USAP Alumni Launch Dande Foods - Creating Impact in Binga With Indigenous Food Products

Two USAP Alums, Blossom Kafumbata and Mark Mumpande (USAP Class of 2018) founded Dande Foods with the goal to transform overlooked local resources into products that create income, preserve culture and strengthen local food systems. Today, Dande Foods develops products from indigenous ingredients while working to strengthen local supply chains and create economic opportunities in rural communities. Their first product is Tamarind Twist, a 100% natural tamarind juice, offering a refreshing taste and healthy alternative to fizzy drinks while celebrating an ingredient many Zimbabweans already know and love. 

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Blossom and Mark shared their journeys to creating Dande with us below. 

“I was part of the USAP Class of 2018, which opened pathways for me to pursue higher education abroad. I went on to study Chemical Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, graduating in the top 10% of my class, before completing an MPhil in Industrial Systems Engineering at the University of Cambridge as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar. Growing up in Zimbabwe and later studying abroad shaped my belief that innovation and entrepreneurship can create opportunities within local communities. This perspective led to Dande Foods, a venture focused on combining indigenous Zimbabwean ingredients with community impact and sustainable business.” 

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“My academic journey began in Binga, where I completed my Ordinary Level studies at Tinde High School before moving to Hwange to attend Gebhuza High School for my Advanced Level studies. It was during this time that I joined the USAP Class of 2018, an opportunity that exposed me to global education and entrepreneurship. In 2023, I graduated from EARTH University with a Licentiate degree in Agricultural Sciences, where my passion for sustainable agriculture, food systems, and rural development deepened. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree at the University of Florida in the Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, focusing on soil health and sustainable crop production. These experiences have played a major role in shaping the vision behind Dande Foods.” 

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Dande Foods began from a simple observation: many indigenous African foods and drought resilient crops are nutritious, culturally significant and naturally suited to local climates, yet they remain underutilised and undervalued. Our interest in Binga came from recognising both the richness of local natural resources and the economic challenges faced by communities there. Binga has strong cultural heritage and access to ingredients such as tamarind, but limited opportunities for local value addition. We saw potential to create products people enjoy while supporting livelihoods within the community. 

Mark, who is originally from the Binga area, played an important role in building relationships with local communities and helping us better understand the opportunities and challenges on the ground. 

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Today, Dande Foods develops products from indigenous ingredients while working to strengthen local supply chains and create economic opportunities in rural communities. Our first product is Tamarind Twist, a 100% natural tamarind juice, offering a refreshing taste and healthy alternative to fizzy drinks while celebrating an ingredient many Zimbabweans already know and love.

Dande Foods creates impact by sourcing tamarind directly from pickers in Binga, giving several local suppliers a more consistent market for their produce. Traditionally, many sold small quantities by the roadside at lower prices, whereas our ongoing supply relationships help create more reliable income opportunities from local resources. Beyond sourcing, we support community initiatives through partnerships with organisations such as Amaani Foundation, contributing to programmes linked to children’s homes and prisoner rehabilitation, and Ndinewe Foundation, supporting mental health awareness campaigns. Dande Foods currently employs approximately 6 people and is actively raising funding to expand production and grow the team as demand increases. Our long term vision is to create sustainable jobs, strengthen local supply chains and build greater value around indigenous Zimbabwean ingredients. 

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Dande Foods currently produces Tamarind Twist, a 100% natural tamarind juice made from tamarind sourced in Zimbabwe. Tamarind is an ingredient many Zimbabweans grew up consuming in different forms, making the product both nostalgic and familiar while offering a refreshing ready to drink beverage. Our products are designed for Zimbabweans who value natural ingredients and are interested in locally produced foods that celebrate indigenous crops and flavours. More broadly, Dande Foods aims to show that traditional African ingredients can be transformed into modern, high quality products with wider market appeal. 

Dande tamarind juice is currently available through selected vendors and direct orders in Zimbabwe, with plans to continue expanding distribution as production grows. 

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 To keep up with Dande Foods, visit their social media channels listed below.The Dande Foods Team regularly shares product updates, stockist information and community activities through these platforms.

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LinkedIn: Dande Foods Limited (https://www.linkedin.com/company/dande-foods-limited/?viewAsMember=true) 

Facebook: Dande Foods (https://www.facebook.com/people/Dande-Foods/61564438783124/) 

‍WhatsApp Orders: +263 77 421 7615.