Wezi Sesela Mzumara is the Founder of Kwanza Cocoa, a purpose-driven enterprise committed to building a sustainable cocoa supply chain in Malawi since 2013. This long-term vision culminated in the launch of Kwanza Cocoa’s craft chocolate line in 2021, featuring distinctive flavors such as coffee, mango, and chili, made from cocoa beans sourced directly from the company’s farm and neighboring smallholder farms.

Under Wezi’s leadership, Kwanza Cocoa has expanded into a diverse product portfolio that includes cocoa powder, choco-nut spreads, and a range of confectioneries, while maintaining a strong focus on quality, traceability, and sustainability. The company operates seven outlets nationwide and plants over 3,000 cocoa trees annually, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term agricultural resilience.

Through initiatives such as the outgrowers program, Wezi has empowered youth and women farmers in Luwazi, with over 30 registered farmers supported and 20 new cocoa plantations established across the country. Kwanza Cocoa’s operations align closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including responsible production, land preservation, and gender inclusion, with 60% of its workforce being women.

Driven by a passion for exploring African foods and flavors, Wezi integrates indigenous ingredients into chocolate to reflect the brand’s ethos of “Chocolate for the African Palate.” Having spent part of her life outside the continent, she continues to learn and engage deeply with Africa’s diverse food cultures. Through the fellowship, she seeks to gain deeper insights into traditional foods, their nutritional benefits, and how they can be transformed into healthy, innovative treats, while collaborating with chefs and food innovators across Africa.

Wezi looks forward to exchanging ideas, learning from fellow changemakers, and contributing to the growing global recognition of African culinary innovation.