The Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) says Malawi could unlock significant export opportunities in the international sesame market if it can consistently meet global quality and safety standards.
Speaking during a training session in Blantyre on Method Validation for Food Quality and Safety Testing, MBS Deputy Director General Thom Senganimalunje said quality concerns have hindered the country’s ability to fully benefit from sesame exports, particularly to Japan.
Senganimalunje said Malawi’s sesame exports to Japan have been growing, but the country is still facing serious quality challenges, with around 70 percent of exports been returned on quality issues.
Senganimalunje noted that the project will help to build MBS’s capacity through technical training, procurement of equipment, and support for accreditation to boost the sesame export market.
“It will ensure that the analytical methods employed in our laboratories are reliable, accurate, and fit for their intended purposes. This, in turn, will lead to trustworthy results and more efficient laboratory operations.
- Advertisement -
“When a product is being shipped to international markets, it has to meet several minimum requirements. So things like contaminations, pesticide residue, or improper grading are some of the reasons why these shipments will be turned back to Malawi.,” Senganimalunje said.
The training which is focusing on method validation in analytical testing laboratories, is part of the Sesame Export Promotion Project, a one-year initiative running from March 2025 to February 2026.
The project is being led by the World Food Programme (WFP) in partnership with MBS, with $1 million financing support from the government of Japan.
The training is being facilitated by the National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA).
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
WFP Deputy Country Director Simon Denhere said meeting strict food safety and certification standards is crucial if Malawi is to benefit from regional and international trade.
He reiterated WFP’s commitment to helping Malawi build resilient, inclusive, and market-oriented agricultural systems.
“The training is a strategic investment in Malawi’s ability to compete in structured markets. Method validation is at the heart of reliable laboratory testing. It ensures that analytical methods are scientifically sound, reproducible, and credible, enabling confidence in test results and compliance with international standards.
“A key part of this is strengthening quality infrastructure and laboratory systems, which are critical for both safeguarding public health and unlocking Malawi’s export potential, particularly for high-value crops like sesame,” Denhere said.
In February of this year, MBS and WFP signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a framework for cooperation in achieving shared objectives which include improving food quality, enhancing livelihoods, and increasing market access for Malawian products.
