By Maggie Msongole
A group of resilient women from Mponela is spearheading a transformative initiative in local production by manufacturing high-quality, dust-free chalk that has earned certification from the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS).
This locally produced chalk—now proudly bearing the label Made in Malawi—presents a vital opportunity for the country to save foreign exchange, empower local communities, and reduce dependence on imports. However, the initiative emerges amidst mounting public frustration over persistent corruption and opaque procurement deals that continue to favor foreign suppliers.
The women-led enterprise has drawn widespread attention, with public figure Kondwani Kachamba Ngwira lauding their efforts in a viral social media post. He praised the product’s quality and called for urgent support in the form of machinery and capital to help scale production. Ngwira also proposed a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education (Basic Education) to create a stable domestic market for the chalk.
Looking ahead, Ngwira envisions expanding the initiative by establishing similar production hubs in Malawi’s Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Central regions. He emphasized the potential for economic impact: “If these women receive adequate support and can produce one million pieces of chalk a day, wouldn’t that help generate foreign exchange?”
This Chalk Revolution not only exemplifies innovation and self-reliance but also reinforces the broader national goal of strengthening local industry and preserving Malawi’s foreign currency reserves.
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