The Chartered Institute of Marketers (CIM) has embarked on a project to engage and help government in building Malawi as a recognisable international brand for attracting investors, tourists and other businesses into the country.

CIM Head of Secretariat Dumisani Ngulube on Tuesday said that the concept has since drawn positive feedback and participation from various stakeholders in the country and that that the matter will also be a key subject of discussion at this year’s CIM Annual General Meeting to take place from September 12 to 14 at Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi.

Ngulube said this year’s conference will focus on the Brand Malawi project as well as discussions on business growth through innovation under the theme “Driving Business Growth: Innovation at the core”.

“This is an extension of last year’s theme which was ‘Adapt. Survive. Thrive’. It must be noted that our themes are practical in nature to help participants have first hand value,” he said.

Ngulube said the conference is open to all marketing professionals responsible for generating the top-lines for their respective businesses including marketing directors, business development directors or managers, commercial directors, chief commercial officers as well as all marketing related managers and officers.

The conference is also open to non-marketers, entrepreneurs and students who are willing to tap from vast marketing skills that the conference offers.

“We also invite the public sector to join us at the conference,” said Ngulube.

Last year, key presenters at the conference included seasoned marketers in the names of Fredrick Changaya, Maurice Newa, and Wilkins Mijiga who shared marketing insights and trending professional practice.

Economic and motivational speaker, Henry Kachaje, was also one of the presenters at last year’s conference. Contributions towards the conference have been pegged at K160,000 for members while marketers who have not subscribed will be required to pay an K190,000. – By Grace Thipha