Takulandilani ku CATRAS kuno ku Malawi
Lumikizani ndi kukula maganizo a buzinesi ya ulimi ndi kugulitsa za ulimi ndi CATRAS – Malo ophunzilako za bizinesi ya ulimi kuno ku Malawi.
Connect, learn, and grow with CATRAS – your knowledge hub for Agribusiness innovation and community in Malawi.
admin@catrasmalawi.org Tel: +265 987 096 844 +265 893 262 575
Room 1, St Jeromy , M1 Road, Mpemba ,Blantyre Malawi
Welcome to CATRAS ,the Agribusiness Knowledge Hub in Malawi
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We deliver practical training, credible research, and trusted advisory services to support agribusiness growth, innovation, and sustainability.
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Working with partners across the public and private sectors, we turn knowledge into impact
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CATRAS offers a wide range of courses in Agribusiness management, designed to empower individuals and professionals to excel in their careers.
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Our mission is to provide practical life long learning, research and advisory services to unlock Malawi's Agribusiness supply chain potential and make a meaningful and sustainable impact .
Discover new opportunities, gain valuable skills, and take your career or business to the next level with our diverse services.
Welcome to the Centre for Agribusiness Training, Research and Services (CATRAS).
We serve as a premier agribusiness knowledge hub committed to strengthening agribusiness systems through specialised training, research, and professional advisory services.
Takulandilani ku Centre for Agribusiness Training, Research and Services (CATRAS).
Ife ndi a kwatswiri ophunzitsa ndi kupanga kafukufuku wamphanvu wa bizinesi ya ulimi ndinso ndikusunga nzeru pofuna kulimbikitsa dongosolo ku zonse zokhuzana ndi buzinesi ya ulimi kuti ilimbe ndi kupitilira mwa mphanvu
CATRAS Services
Explore our diverse range of courses and services that cater to different interests and career paths.
Our courses are designed to provide in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience to help you thrive in your chosen field.
Professional Development
Certificate in Agribusiness & International Business Management
Focus: Fundamentals of agribusiness with an international outlook
Key topics:
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Agribusiness value chains
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Introduction to international business
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Agricultural marketing (local & export markets)
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Basics of agribusiness finance
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Trade terms (Incoterms) and cross-border transactions
Target group:
Small and medium agribusiness owners, cooperatives, extension officers, start-ups
Diploma in Agribusiness and International Business Management coming soon
Professional Development
Executive Programme in Agribusiness, International Markets & Value Chains
Focus: Leadership, investment, and global market integration
Key topics:
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Global agribusiness strategy
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International market entry and expansion
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Regional and global value chains
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Trade policy and agribusiness diplomacy
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Public–private partnerships and investment
Target group:
Senior executives, policymakers, investors, donor and private-sector leaders
Short Executive Courses (Donors & Corporates)
Executive Short Course Options
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Agribusiness & Export Readiness (5 days)
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International Agribusiness Value Chains (3–5 days)
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Agribusiness Investment & Market Access (3 days)
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Courses
CPD Course Options
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Agribusiness & Export Readiness (5 days)
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International Agribusiness Value Chains (3–5 days)
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Agribusiness Investment & Market Access (3 days)
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Agribusiness Advisory Skills – 24 CPD credits
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Value Chain Analysis & Development – 24 CPD credits
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Climate-Smart Agribusiness – 20 CPD credits
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Agribusiness Financial Management – 18 CPD credits
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Cooperative Governance & Leadership – 18 CPD credits
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Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) – 30 CPD credits
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Project Design & Proposal Writing – 24 CPD credits
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Market Access & Buyer Readiness – 18 CPD credits
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Post-Harvest Management & Value Addition – 18 CPD credits
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Digital Tools for Agribusiness – 15 CPD credits
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Gender & Social Inclusion in Agribusiness – 15 CPD credits
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Agricultural Policy Analysis & Regulation – 18 CPD credits
Industry Partnerships
Expert Instructors researchers and advisors
We collaborate with industry leaders to develop industry-relevant content, and our courses are led by experienced instructors with real-world expertise.Stay ahead in the fast-paced world with CATRAS research services. We provide evidence-based agribusiness research services that support enterprises, value chains, and institutions to improve performance, access markets, and achieve sustainable growth.
