By Chisomo Kambandanga:
Mpamba Trading Centre in Nkhata Bay District is a bustling hub, located about 10 kilometres from the scenic shores of Lake Malawi.
Nestled between the picturesque Kandoli Mountains, Mpamba enjoys a cool breeze descending from the surrounding forests.
Nearby stretches of Kaning’ina and Kandoli forests influence the local weather, which is often rainy throughout the year.
This climate has made the area a key production hub for bananas, maize, cassava and mangoes, which are then brought to Mpamba for better market access.
BANDA — It was difficult“Every day is busy here. Many people come daily to buy produce, especially bananas, maize and cassava,” says Naomi Jere, a banana supplier.
Jere recounts that Mpamba has become a busy trading area, attracting traders from as far as Lilongwe and Mzimba, as well as nearby towns like Mzuzu and Nkhata Bay.
“Our biggest challenge was the lack of proper market sheds, given the frequent rain. Doing business outdoors was difficult,” she explains.
Nkhata Bay District Council recognised this issue and planned to construct modern market sheds to boost business activities at the region’s busiest trading centre.
Nkhata Bay Director of Planning and Development Edgar Chihana says Mpamba deserves modern market facilities, given its rapid growth as a vital trading area.
“As a council, we recognised the potential of Mpamba in trading activities and acted quickly to build better market sheds,” Chihana says.
“I am pleased to report that our goals have been met. Vendors can now operate year-round and revenue collection for the council has been simplified.”
Market users, interviewed randomly, expressed satisfaction with the new facility, which was officially handed over in September 2023.
Martha Banda, a 45-year-old tomato vendor, praises the sheds for their quality and the convenience they offer to both sellers and buyers.
“I started selling tomatoes a decade ago and it was difficult working in an open space, often braving the rain,” Banda says.
She recalls how these conditions nearly forced her to quit.
“When my husband passed away, his relatives took everything we had, but I had no choice but to continue with the business to support my children, despite the lack of market sheds,” Banda narrates.
Since the opening of the new market structure, Banda’s business has flourished.
She can now provide for her family with ease and is able to pay school fees for her children.
“I have secured a plot. I plan to build a good house by the end of this year. I have also bought two goats, two pigs and I continue my late husband’s chicken farming venture,” Banda says.
She adds that the new market shed provides an environment suitable for all weather conditions.
“I can sell even in the rain, and on a good day, I make up to K40,000 in profit,”
