Ministry of Youth and Sports has disbursed K38 million to support 111 youths in Neno establish their businesses after completing a training in piggery, crops and poultry production under the National Youth Service Programme.
The startup packages include 40 piglets, 200 bags of maize bran, 400 black austropes chicks [mikolongwe], 200 hylines chicks, 80 bags of chicken feed and seeds for Irish potato and maize.
Speaking on Tuesday during the graduation, Neno district commissioner Rosemary Nawasha said the initiative aligns with the country’s long-term development strategy, Malawi 2063 and reflects the government’s commitment to building sustainable livelihoods for young people.
“We believe these startup packages will empower our youths to become productive and self-reliant. Our hope is that their enterprises will not only thrive but also create jobs and contribute to national economic development,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Madalitso Namaona thanked government for the startup packages.
“This is a turning point for us. With the skills and resources we have gained, we are ready to start businesses and employ fellow youths,” she said.
Neno Integrated Youth Development Centre manager Ian Sukai, who is also Neno district youth officer, said the programme’s objective is to empower the youth with relevant skills to boost their contribution to personal, community and national development.
He said the 111 beneficiaries comprising 67 males and 44 females were part of the first cohort who initially enrolled 118 youths and formed eight business groups.
“We want them to understand agribusiness as a sustainable livelihood. By working together first, they can multiply what they have and pass it on to others,” said Sukai.
President Lazarus Chakwera launched the National Youth Service Programme in July 2022 in Neno District.
