MUST TAGDev 2.0 Program

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭: 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐃𝐞𝐯 𝟐.𝟎 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀

As part of its continued efforts to build meaningful partnerships, the TAGDev 2.0 program at MUST) recently engaged the Civil Society Organisation Nutrition Alliance (CSONA) to explore areas of collaboration.

The engagement provided an opportunity to align shared priorities, particularly around food systems, nutrition and community impact.

During the meeting, TAGDev 2.0 Associate Program Coordinator, Dr Cecilia Maliwichi Nyirenda, gave an overview of the program, highlighting its focus on equipping young people with entrepreneurial skills, strengthening agri-food systems and promoting value addition in key value chains such as maize and soybeans.

She emphasized that TAGDev 2.0 goes beyond training, aiming to build a generation of innovators capable of transforming agriculture into a driver of jobs, wealth creation and improved livelihoods.

She also outlined potential areas of collaboration, especially in promoting sustainable food systems that not only increase production but also improve nutrition outcomes.

CSONA National Coordinator, Joseph Gausi, welcomed the initiative and acknowledged the program’s relevance to the national nutrition agenda.

He noted that the focus on food systems strongly resonates with their work, particularly in ensuring that what is produced contributes meaningfully to improved nutrition.

He highlighted the importance of linking agricultural production to dietary outcomes, stressing that increasing food availability must go hand in hand with promoting consumption of nutritious foods.

Gausi further said there are existing initiatives that could be built upon through this partnership, expressing openness to collaboration with TAGDev 2.0.

The engagement reflects TAGDev 2.0’s broader approach of working with key stakeholders to strengthen impact.

By fostering partnerships that connect agriculture, nutrition and entrepreneurship, the program continues to contribute to building resilient communities and advancing inclusive development.

Celebrating the hands that build, the minds that innovate, and the hearts that drive change. Happy Labour Day.

Meet our TAGDev 2.0 Scholar, Ms Sabina Kalimu.

𝐆𝐨𝐭 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐃𝐞𝐯 𝟐.𝟎 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩?

We’ve got answers! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to guide you through your application process.

Got more questions? Write them down in the comment section.

Meet our TAGDev 2.0 Scholar, Ms Ruth Kachigunda.

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭: 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐃𝐞𝐯 𝟐.𝟎 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The TAGDev 2.0 program at Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), in partnership with Charis Farms, recently conducted an impact tracing exercise across various districts in Malawi.

The objective was to assess the progress of incubates following the 2025 Agritech Hackathon Challenge.

The hackathon targeted young Malawian innovators working in the maize and soybean value chains.

Focus areas included value addition, processing, packaging, distribution, and digital solutions for market access.

Following a competitive pitching process, 24 incubates were selected.

They underwent intensive training and mentorship led by Mr Chifuniro Kandaya, founder of Charis Farms.

The training focused on mindset change, value addition, and pathways to accessing capital, including how incubates could mobilize and raise capital from their own means.

Within a month of the training, noticeable progress had been made.

Across different locations, incubates had begun producing a range of products.

These included instant soy-maize porridge, soy milk, yoghurt, baked products, and beverages, with all of these initiatives being self-funded.

In several cases, they had already started generating income and creating small-scale employment opportunities.

The impact tracing visit covered multiple incubates across the country, each demonstrating different levels of growth and innovation.

Many stories were documented, one of which being Balaka based Chisomo Aliko Joshua's Tinanala soy-maize porridge.

She shared how the TAGDev 2.0 program had transformed her livelihood.

“Through the program, I have gained the knowledge and confidence to turn what I had into a business. I started small, but now I am able to grow, sustain myself, and see a future in what I am building," said Joshua.

Previously dependent on a home-made water sachets selling business, she struggled to meet basic needs.

But through the training, she gained skills in value addition and business management.

She is now able to sustain herself through product sales and meet her financial obligations.

Speaking during the visit, Mr Wongani Langa, TAGDev 2.0 M&E Lead, encouraged the incubates to remain innovative and proactive.

He emphasized the importance of creativity and persistence in addressing youth unemployment.

The exercise confirmed that TAGDev 2.0 program in Malawi is yielding tangible results.

The transition from ideas to practical solutions is evident. More importantly, the impact extends beyond products to improved livelihoods at personal, family and community levels.

In the case of Joshua, the porridge is contributing towards nutritional well-being of people, especially children in her community.

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 🌿

May this Easter remind us of sacrifice and hope, as we continue to grow and make a positive impact in our communities.

𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐃𝐞𝐯 𝟐.𝟎 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩?

Join our live Q&A session and get all the guidance you need to complete your application with confidence.

📅 31st March 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM (CAT)
🔗 https://meet.google.com/bar-knzg-xxf

Don’t miss this opportunity to get your questions answered!

Meet our TAGDev 2.0 Scholar, Ms Hope Kafumbu.

2.0

𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐃𝐞𝐯 𝟐.𝟎 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

Do you have questions about the call for applications? Join our information session to learn more about the scholarship and the application process.

🔗 English Session: https://bit.ly/47Nmgpw

🔗 Other Sessions: https://bit.ly/4bx4rMo