Business Acceleration for Youth Project
Alliance of Bioversity International and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) is implementing the Business Acceleration for Youth project to reduce humanitarian assistance needs in Malawi’s resilience focus zones by accelerating youth-owned businesses. The project aims to accelerate and invest in youth-led enterprises to foster job creation, greater access to financing, diversified incomes, a more inclusive private sector and improved household resilience in targeted districts of Mangochi, Balaka, Machinga, Zomba, Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, Nsanje, Mulanje and Thyolo.
The implementation approach is framed around a resilience-led sustainability strategy that aims to strengthen the resilience of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which includes startups and established firms by providing business development services, technical support and access to finance, creating growth-orientated, sustainable firms able to secure and effectively utilize investment.
Donor: USAID
Implementer: Alliance of Bioversity International and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT)
Partners: SMEDI, DAPP, mHub, Dzuka Africa, Infinite Innovation Technology, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Umodzi Consulting, Tradeline, EQUIP, Synergy, FACS, Metrowall, District local Governments in Mangochi, Balaka, Machinga, Zomba, Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, Nsanje, Mulanje and Thyolo district.
Project Targets
Youth-led startups supported
To improve their business management and entrepreneurship skills through business incubation training.
MSMEs
Provided with bespoke technical assistance, mentorship and industry specific acceleration support.
Startups awarded $2,500 grant each
MSMEs access matching grants worth up to $75,000
Increase in jobs created by targeted enterprises
Total activities delivered through Malawian firms
Progress Highlights (as of March 2025)
- Over 450 startups supported to improve their business management through business incubation training and mentorship.
- 200 grants valued at $2,500 each disbursed to Startups with on-going post grant support.
- 61 MSMEs receiving bespoke technical assistance ($10,000 each), with 12 MSMEs completed and 48 in progress.
- Two rounds of matching grant applications conducted, 13 MSMEs (43%) awarded matching grants in varying amounts (up to $75,000)
- 117.56% more jobs created by startups and 91.5% increase in the jobs created by SMEs.
A beneficiary posing for a picture after being awarded the project grant
Key Outcomes
- Improved business operations of MSMEs.
- Increased business turnover due to project support
- Increased employment opportunities for youth.
- Increased access to finance for MSMEs.
Project Dashboard
How We Do It
1. Incubation program
- 450 early-stage youth owned (ages18-35) Startups supported across nine implementation districts (Balaka, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Machinga, Mangochi, Mulanje, Nsanje, Thyolo and Zomba (Rural and Urban)).
- Enabled business model development, proof of concept testing to develop minimum viable products and internal business structure establishment.
- Mentorship and coaching by Malawian Business Development Service (BDS) providers delivered through business bootcamps and one-on-one coaching.
- 200 grants of $2,500 each awarded to highly ranked Startups after business idea pitching contests.
Gender Distribution of Incubation Grantees
Business Sector Distribution of Incubation Grantees
NB: The "Light Manufacturing" sector encompasses welding, carpentry, and soap production businesses. "Other" sector includes businesses involved in transportation, logistics and tourism.
2. Acceleration program
- 61 established MSMEs across Malawi supported.
- Offering tailored technical support, mentorship and access to finance.
- Mobilizes private sector financing and provides industry-specific expertise to drive MSMEs growth.
Gender Distribution of SMEs in the Acceleration Program
Business sector distribution of MSMEs under the Acceleration Program
Age distribution of MSMEs under the Acceleration Program
3. Access to finance and investment
- 200 Startups (57% Male, 43% Female) received $2,500 each to purchase machinery, raw materials and operational assets.
- Provided $10,000 technical assistance to 60 MSMEs, allowing them to collaborate with BDS providers to address various business needs. This includes developing business plans, management accounts, marketing strategies, audit preparation, investment pitch decks and the development of standard operating procedures.
- 13 firms awarded so far (of 30 targeted), with grants up to $75,000 to scale operations under the acceleration program.
- Partnerships with Financial Access Consulting Services (FACS) and Metrowall to connect entrepreneurs with capital/investor opportunities.
Relevant blogs, stories, news coverage
Project leaders
David Slane
Senior Manager and Chief of Party, Business Acceleration for Youth Project, Country Representative for MalawiProject members
Oganive Chingakule
Business Incubation and Acceleration OfficerPublications
