The project aims at strengthening the in-country capacity for implementing the EIF to mainstream trade, improve donor coordination and address supply side constraints. The project is focused on supporting the implementation of the National Export Strategy (NES), the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS II 2011-2016 and training Government staff on trade mainstreaming and trade related issues

Results

The Diagnostic Trade Integration Study Update was finalized in December 2013.

• The EIF work plan has been re‑aligned to more directly support implementation of the National Export Strategy and Trade, Industry and Private Sector Development SWAp (TIPSWAp).

• The NIU participated in quarterly TIPSWAp TWG meetings and Public‑Private Dialogue Forums where various stakeholders discussed policy reforms and constraints to trade and private sector development.

• A trade mainstreaming study by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, focusing on agriculture and transport, was completed in 2015.

• Productive sector strategies (i.e., sugar, oilseed, manufacturing, etc.) which fully support trade dimensions have been developed.

• Five NIU Staff participated in project management training in South Africa from April to June 2015.

• Trade mainstreaming workshops were held in Dowa, Salima, and Lilongwe.

• A dedicated session was held with the Ministry of Justice to discuss the Agreement on Trade Facilitation and One Stop Border Post between Malawi and Zambia.

• 69 traders (30 men, 39 women) were trained in quality management and market opportunities.