COMSIP COOPERATIVE
UNION LIMITED
NEWS
Likoma DC Calls on COMSIP members to Launch Culture‑Driven Enterprises
By Mercy Chaluma
Likoma Island District Commissioner Abubakar Nkhoma called on COMSIP groups on the island to take proactive steps in establishing unique businesses that reflect local culture and meet community needs.
Speaking at the closing of the Cooperative Member Education training by the Ministry of Trade under the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project whose Livelihoods Support Programme COMSIP is implementing, Nkhoma emphasized the potential of bakery and poultry enterprises.
“We need to move away from relying on handouts and instead focus on building sustainable businesses that can drive economic growth,” he said. “The bakery concept is particularly promising, given the cultural tradition on Likoma of serving tea and scones at any time of day.” He added that, unlike the mainland where full meals dominate public events, Likoma’s tea‑culture presents a lucrative opportunity for local entrepreneurs.
The DC expressed gratitude to COMSIP Cooperative Union for training two clusters – one from Chizumulu and one from Likoma – in Cooperative Member Education. “This initiative is a meaningful step toward empowering women economically. We appreciate the efforts of COMSIP in teaching individuals to grow their savings from just a few Kwacha to substantial amounts,” he noted. “The COMSIP model is transformative; it has the potential to change the lives of COMSIP members and their families, and we are committed to supporting it.”
Nkhoma also commended the Government of Malawi, particularly the Ministry of Trade, for providing the cooperative‑member education. “This programme is a vital component in strengthening local entrepreneurship and sustainable development,” he added.
Two cooperatives – one for each island – were trained during the week and are expected to be formally registered soon.
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