Request for Applications: Launch of the Youth Innovation Fund (Malawi)

A strategic multi-sectoral initiative that seeks to empower young Malawians to become a drivers of innovation, productivity and economic transformation.

Objectives

• The Youth Innovation Fund (YIF) is designed to:
  • Stimulate youth-led innovation as a strategic driver of growth and competitiveness in Malawi’s productive sectors under the ATM+M framework.
  • Build a thriving youth-led innovation ecosystem through multi-stakeholder partnerships that fosters youth skills development, mentorship, incubation.
  • Transform youth-led innovations into viable and scalable business enterprises that create jobs and wealth among youth.

Funding Information

• Idea/Early-Stage Startups
  • Target Group: Youth with a new idea, innovation, or early prototype.
  • Support Includes:
    • Small grants of MWK 1 million to MWK 5 million
    • Training in design thinking, business model development, and entrepreneurship basics
    • Basic book-keeping training
    • Mentorship and access to incubation hubs
    • Support for MVP (Minimum Viable Product) development and concept testing
• Startup Growth/Seed Stage
  • Target Group: Youth-led startups with a tested product or service, seeking to grow operations.
  • Support Includes:
    • Grants of MWK 5 million to MWK 15 million
    • Technical assistance in financial planning, financial management, compliance, and marketing
    • Formalization support (e.g., registration, tax compliance, branding)
    • Access to markets and e  arly-stage customers
• Scale-Up/Expansion Stage
  • Target Group: Established youth-led businesses with demonstrated revenue and impact, looking to expand.
  • Support Includes:
    • Grants of MWK 15 million to MWK 25 million
    • Investment readiness training and co-financing support
    • Support to enter new markets, grow production capacity, and scale operations
    • Linkages to national and regional value chains
    • Support to have certifications such as MBS etc

Eligibility Criteria

• Be Malawian citizens aged 10 to 35 years;
• Apply as individuals or teams (formal registration is required at Tier 2 and Tier 3);
• Be involved in innovative initiatives in any of the ATM+M sectors;
• Demonstrate potential for impact, scalability, and sustainability;
• Be committed to job creation, value addition, or problem-solving within their sectors.
• Please note that groups or Initiatives that already have youth led innovations can also apply in collaboration with the youth that are part of that initiative.

Selection Criteria

• Alignment with ATM+M sectors and national development goals
• Level of innovation, originality, and creativity
• Feasibility and soundness of the business model or plan
• Impact potential, especially job creation and economic inclusion
• Scalability and potential to grow or replicate
• Capacity and commitment of the applicant/team

Application Requirements

• A project or business concept note, clearly stating the problem, solution, sector, and implementation plan
• A budget and timeline, proportionate to the requested funding tier
• A valid National ID or proof of Malawian citizenship and age
• Supporting documentation for existing businesses (where applicable) which should include registration certificates with relevant authorities
• Optional: A 1–2-minute video pitch introducing the applicant(s) and innovation

For more information, visit NYCOM.