National Youth Council of Malawi has disbursed grants under the K2 billion Youth Innovation Fund in Blantyre to support young innovators and entrepreneurs in the district.

The fund, launched by President Lazarus Chakwera on July 2, is aimed at supporting young innovators and entrepreneurs in the country.

Lumbe: We called for applications. | Nation

Speaking during the event in Ndirande on Friday, Blantyre District Council director of programmes Williot Lumbe said the process has been swift and transparent.

He said: “We called for applications in May, shortlisted in June, conducted due diligence and by July, we were already training and building capacity of successful candidates. We are now disbursing the funds.”

The beneficiaries represent a diverse mix of enterprises aimed at promoting sustainability, entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Emmtech Enterprise official Reynald Maida said his company will purchase a pick-up vehicle for waste collection and shredding machine while Maggie Njera of Njera Food Processors said the support will help her company to secure certification and expand production.

“Njera Processors was established in September 2023 and we produce soya phala, a traditional porridge enriched with soya, groundnuts, millet and sorghum,” she said.

Blantyre district youth officer Martha Chelewani hailed the initiative, highlighting its role in transforming lives.

On his part, Blantyre City Council director of commerce, trade and industry Mark Ronix George Kaurembe described the initiative as timely, saying it will address youth unemployment.

He said: “Many young people believe employment only comes from an office job with a salary.

“But these grants are encouraging them to create enterprises and jobs. This is part of job creation and transformation under Malawi 2063.”

The fund is expected to benefit communities and boost youth-led enterprises.

It attracted over 882 applications from youths aged between 10 and 35.

Out of these, 216 were shortlisted and 150 are receiving funding.