As the echoes of the 2023 Intra African Trade Fair (IATF) settle, it's time to revisit the key benefits for Malawi’s participation at this event. The nation showcased its economic diversity, emphasizing key sectors and trade opportunities that positioned Malawi as an important player in the African economic arena. The IATF wasn't just a trade fair; it was a canvas where Malawi painted its economic portrait, capturing the attention and interest of international stakeholders. As we reflect on the deals and engagements made at the IATF, let us look at the synergy that defined the country’s presence at the IATF.

The Export Development Fund (EDF) has disbursed funding worth K82.96 billion to businesses between 2014 and 2022. This funding has gone towards support of various transformative export-oriented transactions and infrastructural projects.

According to the recently released integrated report, EDF made the funding available to about 98 of customers within the last ten years. Through this support the institution has contributed to the creation of over 25,000 jobs and saving at least 14,000 jobs.

The SADC Development Finance Resource Centre (SADC - DFRC) in collaboration with the Export Development Fund (EDF) of Malawi conducted a training on Export Credit Finance in Lilongwe from 28th – 30th August 2023. The training focused on basic principles of export credit finance, financial structuring of transactions, due diligence for underwriting transactions and commercial risk assessments of projects among others.

This has come at a time when export credit finance is becoming more important amidst growing demands for the country to expand its export trade footprints within the African region and beyond by growing the existing markets and opening frontier markets.