Interactions between audience members during the Trade Arena app debut.

mHub, Malawi's first tech innovation hub, has developed Trade Arena, an online platform to assist micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in expanding their market reach.

The hub says the Trade Arena mobile app is an unprecedented tool in Malawi for promoting fair and free trade.

The Trade Arena is backed by the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa to provide MSMEs with an opportunity to trade while adhering to Africa's trading policies as outlined in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and the Southern African Development Community.

Speaking after the launch last week, Karen Manda Nyasulu, mHub Communications and Engagement Manager, emphasised the importance of providing tools and financial assistance to entrepreneurs

"This arena offers MSMEs a unique opportunity to effectively promote and trade their products in Africa," Nyasulu added.

Paul Nkhoma, chairwoman of the Parliamentary Committee on Trade and Industry, who attended the event, lauded the smartphone app, calling it a well-established channel through which businesses may trade their products across Africa.