Tawonga Cooking Oil Processing and General Traders Company in Embangweni Mzimba South, the brainchild of 32-year-old Timothy Munthali, is transforming Malawi’s agro-industry landscape.
Founded in 2020, Tawonga produces cooking oil, animal feeds and laundry soap, employing 13 permanent and 8 temporary staff.
Munthali, a graduate of Environmental Sciences from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), drew inspiration from Malawi’s diminishing forex reserves due to cooking oil imports, determined to make a difference.
He conducted market research in Embangweni, Jenda, Edingeni, Qotcha, Kasichi, and Mzoma in the district.
“We identified sunflower, groundnuts, and soybeans as abundant resources in Embangweni,” said Munthali.
Tawonga’s impact extends beyond economic gains. The company supports small-scale women and youth farmers, earning the prestigious Presidential Zikomo Award in 2022 as the best young enterprise promoting agricultural development.
“Our goal is to become Malawi’s leading cooking oil, animal feeds, and laundry soap producer not only in Malawi but also outside of the country,” said Munthali.
Tawonga’s products are in high demand,with sales reaching K20 million. This year, supermarkets in Jenda, Edingeni, Kasichi, and Qotcha as well as institutions such as Robert Laws Secondary School and Embangweni School for the Deaf are among their valued clients.
According to Patrick Botha, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Trade and Industry, “Tawonga’s innovative approach embodies the spirit of Malawi’s entrepreneurship. We commend their commitment to promoting local production, job creation, and economic growth.”
Botha further noted that enterprise’s success is a shining example of the government’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship and reduce reliance on imports.
“As the ministry, we are thrilled to see young entrepreneurs such as Timothy Munthali taking the lead in developing our economy. Tawonga’s achievements demonstrate the potential for Malawian businesses to thrive and contribute to the country’s growth.” Explained Botha
When asked about the government’s support for local enterprises, Botha stated, the ministry is committed to providing an enabling environment for businesses like Tawonga to flourish.
The policies and programmes aim at fostering entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation, ultimately driving Malawi’s economic development.
Munthali expressed gratitude for the government’s recognition and support.
“We appreciate the Ministry’s acknowledgement of our efforts and look forward to continued collaboration in promoting Malawi’s agro-industry,” he said.
As Tawonga continues to thrive, Munthali’s vision for a self-sufficient Malawi becomes increasingly tangible.
