The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), through Department of Engineering, between October 6 and 29, 2025 conducted a Distillery Operations and Safety training for plant operators and assistant plant operators at Ethanol Company Limited (EthCo) in Dwangwa.

The training, involving 12 staff members, was conducted in two phases and facilitated by Engineering lecturers Jona Gowa Nyirenda, Associate Professor Hankie Uluko, and McPhancio Nkhoma.

The training focused on enhancing operator competence in ethanol production processes, plant safety, and process optimization. 

Speaking during closing ceremony in Dwangwa where participants received certificates of attendance, EthCo chief executive officer Lusubilo Chakaniza, thanked MUST “for going the extra mile by stepping out of the classroom into the industry”. 

“This initiative marks a significant milestone as MUST becomes one of the first universities to offer tailor-made training programs, specifically designed for the manufacturing sector. I look forward to seeing this partnership between our two institutions grow and yield mutual benefits,” she Chakaniza. 

She urged participants to apply the knowledge gained not only to solve challenges in their daily work but drive innovation too. 

One of the participants, Harold Anthony, thanked EthCo management the training, saying the knowledge gained in distillery operations will greatly enhance effectiveness and safely. 

“I also extend our appreciation to the facilitators for their dedication and commitment to ensuring that the training content was thoroughly covered—even going beyond expectations to ensure we fully understood the material,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of MUST, Dr Uluko hailed EthCo for investing in the training as it will help to bring rewards in efficient, sustainable and safe production of ethanol. 

“The training is a result of an MoU that MUST has with EthCo and we hope that there will be more partnership activities in the future. We also applaud the participants for the commitment as they attended all training sessions and showed through their active participation and total commitment,” he said, adding participants also evaluated the training and their feedback would greatly improve future offerings.

This collaboration demonstrates MUST’s growing partnership with industry and commitment to solving industry challenges.