Entrepreneurship is a powerful engine for economic growth, job creation, and innovation, especially in a country like Malawi, where young people and women are poised to drive significant transformation.
I was deeply honored to join a panel discussion with Zantchito Entrepreneurship Voices (ZEV), an initiative that is revolutionizing how entrepreneurship is understood, celebrated, and supported across Malawi.
The conversation was hosted by the ever-engaging Blessings Mpinganjira and featured a remarkable entrepreneur: Jacqueline Banda, founder of Jeyie Foods, and brilliant academic: Dr. Serah Gondwe from TACE Agribiz Hub, Luanar. Together, we explored the critical role hubs play in incubating businesses, fostering innovation, and supporting entrepreneurs on their journey to success.
Visit the Ntha Foundation website, to read more about the conversation.
ZEV: A Vibrant National Dialogue on Entrepreneurship
ZEV isnโt just another programโitโs a movement. Delivered by the European Union in partnership with the Government of Malawi, ZEV is part of the broader Zantchito initiative, designed to reimagine entrepreneurship as a cornerstone of Malawiโs economic progress.
Through a creative mix of TV, radio, social media, and live events, ZEV aims to:
- Broaden the understanding of entrepreneurship.
- Empower youth and women entrepreneurs.
- Promote awareness of business support resources.
- Cultivate a national culture of entrepreneurship with a uniquely Malawian flavor.
The program connects with Malawians from all walks of lifeโrural and urban, young and oldโthrough compelling storytelling, accessible resources, and opportunities to โpitch for funding.โ Itโs not just about building businesses; itโs about inspiring a generation to see entrepreneurship as a viable and exciting pathway to personal and community growth.
The Conversation: The Role of Hubs in Incubating Businesses
As panelists, we dove deep into the role entrepreneurship hubs play in shaping the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Malawi. From mentorship and training to resource-sharing and networking, hubs are more than just physical spacesโthey are catalysts for innovation and growth.
Here are some key takeaways from the discussion:
- Mentorship as a Lifeline: Hubs provide entrepreneurs with access to seasoned mentors who guide them through challenges, from ideation to scaling. As Dr. Serah Gondwe shared, TACE Agribiz Hub has been pivotal in equipping agripreneurs with the skills they need to thrive in a competitive market.
- Bridging the Resource Gap: Entrepreneurs often face challenges accessing capital, technology, and markets. Jacqueline Banda highlighted how hubs like Jeyie Foods have benefited from support in navigating these barriers, allowing them to focus on product innovation and market expansion.
- Creating Collaborative Communities: At the heart of every successful hub is a community of like-minded individuals who inspire and support each other. We discussed how fostering a collaborative spirit helps entrepreneurs learn from each otherโs experiences, celebrate wins, and weather setbacks.
- Tailored Support for Women and Youth: Women and young entrepreneurs often face unique challenges, including limited access to capital and societal expectations. ZEV and other initiatives are stepping up to provide the tailored support these groups need to thrive.
Visit the Ntha Foundation website, to read more about the conversation.
My Thoughts on Entrepreneurship Hubs in Malawi
As someone who has spent years championing innovation and entrepreneurship through the Ntha Foundation and the Kwathu Kollective, Iโve seen firsthand how transformative hubs can be. They donโt just incubate businessesโthey incubate dreams, ideas, and solutions that can transform communities.
However, itโs also clear that Malawi needs more hubs that are accessible, sustainable, and equipped to address the unique challenges of our local entrepreneurs. This means creating spaces that not only provide resources but also foster a culture of collaboration, risk-taking, and resilience.
Why ZEV Matters
ZEV is more than just a platformโitโs a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs. By creating a vibrant and motivational dialogue around entrepreneurship, ZEV is inspiring Malawians to see themselves not just as job seekers but as job creators.
Through its multi-dimensional approach, ZEV is:
- Inspiring action: By sharing real stories of success and resilience, ZEV is showing that entrepreneurship is possible for anyone with the right mindset and support.
- Raising awareness: Many entrepreneurs donโt know where to turn for help. ZEV is bridging this gap by promoting resources, hubs, and opportunities available across Malawi.
- Shifting perceptions: Entrepreneurship is no longer seen as a last resortโitโs becoming a respected and viable career path.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on the conversation and the incredible work ZEV is doing, I am filled with hope and optimism for Malawiโs future. The country is brimming with untapped potential, especially among its youth and women, and programs like ZEV are lighting the way forward.
To entrepreneurs out there: let this be your sign. Whether youโre just starting or looking to scale, seek out the hubs and networks that can support you. Lean on programs like ZEV to connect with mentors, resources, and funding opportunities.
To policymakers and stakeholders: letโs continue investing in initiatives that support entrepreneurship, because when entrepreneurs thrive, communities thrive. Together, we can create a Malawi where entrepreneurship is not just a possibility but a priority.
Thank you to Blessings Mpinganjira, Jacqueline Banda, and Dr. Serah Gondwe for such an enriching conversation. Thank you to ZEV for giving entrepreneurship the spotlight it deserves. And thank you to every entrepreneur out there who is dreaming, building, and striving to make a difference. Your work matters.
A vibrant national dialogue on entrepreneurship
Zantchito Entrepreneurship Voices (ZEV) supports the broader Zantchito initiative with a strategic communications programme across TV, radio, print and social media that aims to:
- Broaden the understanding of entrepreneurship
- Encourage and empower entrepreneurs, especially youth and women
- Promote awareness of where and how to get business support
- Develop a national culture of entrepreneurship with a unique Malawian flavour
ZEV is being delivered by the European Union in partnership with the Government of Malawi. It delivers a multi-dimensional package of media content using radio, TV, social media, cartoon publications and โpitch for fundingโ events to support a new and intense focus on entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship.
The programme content is creative, engaging and geared to include and resonate with a wide audience. It is reaching Malawians in rural and urban areas, across age groups and cultures, in a way that ensures that key messages will strike a personal, emotional and life-enhancing connection around the broad topic of entrepreneurship.
In short, ZEV is creating an unprecedented, vibrant and motivational national dialogue, powered by multi-media communication, around entrepreneurship as a national priority and as a means for Malawians to progress and thrive via new pathways to individual, family and community economic livelihoods. Weโre bringing entrepreneurship to life!
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