Unicaf University Partners with SMEDI and NBS Bank for MSME Workshop 

Unicaf University, Malawi in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Institute (SMEDI) and NBS Bank, successfully hosted a Business Information Workshop at the Unicaf University Amphitheatre in Lilongwe under the theme “Empowering MSMEs Through Access to Finance, Enterprise Development, and Education.” The initiative brought together key stakeholders from the financial, academic, and enterprise development sectors to strengthen entrepreneurship and support sustainable business growth in Malawi.

The workshop aimed to build the capacity of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), promote entrepreneurship and innovation, enhance access to finance and enterprise development support, and reinforce collaboration between Unicaf University and SMEDI. It also reflected Unicaf University’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and lifelong learning that responds directly to the needs of the business community.

The workshop featured three thematic sessions. The first highlighted SMEDI’s business development support services, followed by a panel discussion on building sustainable and competitive MSMEs in Malawi, with contributions from Unicaf University, NBS Bank, and SMEDI representatives. The second session, led by NBS Bank, focused on MSME financing solutions, digital banking services, savings, investment, and financial management, complemented by an interactive Q&A session and quiz. The final session, facilitated by Unicaf University, showcased higher education opportunities, flexible online learning pathways, scholarship options, and professional development programmes designed to support entrepreneurs and their teams.

Throughout the event, participants engaged with exhibition stands hosted by the three partner institutions, receiving one-on-one guidance on financial services, enterprise development support, and academic opportunities. These interactions provided practical insights into business growth strategies, access to funding, and skills development pathways.

The workshop attracted many participants, including MSME owners, youth entrepreneurs, women-led enterprises, and start-ups. By the conclusion of the event, attendees had gained valuable knowledge on accessing finance, strengthening business operations, leveraging enterprise support services, and exploring further education opportunities to enhance their professional and organisational growth.

The collaboration between Unicaf University, SMEDI, and NBS Bank underscored a shared commitment to strengthening Malawi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. It further reinforced Unicaf University’s position as a leading provider of accessible, internationally accredited higher education that actively supports enterprise development, innovation, and lifelong learning beyond the traditional classroom.