Participants getting hands-on experience in food processing

Tehilah Enterprises hosted a three-day food processing and value addition training program in Lunzu, Blantyre, from 15th to 17th April 2025. The workshop was attended by 12 postgraduate students from various universities, 4 cooperative representatives, and 17 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across Malawi.

The event was organized by UNIMA-CRAFS in partnership with Tehilah Enterprises Ltd. Its aim was to equip participants with practical skills in food processing and value addition. On the first day, participants were introduced to the basics of food processing, new product development, food safety, hygiene, and quality control. They also explored topics such as marketing, business communication, and small business management.

The workshop featured practical sessions where participants gained hands-on experience using baking and food processing equipment. Under the guidance of UNIMA facilitators and the

Managing Director of Tehilah Enterprises, Jean Pankuku, they produced a variety of sweet potato products, including bread, doughnuts, cakes, biscuits, and crackers. This provided an opportunity to apply theory to practice and develop products that could potentially be sold in the market.

Participants also took part in product evaluations. Throughout the workshop, experts from Tehilah Enterprises guided the learning process, sharing insights on food safety, quality assurance, business registration and certification, entrepreneurship, and food product development.

The training equipped participants with new skills, ideas, and the confidence to start or grow their own businesses. They expressed that they now understood how to add value to local crops and were ready to put their knowledge into action. The training offered them a fresh perspective on how sweet potatoes could help improve livelihoods and contribute to food security in Malawi.

Dr. Margaret Maoni facilitating an engaging session.