Nellie Ndalama, a 23-year-old entrepreneur from Machinjiri Township in Blantyre is making waves in the agribusiness with her popular chilli sauce brand, Nellie’s Hot Sauce.
After being awarded a scholarship under the ‘Ana Patsogolo Programme’, Nellie studied horticulture at DAPP Mikolongwe Vocational School where she acquired technical and entrepreneurial skills.
With an initial investment of K152,000 into production, Nellie’s business generates approximately K500,000 monthly, selling 250 bottles of chilli sauce at K2,000 each.
“I saw a gap in the market for locally made, quality chilli sauce. So, I decided to create a product that reflects our local ingredients and flavours,” said Nellie.
Nellie’s venture not only provides income but also fuels a local ecosystem by sourcing ingredients from nearby farmers, supporting local packaging suppliers and engaging graphic designers.
During peak demand, she also hires friends from the community, offering them short-term paid work.
As a role model, Nellie is inspiring many girls in Machinjiri to believe in their potential to change their future through vocational training and business.
“She is not just a young entrepreneur but also a role model. Many girls in Machinjiri now believe it is possible to transform their lives through vocational training and business,” said Mariana Tambala .
Looking ahead, Nellie plans to expand her product line, explore new markets and increase her production.
