Malawi Transforming High-Potential Resilient Value Chains Project (M-THRiVE)

Project Overview

The Malawi Transforming High-Potential Resilient Value Chains Project (M-THRiVE) is a strategic economic development initiative designed to support the growth of firms operating within Malawi's export value chains. The project seeks to strengthen the capacity of exporters and productive Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by addressing challenges related to business capacity, market access, access to finance, trade regulations and institutional support.

M-THRiVE focuses on firms with the potential to contribute to increased exports, employment creation and economic diversification. The project supports both direct exporters and enterprises that supply goods and services to export-oriented businesses. Through a combination of technical assistance, business development support, performance-based financing and financial-sector interventions, the project aims to create stronger and more resilient export value chains.

Project StatusUnder Implementation

CategoryTrade & Industry

Primary FocusExport Value Chains

Objectives

The main objective of M-THRiVE is to increase firm growth and improve access to finance for targeted businesses operating within Malawi's export value chains. The specific objectives include strengthening the capacity of Malawian businesses to participate successfully in export markets, supporting the growth and competitiveness of export-oriented firms, and improving access to finance for exporters and productive MSMEs.

The project also supports new and emerging exporters to become export-ready, increases the productivity and competitiveness of firms participating in priority value chains, strengthens linkages between large exporters and local suppliers, and supports employment creation through private sector growth. Additionally, it works to improve the policy and regulatory environment affecting exports and productive businesses, and strengthens institutional capacity for trade policy development and implementation.

Key Components

M-THRiVE is structured around three main components that address the critical constraints affecting export-oriented businesses in Malawi.

Strengthening Value Chains for Exports — export readiness, business development, technical assistance, quality improvement, standards compliance, and performance-based grants.
Financing Exporters and Productive MSMEs — credit risk-sharing, partial guarantees, lines of credit, investment and working capital facilities for eligible businesses.
Institutional Strengthening, Trade Policy and Regulatory Support — trade policy formulation, regulatory reform, trade data systems, and public-private coordination.

Beneficiaries

Primary beneficiaries include existing exporters, new and emerging exporters, MSMEs, businesses supplying exporters, financial institutions, business associations, and government institutions responsible for trade and industry.

Expected Outcomes

The project is expected to contribute to increased growth of participating firms, improved access to finance, increased export capacity, growth in export-ready firms, improved productivity and competitiveness, increased private sector investment, stronger linkages between exporters and local suppliers, increased employment opportunities, improved business resilience, more diversified exports, stronger institutional capacity, improved trade policies, and increased participation of Malawian businesses in regional and international markets.