By Patuma Kachoka

Machinga, March 29, Mana: International Centre for Tropical Agriculture through Business Acceleration for Youth (BA4Y) on Thursday awarded grants to 20 young entrepreneurs in Machinga district as business start-up.

The organization’s Business Incubation and Acceleration Officer, Oganive Chingakule in an interview during the awarding of the grants in Machinga said successful entrepreneurs were identified through a business idea pitching session.

Chingakule said about 50 youth have undergone trainings and coaching by Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institute (SMEDI) since August 2023 and 30 shortlisted youth entrepreneurs presented their business ideas to a panel of judges where 20 qualified for the grant.

"We are awarding every successful youth entrepreneur K4, 250, 000 grant. And we are giving out to the 20 successful Machinga youth entrepreneurs. The idea behind this grant is to help the youth to manage their businesses effectively since most of the youth that are trying to start a business lack means to monetize ideas they have.

So through the grants, some of the young entrepreneurs will be able to buy small machinery and raw materials to create products so that they can take them to the market," she said.

Chingakule further added that her institution together with SMEDI will conduct series of field visits to monitor those that have received the grant if they are practicing what they indicated in their business plans.

One of the beneficiaries, Rabecca Kachigamba from Traditional Authority Kawinga who is into bar-soap making, says she will use the money to boost her business and create employment opportunities for fellow youths.

"My plan so far is to extend my business so that I can reach out to some other youths, there are a lot of young people out there who are doing nothing so with my company I am sure will employ some other youths" she said.

BA4Y project is funded by USAID targeting young individuals aged 18 to 35 in nine districts.