Apply now
Certificate in Agribusiness Entrepreneurship & SME Development
Explore our specialised course tailored to meet the specific demands of today's dynamic job market.
2. Certificate in Value Chain Development & Market Access
Embark on a learning journey with our in-depth course that provides a solid foundation in your area of interest.
Excecutive Certificate in Value Chain Development & Market Access
Eevate your skills and career prospects with this comprehensive program.
Diploma in Agribusiness Entrepreneurship & SME Developmentiew Course
Explore our specialised course tailored to meet the specific demands of today's dynamic job market.
2. Certificate in Value Chain Development & Market Access
Embark on a learning journey with our in-depth course that provides a solid foundation in your area of interest. Elevate your skills and career prospects with this comprehensive program.
The Team
Gibson Kauta
Chairman Board of Governors
Menye Blackstock
Founder - Strategy and Training Director
Godfrey Banda
Research Director
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Innocent Mwenye
Sustainable Development Programme Director
CATRAS is backed by a team of experienced professionals, industry specialists, and a robust researchers.
We combine deep sector knowledge with hands on expertise to provide solutions that are innovative, impactful, and aligned with current market demands.
CATRAS is an education, research, and consultancy organisation that works with individuals, investors, donors, and strategic partners to translate evidence-based knowledge into scalable, real world solutions in Malawi. Operating across business, agribusiness, and sustainable development, CATRAS designs and delivers training programmes, applied research, and strategic advisory services that strengthen organisational capacity and drive measurable impact. Our work is grounded in academic rigour and informed by practical, field based experience.
Chairman and Board of Governors
CATRAS is guided by an Expert Board of professionals drawn from academia, industry, agribusiness, public health, and development practice. Led by Mr Gibson Kauta, an agribusiness expert with decades of service in government, the Board provides strong governance, independent oversight, and technical guidance to ensure CATRAS operates in line with donor, regulatory, and ethical standards. Drawing on deep public sector and sectoral experience, the Board oversees accountability, risk management, and evidence-based decision making ensuring CATRAS delivers credible, compliant, and high-impact outcomes that create sustainable value for donors, partners, and communities.
Mr Gibson John C Kauta is the Chairman of the Board of Governors at CATRAS, bringing over 30 years of senior experience in agriculture, irrigation, agribusiness development, and public sector leadership. He holds an MSc in Irrigation Agronomy from New Mexico State University (USA) and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Malawi. Mr Kauta has led and managed major donor-funded programmes supported by institutions including the African Development Bank, the European Union, DFID, and GIZ, with a strong focus on irrigation development, climate resilience, horticultural value chains, and smallholder farmer empowerment.
As Chairman, Mr Kauta provides strategic governance and independent oversight, ensuring CATRAS operates in line with donor, regulatory, and ethical standards. His extensive government service and agribusiness expertise strengthen CATRAS’ accountability, risk management, and commitment to delivering credible, compliant, and high-impact outcomes for donors, partners, and communities.
He is supported by the experts in various fields namely Dr Noah A Phiri -Research Scientist ,Chifundo Manyungwa University Lecturer , Andrew Nkoloma- Engineer (Renewable Energy), Dickson Banda- Vocational Trainer (TAVETA), Mrs Mambulu- Accountant, Rexy Tolani- Agribusiness Expert, Pempho Mwinjilo- Economist (Ministry FA), Clement Mlodzi - Lecturer (LUANAR) Ester Majawa- Farmer and Aisha Makanyanga MSc Agribusiness Management Student.
