Our Events
In 2021/22 the SMP hosted 33 events attended by 1,837 people and a further 18 SMP co-hosted/partnered events attended by over 2,360 people, with a total overall attendance of 4,150+.
Of the total 51 events: 42 (82%) were entirely digital, 9 (18%) were entirely in-person and 5 (10%) were hybrid (in-person with digital attendees/contributors). Particular credit goes to Member Admin Officer, Craig Docking, who managed the tech so capably across our digital events.
Digital events have allowed far greater levels of Malawian involvement in all our engagements and we have been able to hear from a far greater diversity of Malawian speakers and contributors.
We continue to prioritise the issue of digital inclusivity and recognise that there are many, especially in Malawi, who are not able to engage because of connectivity and bandwidth challenges. Malawi has some of the most expensive internet access rates of any country in the world. Where possible and appropriate we offer support for those in Malawi to be able to participate who cannot afford connectivity. The MaSP Communication and Resource Centres in Mzuzu, Blantyre and Lilongwe are freely available for anyone in Malawi with a link to Scotland to use.
Of attendees who stated their gender, 45% identified as female and 55% as male. 44% of attendees identified as British/Scottish, 45% as Malawian, 7% as ‘other’, and 4% preferred not to say.
Over 500 participants gave event feedback:
- 91% described the SMP event they attended as "excellent" or "very good"
- 98% said that their link with Malawi had been supported/strengthened as a result of attending
Professor Wilson Mandala, Executive Dean of Academy of Medical Sciences, Malawi University of Science and Technology said of the SMP Health Forum:
“It provided updates on the extent of the pandemic in Malawi, what was being done about it, what was urgently needed and who to approach for assistance. It also served as an essential platform for sharing scientific information about the virus, the prevailing variants and their infection characteristics and for networking. Finally, through the platform a case was made for Malawi to access COVID-19 vaccines in a timely manner.”
The SMP has continued to be actively involved with the Malawi-UK Business Group Executive, organising, hosting and chairing a major agri-business networking event in July 2021. The half-day digital event brought together 200+ business leaders from both nations to explore increased collaborations and new partnerships. It involved Malawi’s Minister of Trade, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, British High Commissioner, Greenbelt Authority CEO, Cannabis Regulatory Chair, MITC Chair, African Export-Imports Bank Director, and the CDC Director of Investments in Agriculture. The Nyasatimes reported: “The event was exceptionally moderated by the Scotland Malawi Partnership … making it one of the very best digitally hosted events.”
Participant, Wanangwa Msowoya of Mzuzu Catholic Development Commission of Malawi said of the event:
“It clarified the role of investors and also what the government is doing in achieving agenda 2063. Managed to touch base with a potential donor. They are willing to roll-out investment in Malawi”
As part of the Executive Team, the SMP is involved in efforts to convert the Malawi-UK Business Group into a full Chamber of Commerce.
Full details of all the above events can be found at: www.scotland-malawipartnership.org/news-events/past-events/
Designed, led and delivered by Enock Bamusi and Sarah Niven, the SMP hosted seven really well-received beginner Chichewa classes which included cultural introductions for those visiting Malawi for the first time.
“Will be recommending the lessons to others and keen to attend an intermediate course!” (Chichewa class student).