By Chisomo Phiri
University of Malawi (UNIMA) Executive Dean for the School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Professor Cosmo Ngongondo, has called on universities in the country to play a more active role in promoting and supporting community-based businesses.
Ngongondo, who also leads the university’s Centre for Resilient Agri-Food Systems (CRAFS), made the appeal in Zomba during a seed funding awards ceremony on Friday, where Unima awarded grants in US dollars to seven local enterprises.
He explained that the funding is aimed at supporting businesses that address pressing community needs in sectors such as agribusiness, value addition, and technology.
“Malawi 2063 can be achieved if universities invest in the growth and sustainability of local enterprises,” said Ngongondo.
In her remarks,one of the beneficiaries, Rita Kumwenda of Parah Enterprises in Zomba’s Matawale Township, received US$5,500 for her oyster mushroom and spawn production business.
She said the funds will be used to purchase machinery and enhance value addition processes.
The selected entrepreneurs who also hail from districts such as Blantyre and Mzuzu were drawn from a pool of 200 incubatees who pitched their business ideas to Unima before being shortlisted for support.
