Under the theme "Rebalancing Malawi's Trade through Industrialization,” the International Trade Fair would run from 17th May to 26th May 2023 and aims to enhance domestic business and connect Malawian businesses to international investors and markets.

Chakwera`s tour of inspecting selected exhibitions at the fair started with a visit to the MUBAS pavilion where, among others, the President was impressed after seeing the innovations behind the Multipurpose cholera bed and being taken through the state-of-the-art digital media production equipment, mining laboratory equipment, and a drone that was designed and assembled at MUBAS. 

Speaking during the joint opening of the trade fair and the newly built Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) laboratory and office complex, President Chakwera emphasized the significance of productivity in achieving job creation, wealth generation, and food security for the nation.

"In pursuing productivity, we must focus on rebuilding what we lost during the COVID-19 pandemic," said President Chakwera.

Speaking after President Chakwera`s visit to the MUBAS pavilion, Vice Chancellor for MUBAS, Nancy Chitera commended the President for the visit saying it underscored the value government places on the contribution of higher education institutions towards the attainment of Malawi 2063.

“Universities conduct research and come up with different innovations that can go a long way in supporting the attainment of Malawi 2063 and in transforming the economy and lives of Malawians in general. This International Trade Fair is one such opportunity to interface with industry and society since these are crucial stakeholders in the process of industrialisation,” said Chitera.

One of the MUBAS exhibits that attracted much attention from attendees at the fair was the drone. According to its certified pilot, Hope Kelvin Chilunga, the drone was used to take aerial pictures during the devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy and these pictures were crucial in helping determine places that needed urgent interventions.

“This drone has a 4-hour flight time and it provided important footage on areas that couldn’t be reached using vehicles since some roads and bridges were washed away by Cyclone Freddy,” said Chilunga.

MUBAS has been participating at all Malawi International Trade Fairs and apart from showcasing innovations from the university, MUBAS uses these fairs to network with industry, provide information on academic programmes offered at the university and receive feedback about its services from the society.