Founding Director -Strategy and Training Programme Management
Menye is the Founder and Lead Consultant of CATRAS. She is a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) candidate with research focus in sustainable Agri food supply chain management with the University of Portsmouth (UK). She holds Postgraduate Masters degree in International Business specialising in Trade and Transport-UK and Economics undergraduate degree from Catholic University of East Africa(Kenya). She brings over two decades of professional experience across international development, humanitarian logistics, and higher/further education. Starting off her career with ADMARC HQ as Logistics Officer, She has held senior supply chain and administration leadership roles with organisations such as Oxfam GB and Merlin International across South and East Africa and the UK. Following her formal Post graduate teaching qualification (PGCE) from University of Huddersfield (UK), Menye has spent recent years teaching Business Studies and Business Management across further and higher education institutions in UK. Menye leads CATRAS’ training programme design, research, and consultancy work, combining academic rigour with real world practice to deliver evidence-based solutions that support sustainable agribusiness, resilient supply chains, and long term impact.
Through CATRAS, she applies her Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) research in sustainable Agri food supply chain management to inform training, research, and consultancy practice for her home country Malawi. Menye translate strategic insight into practical capacity building across agribusiness supply chain, food systems, and related sectors, driving sustainable growth and long-term impact. Guided by integrity, systems thinking, and a long-term investment mindset, Menye leads CATRAS in aligning knowledge, strategy, and execution to drive sustainable growth and shared impact.
Research Director -Research and Programme Management
Godfrey is a public health, Epidemiology and research specialist whose work aligns strongly with CATRAS’ mission of bridging theory and practice to deliver sustainable, real world impact. Godfrey holds a Master of Science in Epidemiology from the College of Medicine, Malawi alongside a Bachelor of Science in Health Management and another in Public Health. He also holds an Advanced Diploma in Project Management supported by extensive professional certifications in clinical research, monitoring and evaluation, data analysis (SPSS, meta-analysis), human centred design, and public health programme management. With advanced academic training and experience leading large scale health programmes and research studies, Godfrey brings both academic rigour and practical leadership. Alongside his public health work, he has a long standing passion for agribusiness, with years of hands on experience as a Horticulture Representative for the Southern Region of Malawi, working directly with farmers, value chains, and agricultural stakeholders.
This dual expertise allows him to connect health, agriculture, and sustainability in meaningful ways. At CATRAS, Godfrey contributes deep knowledge in research leadership, programme design, stakeholder engagement, agribusiness systems, and data driven decision making which supports CATRAS’ commitment to evidence based strategy, applied learning, and cross sector impact.
Sustainable Programme Director - Consultancy, Policy and Advisory Services Management
Mwenye is an agriculture and community development specialist with over a decade of experience across agribusiness, agricultural extension, research, and inclusive community programming. Mwenye is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Development Studies at the University of Malawi, with a focus on development planning, political economy, and policy analysis. He holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Development Studies from the Catholic University of Malawi and a Diploma in Agriculture from the Natural Resources College. His academic training is complemented by professional certifications in monitoring and evaluation, research methods, environmental and social safeguards, data analysis, and agribusiness-related specialisations, strengthening his ability to integrate academic insight with applied development practice. With a strong academic foundation in development studies and agriculture, and ongoing postgraduate training in policy and development analysis, he integrates academic insight with field based practice to deliver evidence-informed, community-led solutions.
Mwenye has worked across government, donor-funded programmes, and civil society, supporting farmer institutions, climate smart agriculture, and integrated livelihood initiatives. At CATRAS, he contributes expertise in applied research, agribusiness systems, academic analysis, and community engagement, advancing CATRAS’ mission to bridge theory and practice for sustainable impact.
CATRAS works with a network of visiting professionals who bring specialised expertise in training, research, and applied practice across agribusiness, supply chains, public health, education, and sustainable development. Our visiting trainers and researchers are experienced practitioners and academics who contribute to programme delivery, applied research, policy analysis, and capacity building initiatives.
These professionals support CATRAS’ mission to bridge theory and practice by delivering high-quality training, conducting evidence-based research, and providing technical input aligned with donor, institutional, and community needs. Through flexible engagement, visiting professionals strengthen CATRAS’ programmes, partnerships, and impact across local, national, and international contexts.
Visiting Professionals – Trainers ,Researchers, Consultants, Policy Analysist and Agribusiness Advisors
admin@catrasmalawi.org Tel: +265987096844 +265893262575