25/05/2026
YOUTH INNOVATION FUND OUTREACH IN LILONGWE EMPOWERS YOUNG INNOVATORS FOR MALAWI 2063
National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) has opened a call for young people (18-35 Years) with innovative, impactful, scalable, and sustainable ideas to apply for funding. The ideas should fall within the sectors of Agriculture, Tourism, Mining, Digitisation, And Manufacturing, with strong potential for job creation, value addition, and problem-solving.
The call was officially launched on 18 May, with closing date set for 8 June 2026. As a Trade Officer working with Lilongwe City Council, I was privileged to attend an Information Session on 15TH June 2026, organised to provide guidance on the initiative.
The main aim of the Fund is to accelerate the implementation of Malawi 2063 (MW2063) through promoting innovative youth-led initiatives. During the session, we were provided with detailed guidance on the Youth Innovation Fund (YIF) application process. Youth from across Lilongwe City attended the training. Among the key requirements highlighted were business concepts, budgets, implementation plans, timelines, and clearly stated problems together with practical solutions aligned to the priority sectors.
National Youth Council volunteered to support youth-led organisations in Lilongwe with the preparation of their applications.
On 23 May, Saturday 2026 I fulfilled this commitment when I visited Chimbalame Youth Club in Mtandire–Mtsiliza Ward, where we spent time engaging with young people and discussing the application process in detail.
What they have noticed is that the youth are ready to take the development of this nation to another level, but many lack access to information. Most of them know very little about Malawi Vision 2063 and the Malawi Implementation Plans, yet these are the people who will live in the Malawi of 2063. As a country, we need to invest more in youth awareness and engagement.
The training session was successful and truly eye-opening for the youth.
By Alinafe James - Correspondent Reporter