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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