Youths in Zomba and Blantyre have expressed optimism that the Innovation Youth Fund will transform their livelihood.
National Youth Council of Malawi extended grants to the youth this year to boost their businesses.
In Zomba, Egg Care Innovations received K4.8 million which boosted the business.
Speaking in an interview, the firm’s founder Christopher Trapence said he used the money to buy materials for manufacturing incubators.
He said that the support marked a turning point for his enterprise.
Said Trapence: “Before the support, production was slow, profits were thin and expansion seemed out of reach.
“With the grant, we produce 13 incubators monthly. We sell the larger ones at K1.1 million each and the smaller ones at K350 000. This rapid growth enabled me to hire two technicians, which has improved efficiency and technical capacity.”
In Blantyre, Ingwazi Shoes Enterprise in Chilobwe Township is also thriving after the grant from the council.
Twenty-year-old Fortunate Peter, who owns the business, said he started operating in 2020
He said the fund has helped him to scale up production from 30 to 500 shoes monthly, courtesy of a heavy-duty industrial shoe sewing machine he bought using the grant.
Said Peter: “The new machine is a game-changer as it has boosted production capacity, improved quality and enabled the team to compete in both local and regional markets.
“I have employed other youths to work at my workshop. I do not want the youth to loiter in streets.”
National Youth Council executive director Rex Chapota said the stories of Egg Care Innovations and Ingwazi Shoes Enterprise reflect the aspirations of the council’s youth policy (2023–2028), which emphasises youth-led innovation, entrepreneurship and employment creation.
“In addition, it brings to life the council’s strategic plan pillar on youth economic empowerment, entrepreneurship and innovations, demonstrating how targeted support can turn youth ideas into sustainable ventures that contribute to national development.”
