Malawi firms urged to gear up for 2010 World Cup

The Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) has urged the local private sector captains to roll-up their sleeves in preparation for the 2010 soccer World Cup to be held in South Africa, the first time such a tournament will be held in the African continent.

MCCCI economist Rehema Mvula said in Blantyre, Malawi Monday that football is no longer just a sport but a big business, arguing that the 2010 World Cup provides a rare opportunity for business-minded Malawians to make a killing, according to website of The Nation newspaper of Malawi.

"The time has come for us to strategies on how we will benefit from the World Cup," she said.

The biggest soccer event is expected to bring millions of tourists to Africa and Malawi and "We need to start strategizing on what goods and services we will sell during the event. There are things like tourists destinations and souvenirs as well as other services," she said.