In a resounding victory that showcased the transformative power of technical education, innovation, and resilience, Lalistu Debela, a Level III student at Holeta Polytechnic College, emerged as the national champion in the Fourth National Skills Competition, held from 6th ot 12th May, 2025.
Organized by the Ministry of Labor and Skills under the theme “Brilliant Minds with Skillful Citizens”, the event brought together Ethiopia’s youth innovators, and it was Lalistu who stole the show for turning banana peels into national pride.
Representing the Fruit and Vegetable Processing Department under the Industry Sector category, Lalistu captivated judges and audiences alike with a standout project on banana chips and banana peel powder, a simple yet ingenious solution addressing food waste, nutrition, and micro-enterprise potential.
A Vision Rooted in Innovation
“I joined the competition to prove what’s possible when you give value to what others throw away,” Lalistu reflects, still basking in the glow of her gold medal and 500,000 birr (USD3,661) grand prize, awarded in a ceremony graced by high-level dignitaries including H.E. Ms. Muferihat Kamil, Minister of Labor and Skills, and H.E. Dr. Teshale Barecha, State Minister.
Her winning entry stood out for both technical excellence and practical impact on communities. The banana chips, uniformly sliced and fried at optimal temperatures, were vacuum packed for shelf life of up to six months. While the banana peel powder, rich in potassium and fiber, was carefully processed for use in baking, smoothies, or animal feed. Both products exemplified food safety, sustainability, and market readiness, with packaging designs suited for small-scale enterprises.
Empowering Local Enterprise Through Skill
Lalistu’s project offered a replicable, low-capital model for income generation. By using locally sourced surplus produce and otherwise discarded banana peels, she demonstrated that agro-processing can be both profitable and environmentally responsible.
Lalistu showcased a strong command of key technical skills, including precise temperature control and frying techniques for producing high-quality banana chips. She demonstrated effective waste valorisation by drying and milling banana peels into fine, nutrient-rich powder. Her project also featured hygienic packaging and clear branding tailored for small-scale market access, alongside strict adherence to food safety standards and a focus on enhancing the nutritional value of the final products.
Such competence did not arise overnight. Lalistu’s journey began at the college level, winning first place for her mango juice and fresh strawberry packaging. She then triumphed at the cluster-level competition in Sebeta, presenting mango jam and carrot powder, and again at the regional competition in Adama, where her tomato ketchup scored an impressive 96 out of 100, earning her a gold medal and a smart tablet.
Mentorship and Grit
Lalistu’s success was shaped by the training and mentorship provided by Holeta Polytechnic College under the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP). The project provided her access to relevant lab equipment, industry attachments, internships which gave her practical exposure to agro-processing enterprises.
According to Mr. Diro Keneni, Head of the Agro-Processing Department, “This is exactly what EASTRIP aims to do: empower youth with practical skills and create pathways to entrepreneurship. Lalistu’s win shows that when training is aligned with local needs and innovation, it can change lives.”
Indeed, the project has highlighted how applied skills, not just theoretical knowledge, can empower students to tackle real-world problems like food loss, malnutrition, and youth unemployment.
Challenges Behind the Spotlight
The road to victory was not without hurdles. Sourcing raw materials during seasonal gaps, improvising lab tests with limited equipment, and balancing academics with hours of experimentation all tested Lalistu’s resolve.
“One of the hardest parts was perfecting the banana peel powder,” she shares. “It had a bitter taste and rough texture at first. I had to try many drying and grinding methods before getting it right.”
Public speaking posed another challenge — presenting to judges was a new experience, but with guidance from her instructors, she rose to the occasion.
Dreams Beyond the Prize
Lalistu plans to launch a small-scale production unit, invest in a solar dryer, secure proper packaging materials, and rent a facility for consistent output. But the dream doesn’t stop there.
“There’s still more I want to learn about food science, especially natural shelf-life extension and sustainable packaging,” she says. Part of her prize will fund further education.
Her long-term vision is to develop a brand rooted in community empowerment and innovation, one that sources from smallholder farmers, engages women-led cooperatives, and promotes nutritious, zero-waste products.
Already, Lalistu is exploring new ideas: flour blends from carrot and banana peel powder, and even fruit leathers made from overripe mangoes.
A Beacon of Possibility
Lalistu Debela’s journey is a testament to the power of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Her rise from college-level contests to national recognition underscores the importance of hands-on learning, local innovation, and determination.
As Ethiopia seeks to build a resilient, skilled workforce, Lalistu’s story offers inspiration to thousands of young people, especially women, who are eager to create value from challenges, not just compete but contribute, and not only dream but do.
From peel to prize, Lalistu has proven that skills can transform waste into wealth, knowledge into enterprise, and youth into national champions.
By Dawit Tadese, M&E Specialist for EASTRIP at Holeta Polytechnic College
