Kalichero brings amazing innovation
In the hills of Mulanje, where winds whisper through the tea plantations and electricity remains a luxury for many, one young man has defied the odds to bring light both literally and figuratively into his community.
George Kalichangu Kalichero, known widely by his innovation brand name Kalichangu, has emerged as one of Malawi’s most inspiring young inventors.

What started as a personal mission to solve a family challenge has now evolved into a larger vision to create affordable and sustainable energy solutions for rural Malawi.
He said: “My aim at first was to solve the problem of light at my home where I managed to make my first innovation using steel, and from there, I started thinking about solutions to other problems too.”
His first breakthrough came when he built a functioning windmill, constructed using locally available materials, and installed it at his grandmother’s house.
Remarkably, this homemade windmill generated enough power to light not only their home but also a neighbour’s, enabling them to charge phones and enjoy electric lighting in a village that had long been left in the dark.
“I wanted to make something that would power our house for lights and charging phones, It was just an idea I had, and I used the tools and parts I could find locally,” he said.
Kalichangu’s journey was not without challenges. Working mostly alone, he faced technical, financial, and even social setbacks.
“The main problem was lack of good equipment for the innovation, which led me to make unattractive stuff, But I have learned that hard work, never giving up, and working smart can take you far,” he admitted.
He often turned to the Internet for guidance. “I get some information online, and sometimes I just ask other people about my ideas. Some of them had knowledge which helped me when I was failing,” he said.
Unlike many who wait for formal education or funding to innovate, Kalichangu took the do-it-yourself route. “I think of something new and try it on the ground. It is about being practical, even with little resources,” he said.
His story caught attention beyond Mulanje. A Malawian woman living in the United States supported him with cash to renovate a windmill in 2020, early in his journey.
“I have been given an award by former president Peter Mutharika and got recognition from former president Joyce Banda. I also received funding from a local organization once,” he said.
Despite these accolades, Kalichangu remains grounded. He says his innovations are not about fame or money but about impact especially making sure they are affordable for the average Malawian. “I want to come up with innovations that are reasonable so that every Malawian can afford them,” he said.
Still, sustaining his work remains a constant battle. “There are a lot of problems I want to solve, but I have limited funds, which makes it difficult to carry on,” he added.
When asked what keeps him going, he offered advice that resonates far beyond the world of science and technology.
“Never give up, no one else will solve our problems. With the little we have, we can solve our problems and make Malawi great,” he said
Kalichangu’s innovations may look humble, but their impact is profound. By using scrap materials and local tools, he is not only addressing energy poverty but also challenging the stereotype that innovation must come from elite institutions or well-funded labs.
He also acknowledges the lessons his failures have taught him. “I have learned a lot, like never giving up. Sometimes, mistakes take you in a new direction,” he continues.
Although he works alone, Kalichangu represents a new generation of Malawian inventors who are rethinking local problems with local solutions. His story is a call to action for communities, government, and private institutions to recognize and invest in grassroots innovation.
As Malawi continues to grapple with energy access and unemployment, individuals like Kalichangu offer a glimpse of what is possible with creativity, resilience, and a deep commitment to solving local problems.
With the right support, Kalichangu’s windmill could be the beginning of a larger movement that powers not just homes, but also a nation’s belief in its own potential.
Speaking separately, One of Kalichero’s customers Dan Gawani described him as a remarkably talented individual whose simple ideas often turn into surprisingly creative outcomes.
According to the Mulanje resident, Kalichero’s knack for transforming ordinary concepts into impressive products sets him apart.
“He is the kind of man who comes up with a simple idea, but at the end, you will be surprised: What was he really thinking?” said Gawani.
Though Gwalani has not yet to purchase any of Kalichero’s handcrafted furniture, he expressed admiration for the work.
“I have not bought anything from him yet, but we were discussing some chairs he was advertising on his WhatsApp status,” he said.
He added that after seeing Kalichero’s furniture in a friend’s home, he was impressed and now considers placing an order.
Gawani observed further that Kalichero’s willingness to share ideas with others contributes to the quality of his work. “Just because he shares his views whenever he has an idea, this helps sharpen what he wants to deliver,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Gawani encouraged Kalichero to expand his reach through digital platforms. “I can encourage him to keep coming up with new ideas, especially in marketing strategies, by using social media more since a lot of people can easily access his stuff,” he advised.
He also urged the young craftsman to stay resilient: “Things do not always go as we want, but he should keep pushing until he reaches wherever he wants to be.”