MACRA through Muuni Fund attended the Middle East and Africa Digital Transformation Summit, which took place from June 25 to 27, 2025, in Kampala, Uganda. The Summit brought together key stakeholders as well as industry leaders, innovators, and youth leaders to discuss the role of digital transformation in advancing inclusive economic growth, enhancing public services, and improving quality of life in the region.

Ms. Wezi Salima, the Team Lead of Muuni Fund, joined a critical panel on Digital Trade and Cross-Border Integration, addressing the barriers holding back MSMEs and regional trade across Africa.

Key challenges discussed included fragmented payment systems, Lack of digital ID interoperability, and regulatory misalignment. Ms. Salima’s solutions included increasing support of women-led and youth-led MSMEs through targeted capacity-building, such that solutions are developed and implemented locally.

Ms. Salima highlighted that “If we are serious about growing Malawi’s economy through digital trade, we must treat MSMEs—especially those led by women and youth—not as beneficiaries, but as investable engines of growth. With the right policies, private sector partnerships, and catalytic capital, we can position them to compete regionally and globally. Government sets the direction, the private sector drives innovation, and investors unlock the scale. Together, we build a truly inclusive digital economy.

The message is clear: Digital trade is about more than just tech—it's about people, policy, and partnerships.