Lives of about 20 youths from Machinga are expected to improve resulting into economic independence of the concerned youths.

This follows the awarding of K4.2 million worth of grants for each one of them under the business acceleration for youth project to roll into business of their choice in their respective areas.

Speaking in Liwonde on Thursday, CIAT’s Business Incubation and Acceleration Officer, Oganive Chingakule said her organization was impressed with the business ideas which the candidates pitched and was optimistic that it will bear positive results as there will be a close monitoring.

“We are convinced with the business ideas which were presented during the 6-month period we have been mentoring them with technical support from SMED and we are optimistic that the grants have been given to right people,” she said.

One of the successful candidates, Sherif Nsewula from Traditional Authority Nyambi’s area in the district said the grants will help in boosting his wish of engaging in bee farming.

Business Acceleration for Youth project is a three-year project funded by USAID Malawi and implemented by the Alliance of Bioversity International and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) with a primary goal of strengthening the resilience of youth and women-led business start-ups.

To-date over 250 young people in nine districts of Mangochi, Balaka, Machinga, Zomba, Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, Nsanje, Mulanje and Thyolo have benefited from the program through the delivery of business development services, technical support and access to finance creating growth-orientated, sustainable firms able to secure and effectively utilize investment.