A young Malawian entrepreneur, Sylvester Chabuka Junior, is making waves in the country’s renewable energy and food processing sectors.
Through his innovative ventures, Chabuka is tackling environmental challenges while creating economic opportunities for marginalised communities.
Chabuka’s renewable energy company, Clean Heat Solutions, produces eco-friendly charcoal briquettes from waste materials. The company has trained over 600 people in alternative income generation and briquette production, creating seven direct jobs in the process.
“My goal is to make a positive impact on the environment and improve the livelihoods of rural communities,” Chabuka said.
In addition to Clean Heat Solutions, Chabuka is also the founder of Mtengowakumunda, a food processing company that produces nutritious porridge flour for vulnerable groups.
The company sources raw materials from rural farmers, providing them with drought-resistant seeds, training and a guaranteed market for their produce.
Chabuka’s innovative approach to entrepreneurship has earned him several prestigious awards, including the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Award and the Presidential Zikomo Award.
His commitment to sustainability and community development has also caught the attention of the National Planning Commission of Malawi.
“As we continue to grow our businesses, we dedicate to create positive change in our community we are not just producing briquettes. We are creating a sustainable livelihood for rural communities,” Chabuka explained.
One of his customers Nenani Chipoja has hailed Chabuka’s products, especially porridge calling them very nutritious meal a family can trust.
“As Malawians, we have to make it a habit to like our foods being locally produced. In doing so, we help in uplifting each other. On the other hand we are eating healthy foods,” explained Chipoja.
