OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
LAUNCH OF THE YOUTH INNOVATION FUND (YIF) AND CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
The Government of Malawi, through the National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) and Ministry of Youth and Sports, is pleased to announce the official launch of the Youth Innovation Fund (YIF) for Accelerated ATM+M Implementation towards MW 2063 – a strategic, multi-sectoral initiative that seeks to empower young Malawians to become drivers of innovation, productivity, and economic transformation.
The Fund is established under the high-level leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, State President of the Republic of Malawi, and is one of the flagship initiatives for realizing the aspirations of Malawi 2063 National visions (MW2063) and the First 10-Year Implementation Plan (MIP-1).
YIF is a national vehicle for investing in youth-led solutions that address priority development challenges in Malawi’s most critical economic sectors: Agriculture, Tourism, Mining, and Manufacturing (ATM+M). Through a structured support system, the Fund will catalyze the transformation of early-stage ideas into viable, scalable, and job-creating enterprises.
YIF is also a strategic initiative designed to empower young entrepreneurs, start-ups, and innovators across various economic sectors. The fund seeks to provide financial support, mentorship, and incubation services to enable young Malawians to develop scalable and sustainable businesses. By bridging the funding gap that young innovators often face, the YIF aims to foster a new generation of business leaders and change-makers who will contribute significantly to the national economy.
The fund will prioritize high-growth sectors such as agribusiness, technology, renewable energy, creative industries, and manufacturing. It is expected to stimulate job creation, enhance productivity, and drive technological advancements that align with Malawi 2063’s aspirations.
Through this initiative, the government and its partners reaffirm their commitment to investing in young people as key drivers of economic transformation.
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE FUND
The Youth Innovation Fund (YIF) is designed to:
- Stimulate youth-led innovation as a strategic driver of growth and competitiveness in Malawi’s productive sectors under the ATM+M framework.
- Build a thriving youth-led innovation ecosystem through multi-stakeholder partnerships that fosters youth skills development, mentorship, incubation and Transform youth-led innovations into viable and scalable business enterprises that create jobs and wealth among youth.
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
YIF is a direct expression of the Government of Malawi’s commitment to youth economic empowerment. It is strategically aligned with:
i. Malawi 2063 (MW2063)
- Recognizes youth as “Malawi’s greatest resource and source of wealth.”
- Calls for mindset change, innovation, and entrepreneurship as pathways to industrialization and self-reliance.
ii. MW2063 First 10-Year Implementation Plan (MIP-1)
- Supports inclusive wealth creation, value addition, youth employment, and private sector dynamism.
- Provides a framework for measuring the Fund’s contribution to national priorities.
lil. National Youth Policy (2023-2028)
- Priority Areas 1, 4, and 5 emphasize youth entrepreneurship, access to finance, skills development, and innovation.
- YIF directly supports these goals through financial support, capacitybuilding, and innovation programming.
iv. NYCOM Strategic Plan (2024-2030)
- YIF is implemented under Strategic Pillar #1 (Youth Economic Empowerment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation) and Strategic Pillar #4 (Stakeholder Engagement and Institutional Strengthening).
- Strengthens NYCOM’s role as a national enabler of youth-led transformation.
YIF is also aligned with other government policies including Digital Economy Strategy, TEVET Policy, National Export Strategy II, National MSME Policy, National Employment Policy, and the Malawi Industrialization Strategy.
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Applications are now open for the first round of funding under the Youth Innovation Fund. Eligible youth and youth-led teams or enterprises are invited to apply under the appropriate funding tier, based on the maturity of their idea or business.
WHO TO APPLY?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be Malawian citizens aged 10 to 35 years;
- Apply as individuals or teams (formal registration is required at Tier 2 and Tier 3);
- Be involved in innovative initiatives in any of the ATM+M sectors:
- Demonstrate potential for impact, scalability, and sustainability:
- Be committed to job creation, value addition, or problem-solving within their sectors.
- Please note that groups or Initiatives that already have youth led innovations can also apply in collaboration with the youth that are part of that initiative.
FUNDING CATEGORIES AND SUPPORT PACKAGES
YIF offers three levels of support to accommodate different stages of enterprise development:
Tier 1: Idea / Early-Stage Startups
Target Group: Youth with a new idea, innovation, or early prototype.
Support Includes:
Small grants of MWK 1 million to MWK 5 million
- Training in design thinking, business model development, and entrepreneurship basics
- Basic book-keeping training
- Mentorship and access to incubation hubs
- Support for MVP (Minimum Viable Product) development and concept testing
Tier 2: Startup Growth / Seed Stage
Target Group: Youth-led startups with a tested product or service, seeking to grow operations.
Support Includes:
- Grants of MWK 5 million to MWK 15 million
- Technical assistance in financial planning, financial management, compliance, and marketing
- Formalization support (e.g., registration, tax compliance, branding)
- Access to markets and early-stage customers
Tier 3: Scale-Up / Expansion Stage
Target Group: Established youth-led businesses with demonstrated revenue and impact, looking to expand.
Support Includes:
- Grants of MWK 15 million to MWK 25 million
- Investment readiness training and co-financing support
- Support to enter new markets, grow production capacity, and scale operations
- Linkages to national and regional value chains
- Support to have certifications such as MBS etc
SELECTION CRITERIA
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Alignment with AT THE MOMENT+M sectors and national development goals
- Level of innovation, originality, and creativity
- Feasibility and soundness of the business model or plan
- Impact potential, especially job creation and economic inclusion
- Scalability and potential to grow or replicate
- Capacity and commitment of the applicant/team
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must submit:
- A completed online application form (you can access the application form on this link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAPhIl8xa1yUJm0Kkwl6tXOrAXBkvH2tngNgguK5B9UtSRUg/viewform?usp=header
- A project or business concept note, clearly stating the problem, solution, sector, and implementation plan
- A budget and timeline, proportionate to the requested funding tier
- A valid National ID or proof of Malawian citizenship and age
- Supporting documentation for existing businesses (where applicable) which should include registration certificates with relevant authorities
- Optional: A 1-2-minute video pitch introducing the applicants) and innovation
KEY DATES
| Milestone | Date |
| Applications Open | 3rd May 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 20th May 2025 |
| Review and Selection Process | 1st to 20th June 2025 |
| Announcement of Selected Cohort | 30th June 2025 |
| Disbursement and National Launch | July 2025 |
| Start of Implementation | July 2025 onward |
CONTACT AND SUPPORT
For more information or technical assistance with your application:
- Email: yif@nycom.mw
- Phone: +265993542557
- Website: application forms can be found and downloaded from www.nycom.mw
Take the Lead. Innovate. Build. Transform.
The Youth Innovation Fund is a national platform for young Malawians to turn bold ideas into impact-driven enterprises that respond to real challenges, create jobs, and shape the Malawi we all envision.
Do you have an idea, startup, or solution that can transform your community or sector? This is your time.
Apply now to the Youth Innovation Fund and be part of Malawi’s journey toward innovation, industrialization, and inclusive growth.
Post expires at 11:59pm on Tuesday May 20th, 2025