National Youth Council of Malawi executive director Rex Chapota says the Youth Innovation Fund will empower youths in Mchinji economically.
He said this on Wednesday after two innovators Aubrey Chidziwitsano and Elizabeth Teleka received K12.9 million and K11.9 million for successfully pitching their business ideas.
The fund, supported by government with a K2 billion commitment, targets young innovators in agriculture, tourism, mining and manufacturing.
Chapota said 85 youths nationwide are set to receive around K1 billion in the first phase.
“In this first cohort we are funding 85 innovations and we want to support many more because thousands of applications are still pending,” he said.
Mchinji district director of planning and development Martin Pindankono commended the initiative, urging beneficiaries to serve as role models for other youths.
“We are grateful for this initiative and we expect the beneficiaries to inspire other young people in Mchinji,” he said.
Chidziwitsano developed an automated mobile solar irrigation system and Teleka produces liquid bio-fertiliser and biogas.
Chidziwitsano, who runs Kuwala Eco-Energy Initiative, said he will expand his irrigation system, which can be controlled by mobile phone and rented out to farmers.
Teleka, who owns Enzel Agro-processors, said she will scale up her bio-fertiliser and biogas production.
“This support will not only boost my business but also create opportunities for other youths in my community,” she said.
The initiative comes at a time many Malawian youths face limited access to capital, lack of markets and high unemployment rates.
