The Centre for Agri-Food Systems (CRAFS) congratulates Ms. Rita Blessings Kumwenda on securing a $5,000 grant from the Women Entrepreneur for Africa (WE4A) project. The project, funded by GIZ and managed by the Tony Elumelu Foundation, marks a significant milestone in Ms Kumwenda’s journey as an entrepreneur and student. 

Ms Kumwenda is in her second year of a Master’s in Food Science program at the University of Malawi (UNIMA). She is researching strains of oyster mushrooms (grey and white) and analysing their phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. In addition to her academic pursuits, she is an oyster mushroom producer who launched her business with initial support from USAID’s Business Acceleration for Youth project. 

Ms Kumwenda described the funding as a transformative opportunity. It would allow her to strengthen partnerships with local communities, promote economic growth, and empower small-scale farmers. With the grant, she plans to construct five greenhouses, procure raw materials for spawn production, and acquire advanced equipment for mushroom processing. 

Expressing her gratitude, Ms Kumwenda thanked GIZ and the Tony Elumelu Foundation for the funding, CRAFS for the scholarship, and UNIMA for their unwavering mentorship and support. “This is more than just a grant; it’s an opportunity to create meaningful impact within my community and beyond,” she stated.  

Through her venture, Ms Kumwenda aims to significantly contribute to Malawi’s agricultural sector by enhancing farmer livelihoods and addressing the rising market demand for mushrooms.