Illovo Sugar disburses first K71.3 million in scholarships to 31 young women in STEM academic disciplines

* Illovo’s initial investment into the Fund was made in 2023 at K150 million and subsequently contributed K250 million and K100 million — bringing the total to K500 million

* This is more than a scholarship — it is an investment in talent, in opportunity, and in the belief that a young woman’s potential should never be limited simply because her family cannot afford university fees

By Duncan Mlanjira

Illovo Sugar Malawi Plc — which partnered with Malawi University of Science & Technology for its Endowment Fund — has effected the first scholarship funds of K71.3 million to support 31 young women pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programmes for MUST’s 2026/2027 academic year.

The announcement was made during MUST’s graduation ceremony on 6 August 2026 during MUST’s 7th Congregation on August 6 where the fund was renamed to Prof. Address Malata Endowment Fund — in honour of the university’s inaugural Vice-Chancellor, who retired after her 10-year tenure of office, that was marked with profound achievements — including the establishment of the Endowment Fund.

When presenting the investment, Illovo Sugar Malawi’s Human Resources Director, Khumbo Ntambo-Banda, addressed graduates, university leadership, government officials and the Congregation’s guest of honour, Minister of Education, Science & Technology, Bright Msaka, SC.

She unwrapped that Illovo Sugar Malawi’s initial investment into the Fund was made in 2023 at K150 million and subsequently contributed K250 million and K100 million, bringing the total to K500 million.

It was established in July 2022 to forever sustain teaching research and to assist needy deserving students’ fees and other academic needs — with priority given to young women pursuing STEM disciplines.

“This is more than a scholarship — it is an investment in talent, in opportunity, and in the belief that a young woman’s potential should never be limited simply because her family cannot afford university fees,” said Ntambo-Banda.

She further indicated that the initiative “reflects Illovo Sugar Malawi’s commitment to inclusive social impact and long-term human capital development”.

“As an employer in engineering, agriculture and manufacturing, the Illovo recognises the importance of widening access to STEM education and strengthening Malawi’s pipeline of skilled talent.”

Illovo Sugar Malawi also also emphasises that “investing in women’s education contributes to more diverse teams, stronger innovation and better business outcomes”.

“The scholarship recipients represent a long-term source of talent for Malawi’s industries, including the sugar sector and the wider national economy.”

Ntambo-Banda credited Prof. Malata, Malawi’s first woman to lead a public university, as the architect behind the Endowment Fund partnership with Illovo Sugar Malawi.

“Professor Malata understood that talent alone is not enough when financial hardship prevents capable students from entering or completing university.

“The Endowment Fund is a testament to her foresight and a living legacy that will continue opening doors long after today’s ceremony,” she said.

The K71.3 million disbursement for 2026/2027 academic year marks the Fund’s first payout and the beginning of Illovo Sugar Malawi’s long-term commitment to expanding access to STEM education in Malawi.

Listed on the Malawi Stock Exchange, Illovo Sugar Malawi Plc, is part of Illovo Sugar Africa Proprietary Limited, through Sucoma Holdings Limited, holding 76% of the issued share capital, with the balance held by the public and institutional investors.

Illovo Sugar Africa is one of Africa’s largest sugar producers, with agricultural and manufacturing operations in six African countries — Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Eswatini, Tanzania and Zambia.

Illovo Sugar Africa is a wholly owned subsidiary of Associated British Foods Plc in the United Kingdom.

Illovo Sugar Malawi has agricultural and milling operations at Dwangwa Estate in Nkhotakota and Nchalo Estate in Chikwawa — both factories producing raw and refined sugar, while the Nchalo factory also manufactures value-added speciality sugars.

All Illovo sugar sold into the local direct consumption market is fortified with Vitamin A, supporting efforts to address micronutrient deficiency, particularly among children under five.

Illovo Sugar Malawi spends approximately K1.1 billion on the fortification programme, benefiting an estimated two million people.

Illovo Sugar Malawi is one of the country’s largest private-sector employers, providing direct employment to approximately 9,000 permanent, seasonal and casual employees, and supporting an additional 5,000 direct and indirect contractors — creating approximately 14,000 jobs.

The Company also supports an estimated 5,200 smallholder cane farmers through various smallholder schemes and contributes to the national economy through taxes, export earnings and local value chains.