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Writer's pictureThomas Mkwapatira

University of Malawi Students Visit Phalombe Enterprise Development Center: A Glimpse into the Future of Value Addition

On August 20, 2024, the Phalombe Enterprise Development Center (EDC), operated by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institute (SMEDI), welcomed a group of 15 final-year students and 3 lecturers from the University of Malawi’s (UNIMA) Applied Sciences Department. This visit was part of an organized field trip aimed at providing students with practical exposure to value addition processes—a critical component of their academic journey as they prepare to enter the industry.


The University of Malawi Students pose for a photo



The students and lecturers were warmly received by the Center’s Administrator, Jessie Matunga. Emmanuel Chiwaya, the Center Supervisor, and Factory Manager, delivered welcoming remarks, setting a positive tone for the day. Dr. Victoria Ndolo, Head of the Applied Sciences Department, expressed the purpose of the visit, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience in value addition for the students’ future careers.

The primary objective of the visit was to familiarize the students with the value addition equipment and processes at the Phalombe EDC. The visit was designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the operational aspects of these machines, the processes involved, and the requirements for utilizing such facilities.


The Students being briefed by Mrs Matunga.



The visit began with a brief introduction to SMEDI and the Phalombe EDC. The students were then taken on a guided tour of the facility, where they observed the various machines in operation. One of the highlights of the visit was a detailed demonstration of the High-Quality Cassava Flour machine, which sparked a lively Q&A session between the students, lecturers, and EDC staff.

The visit was a significant learning experience for the students, who were able to see firsthand the operations of value addition machinery and understand the practical aspects of their studies. They left the EDC with a deeper appreciation of the industry and a strong interest in utilizing the facility in the future.


The Students look on as EDC Staff demonstrates



The visit to Phalombe EDC was a success, providing the University of Malawi students with invaluable insights and experiences that will undoubtedly benefit them as they transition into the workforce. SMEDI remains committed to supporting the growth and development of young entrepreneurs in Malawi by providing access to cutting-edge facilities and expertise.

We look forward to welcoming more students and industry professionals to our centers across the country, as we continue to play a vital role in the development of Malawi’s SME sector.

Phalombe EDC operates several plants that are open to the public for a small fee. In addition, EDC offers training in a number of productions. These plants include a high-quality cassava plant, a fruit juice making plant, a sauce making plant, a hot chili production plant, a honey extraction plant, and a candle making machine.

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