A group of like-minded youths operating under the name “Young Women Can Do It club” from the area of Traditional Authority Chimutu in Lilongwe has found financial success through manufacture and sell of cooking oil.
The dynamic group is manufacturing cooking oil trading under the name YWCDI Cooking oil which is being produced from sunflower seeds.
One of the members of the grouping, Emily Banda has indicated that initially, the group focused on sunflower farming, investing heavily in the venture.
However, despite their hardwork, profits were scarce, prompting them to explore alternative opportunities.
“Earlier this year, we then decided to diversify and venture into value addition, specifically producing cooking oil from sunflower,” Banda said.
With support from several organizations including Point of Progress and Oxfam Malawi, Banda says the group received training and effectively gained the required knowledge to commence cooking oil production.
“Our hardwork paid off and our cooking oil has already been pre-certified by the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS),” said Banda.
She said the success of their cooking oil business has been a game-changer as members of the grouping are now able to make ends meet.
“For us as girls, it’s not only about generating profits alone but also empowering ourselves,” She said.
Meanwhile, Chikko Lwesha, Head of Programmes and Advocacy at Point of Progress has expressed delight with the news.
“For us, what these girls are doing is a shining example of the power of entreprenuership and we believe their success story serves as an inspiration to others,” said Lwesha.
The cooking oil is being sold in some selected stores in Lilongwe and Point of Progress offices located in Area 6.
