UNOPS Organizes Possibilities Forum in Malawi to Support Local Businesses

On 7th Nov 2024, UNOPS Malawi office, the Ministry of Labour, the National Construction Industry Council (NCIC) and the European Union hosted the first UNOPS Possibilities (UP) Forum in the country, an interactive supplier capacity-building and networking event that aims to increase participation of Micro, Small, and Medium enterprises including Women-Owned Businesses in UN tenders and Public Procurement. The UNOPS Possibilities Forum in Malawi was hosted within the framework of the EU-funded Zantchito - Skills for Jobs Programme under which UNOPS is implementing a project to transform the Mzuzu Technical, Lilongwe Technical, the Malawi Institute of Tourism, and Salima Technical Colleges into Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs).

The UP Forum focused on creating awareness on topics such as sustainable procurement, including how to navigate the UN Global Marketplace and UNOPS online tendering platforms. Aimed at diversifying the UNOPS supplier base, More than 50 business representatives from across the country have gained skills and knowledge on UNOPS procurement processes and sustainable procurement.

The 2019 Malawi FinScope MSME Survey estimates that there were almost 1.6 million MSMEs in the country, employing about 1.8 million people in total. Despite their number and potential to contribute more to the economy, the capacity of the MSMEs to expand remains low because they often do not have the same access to knowledge and networks as larger businesses.

The participants found the event really helpful in educating them about UNOPS’ way of doing business and how they can position themselves for the opportunities that UNOPS will be presenting in the near future. “By learning about the e-tendering process, we will be able to submit quality bids, meet their criteria and get business from UNOPS,” participant at the forum.