Four youth-led groups in Ntcheu District have received seed capital worth between K1.2 million and K2 million under the Green Jobs for Adolescents and Youth Project to help them launch their own businesses.

According to Project Manager Tommy Banks of Emerge Livelihoods Organization, the initiative aims to empower vulnerable adolescents and young people aged 15 to 24 by building their employability skills, boosting their income, and engaging them in safe and sustainable livelihoods.

Banks said the project has reached 100 young people from Ntcheu, who were trained at Mzuzu University. Emerge Livelihoods, one of the implementing partners, is providing business incubation support to help the youths turn their ideas into viable enterprises.

“Going forward, those who have received the funds will receive onsite mentorship to ensure their businesses are sustainable,” said Banks.

Ntcheu District Youth Officer, Chigonjetso Chilomo, hailed the initiative, noting that youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge in the district.

“This grant will go a long way in helping young people in Ntcheu become productive citizens,” said Chilomo. “My message to the beneficiaries is simple , use the funds wisely and maintain a strong business mindset.”

One of the beneficiaries, Margret Chabooka, whose group received K2 million for a sustainable agriculture project, encouraged fellow youths not to give up on their dreams despite financial challenges.

“Access to capital is one of the biggest barriers for young people,” she said. “But we must keep pushing and seeking opportunities whenever they arise.”

The Green Jobs for Adolescents and Youth Project is funded by Save the Children Italy and implemented in Malawi by ADRA, CRECOM, TEVETA, Emerge Livelihoods, and Mzuzu University.