Imagine tasting a piece of rich, velvety chocolate, crafted from beans grown in the lush fields of Malawi, Kwanza Cocoa, one of the country’s artisanal chocolate companies, is turning this dream into a reality.
Founded by Wezi Mzumara, a Malawian born entrepreneur with a passion for chocolate making, the company is crafting a new story for the country’s cocoa industry.
Mzumara’s journey into chocolate making began after she pursued her education in the UK, earning a BA in Media, Culture, and Communications from the University of Greenwich. Initially, she aimed for a career in public relations and events in the fashion industry.
However, after returning to Malawi, her career took a different direction during the COVID pandemic, leading her to fully immerse herself in cocoa farming and chocolate making.
Kwanza Cocoa’s roots date back to 2013 when Mzumara started experimenting with cocoa farming and chocolate production in her kitchen. The company was officially registered in 2021.
Kwanza Cocoa specialises in bean to bar craft chocolate production, adding value to local cocoa through handcrafted chocolate products.
“We are celebrating Malawian cocoa by producing high-quality, single origin craft chocolate that supports local farmers, promotes sustainable agriculture, and tells an authentic African cocoa story to the world,” said Mzumara.
With a small but dedicated team of 12 people, Kwanza Cocoa produces a variety of craft chocolate bars, including dark, milk, and white bars. The company also supplies to bakeries and cafes and offers custom chocolates for events.
“Our target market includes local and regional chocolate enthusiasts, corporate clients, health conscious consumers, tourists and premium hospitality clients,” added Mzumara.
Kwanza Cocoa’s cocoa farm is situated in Luwazi, Nkhata Bay, while its production facility is based in Mzuzu, Northern Malawi.
The company plans to increase its production capacity, expand into regional and international markets, and launch a flagship chocolate café experience. Additionally, Kwanza Cocoa aims to introduce more inclusive training and partnership models for Malawian cocoa farmers to strengthen the supply chain.
Despite facing challenges such as limited access to specialised chocolate making equipment and high production costs, Kwanza Cocoa remains committed to stay afloat.
“Sustainability is at our core. We use local, organic practices on the farm, prioritise direct trade with farmers, minimise packaging waste and focus on long-term soil health and biodiversity on our plantation,” said Mzumara.
Kwanza Cocoa has collaborated with various institutions, including the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institute (SMEDI) and the Malawi Bureau of Standards, to enhance its business planning, market analysis, and brand positioning.
With these partnerships, the company is poised to make a significant impact in Malawi’s cocoa industry and beyond.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade and Industry recognises the potential of Kwanza Cocoa in contributing to Malawi’s economic growth and development, saying it is committed to supporting the company’s growth.
“We will continue to provide a conducive environment for businesses like Kwanza Cocoa to thrive, through initiatives such as capacity building and market access programs,” said Patrick Botha, spokesperson for Ministery of Trade and Industry.
