Application of the Framework to Prioritize SPS Capacity Building Options in Malawi

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) led efforts to apply the MCDA framework in Malawi in 2012 in collaboration with concerned stakeholders including representatives of government, the private sector and donors. USAID provided technical support and covered the costs associated with national MCDA workshops. A small team of government officials led the data collection and analysis work (including report writing), which enhanced national ownership and developed local skills to re-use the MCDA approach.

The MCDA work was used to support the implementation of ongoing national development strategies, including the National Export Strategy, by identifying SPS-related challenges that need to be addressed in the development of key export product clusters. It was also used to inform the development of funding proposals, including two PPG requests to the STDF.

The MCDA work helped to encourage public-private dialogue on how to enhance SPS capacity. The government considers that it provides a greater degree of confidence about where to invest resources in SPS capacity building to achieve the greatest impact.