About This Opportunity

The Youth Innovation Fund (YiF) is a strategic initiative by the Government of Malawi to accelerate youth-led productive capacity in Agriculture, Tourism, Mining & Manufacturing (ATM+M). It fosters innovation, skills development, and entrepreneurship among young people, contributing to Malawi 2063. YiF aims to unlock the economic potential of youth aged 10–35 by investing in innovative solutions that respond to ATM+M priorities and challenges towards job and wealth creation. The fund is administered by the National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) in collaboration with partners including FDH Innovation, LUANAR TACE, Muuni Fund MUST, and Emerge Livelihoods. It follows a three-tier disbursement model: 1. Idea Stage (MWK 1M–5M): early prototypes, incubation, mentorship 2. Startup Growth (MWK 5M–10M): business model refinement, registration, market support 3. Scale-Up (MWK 10M–25M): expansion, advanced business development, co-financing opportunities. YiF aligns with Malawi 2063 by promoting wealth creation, self-reliance, and industrialization, while strengthening NYCOM’s role in youth economic empowerment and entrepreneurship support.

Objectives

• Stimulate youth-led innovation as a driver of growth and competitiveness in Malawi's ATM+M sectors.
• Build a thriving youth-led innovation ecosystem through partnerships, mentorship, and entrepreneurship support.
• Transform youth-led innovations into viable and scalable business enterprises that create jobs and wealth.
• Support industrialization through value addition, SME growth, and homegrown innovation in strategic sectors.
• Strengthen NYCOM’s institutional capacity and partnerships for coordinated youth development programs.

Eligibility Criteria

• Youth aged 10–35 years
• Malawian citizens or residents
• Innovative solutions in Agriculture, Tourism, Mining, or Manufacturing
• Business ideas or enterprises with scalability potential

Focus Sectors