A group of like-minded youths from Kasungu district has come together to form a thriving business venture that is changing their lives economically.
The group, made up of 75 active members, has setup a cooking oil processing plant operating under the name Noninoni processing company.
The company is producing high-quality cooking oil that has become a symbol of hope and empowerment.
For Mary Chikanda, one of the members of the group, said that the company has been a game-changer.
“Through the production of cooking oil, we have found a way to escape poverty and support our families,” Chikanda said.
The company’s success story began when the youths, all members of the Noninoni youth club, came together to form a business venture.
With the support of Total Land Care, an organization that provided technical assistance through a project called Transform Project, the group was able to establish a thriving oil processing company.
The group procures sunflower seeds from local farmers, carefully sort it and process it into cooking oil using industrial machines.
“The end product, Noninoni cooking oil, is not only a staple in many households but also a testament to the power of value addition,” said Chikanda.
Through the initiative, the youths have become ambassadors of value addition in the surrounding communities.
“We have learned that by adding value to our raw materials, we can create jobs, stimulate economic growth and improve our livelihoods,” She added.
The “Transform Project”, which is being implemented in Kasungu district with support from the Norwegian Church Aid and Dan Church Aid (NCA/DCA), has been instrumental in providing technical support to the group.
According to Total Land Care, the project is focusing on promoting sustainable livelihoods and value addition as one way of enabling youths to turn their passion into employment.
