15/07/2026
Digital Innovation is Transforming Malawiโs Fresh Food Markets ๐ฒ๐ผ๐ฑ
Today, we had the privilege of conducting a hands-on practical training with Lilongwe City Council (LCC) Revenue Collectors, equipping them with the skills to support market vendors in using the new USSD digital payment platform (*4555*00 #), which works on any mobile phoneโsmartphone or feature phone.
This practical session marked another important milestone in the digital transformation of Lilongweโs public markets.
By enabling vendors to pay market fees quickly, securely, and transparently, the platform is helping build more efficient, accountable, and inclusive market systems.
But digitalization is about far more than revenue collection.
Well-managed markets create healthier trading environments where food vendors can operate more efficiently, municipal services can be strengthened, and investments in sanitation, waste management, clean water, and food safety can be better supported.
These improvements contribute to safer fresh food markets and ultimately to better nutrition and public health for urban communities.
We are proud to contribute to what we believe is a pioneering initiative within Africaโs fresh food market sectorโadvancing the digital transformation of informal market systems as part of the broader global vision championed by ICLEI Africa Africa to strengthen resilient, sustainable, and people-centred cities.
As NutriCare Malawi , we are honoured to work alongside Lilongwe City Council, ICLEI Africa in supporting a future where innovation, technology, and good governance strengthen local food systems and improve the lives of both traders and consumers.
Digital markets are not only more efficientโthey are better positioned to deliver safer food, stronger local economies, and healthier cities.
Learn more about ICLEI AFRICA HERE: https://africa.iclei.org/