USADF awards K48m to 6 female Malawian entrepreneurs
United States African Development Foundation (USADF), an independent of the United States Government, on Monday awarded US$60,000 (approximately K48, 331, 100) to six women-owned business enterprises in Malawi.
The grantees are all alumnae of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program implemented for the first time in Malawi in November 2020.
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) established AWE in 2019 to provide women entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and networks needed to start and scale successful businesses.
Since 2008, USADF has awarded over 100 small and medium sized grants in Malawi representing investments of over US$11.3 million.
This year, the programme has awarded grants to Jaariah Misyaje of Greencare Waste Solutions, Lucy Msukwa of Uchembere Wabwino, Chimwemwe Mkwezalamba of Kwacha Creative Studio, Chiza Mhango of Chiza Clothing, Idah Mwawa of Karonga Eye Care Centre and Martha Madziatera of Farm Fresh Products.
In press statement released after awarding the grants at a ceremony that took place at USADF Offices in Area 12 in Lilongwe, USADF Country Program Coordinator Lynda Ndovie Jere said the grants will help Malawian businesses investments and create sustainable jobs, improve income levels, and address their social development needs.
The U.S. Congress established USADF in 1980 to support African-driven, grassroots solutions to economic problems in African communities.
Currently, USADF funds local offices in 21 countries in Africa, helping the continent address some of its biggest challenges, including food insecurity, energy access, and women and youth unemployment. USADF offers enterprise development grants of up to the equivalent of US$250,000 in Malawi Kwacha, directly to community groups and enterprises.
The Government of Malawi matches USADF’s financial contributions in Malawi.
