Update on Grace's Briquette Project

Angus Coull • April 9, 2024

Sustainable production a step closer, thanks to True Origin Partnerships

Good news from Malawi. Last year we learned that Grace’s Briquette Project had successfully managed to produce much needed cooking fuel from the husks of the Fair Trade Kilombero Rice. Two groups of women after building their own premises were able to produce high quality fuel briquettes in large quantities.

The briquettes are a great alternative to walking miles to cut and collect wood to cook with. The project was the brainchild of Grace Mwanguti.

A lengthy delay in achieving mains electricity connection for the buildings in the Karonga District of Northern Malawi did not deter them. The briquette machines were then found to have been supplied with incorrect motors and new motors had to be purchased. Grace continued to inspire the women around her with her commitment, determination and vision of a women’s cooperative.

True Origin Partnerships (formerly The Balmore Trust) was able to support Howard Msukwa to go on a fact finding visit to a group in the south of Malawi who successfully produce briquettes using the same machines. The information gained from that visit resulted in the women successfully producing their first batch of briquettes, a wonderful outcome for everyone involved. Despite the delays the project has become a focus for the women in the community to come together, with the buildings being used as a place for them to gather socially to or to pursue other projects, in itself a worthwhile achievement.

So the next phase was to look at how to take this forward as a viable business. Fast forward to April 2024 and True Origin Partnerships are working with a Malawi based Business Consultant, Khwima Singini, to gather information that will inform a business plan. This week Khwima met with both groups of women to discuss their plans. We look forward to the next steps and wish them all the very best.

Thanks to Howard Msukwa for providing the update and images.

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A woman standing at church fair trade stall with lots of delicious fair trade products available

How to Run a True Origin Fair Trade Stall at Your Church

By Nicola Taylor • July 3, 2026

A Fair Trade stall is about so much more than selling tea, coffee and chocolate. Every purchase supports smallholder farmers and producers who are working incredibly hard to build sustainable livelihoods in the face of climate change, rising fuel costs and an unpredictable global market. For many of the communities we work with, having reliable customers is essential. By running a True Origin stall at your church, you become part of that support network, helping to create regular demand for products that often aren't available in supermarkets or high street shops. Whether your church is passionate about global justice, caring for creation or simply making a practical difference, a Fair Trade stall is a simple but powerful way to turn those values into action. Start Small You don't need a huge team or a large budget to get started. Begin by talking with your church leaders about the idea. Many churches are happy to provide a small loan or donation to purchase initial stock, particularly if it can be repaid gradually as sales grow. Remember that most of the income from a stall is best reinvested into buying more stock rather than raising money for church funds. This helps keep the stall sustainable and ensures producers continue to receive orders. If you're new to running a stall, don't worry, you won't be on your own. The True Origin team and experienced Fair Traders are always happy to share advice and practical tips.