch Night Consortium for its efforts in promoting innovation and business incubation among young entrepreneurs in Malawi. According to Principal Secretary Wiskes Nkombezi, the platform provides a khalidwe la kufikia (opportunity to reach) potential financiers, mentors, and markets, thereby boosting growth, jobs, and the wider economy. The ministry believes that such initiatives are crucial for SMEs to develop confidence and access coaching, mentorship, and financing opportunities.

The 265 Pitch Night, organised by Synergy, Equip, and Hope Business Hub, brings together investors and innovators, shaping young people into future business leaders. Hope Business Hub lead trainer James Nyirongo noted that limited access to affordable financing in high-impact sectors such as ufufuwo (manufacturing), value addition, and tourism has hindered job creation and slowed economic growth. However, the initiative has empowered over 400 SMEs in the country, demonstrating its potential to drive kuwongolera kwa uchumi (economic growth).

Sunge Mipando, founder of Baron’s Car Hire, which has grown from two to 30 vehicles since 2009, encouraged young entrepreneurs to aim high and seize opportunities. The success of the 265 Pitch Night Consortium is evident in the number of SMEs engaged through live pitching events, with over K350 million unlocked by de-risked entrepreneurs. This zithandizo (support) has not only helped entrepreneurs access financing but also provided them with mikakati (strategies) to grow their businesses and create jobs. As the Malawian economy continues to evolve, initiatives like the 265 Pitch Night Consortium will play a vital role in kuendeleza biashara (promoting business) and driving economic growth.

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Vanessa Banda
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