Malawi

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs for Sustainable Growth

The Investing in Young Businesses in Africa – Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (IYBA WE4A) project is driving inclusive economic growth in Malawi by supporting women-led enterprises to start, grow, and scale. Through tailored entrepreneurial training, mentorship, access to finance, and strong ecosystem partnerships, the project empowers women entrepreneurs to unlock their potential while creating lasting social, economic, and environmental impact within their communities.

Gender and Green Transformation in Malawi

Malawi is a country of strong entrepreneurial potential, where women play a critical role in agriculture, trade, and innovation. However, many women entrepreneurs continue to face persistent challenges, including limited access to finance, technology, and decision-making opportunities.

At the same time, Malawi is increasingly affected by climate-related challenges, highlighting the urgent need for greener and more resilient economic models. IYBA WE4A supports this transition by empowering women entrepreneurs to lead in sustainable sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, and agribusiness—advancing both gender equality and green transformation in alignment with Malawi’s Vision 2063.

Our Focus in Malawi

IYBA WE4A works to create an enabling environment in which women-led businesses can thrive and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable economy. The project focuses on strengthening women’s entrepreneurship across key growth sectors, including:

• Agriculture and Agribusiness
• Renewable Energy and Climate Solutions
• Construction and Waste Management
• Creative and Digital Industries

Our Approach

IDEATE: Entrepreneurial Skills 

Implemented through the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), this component provides women entrepreneurs with tailored business training, mentorship, and seed funding to strengthen and scale their business ideas. To date, 461 entrepreneurs have completed the training, with 171 receiving seed capital funding.

DEVELOP: Ecosystem Strengthening

The programme enhances the capacity of local Entrepreneurial Support Organisations (ESOs) to deliver inclusive, gender-responsive, and sustainability-focused services, creating a stronger and more supportive ecosystem for women-led enterprises.

GROW: Access to Finance

In partnership with financial institutions such as Goodwell and Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P), IYBA WE4A co-designs and delivers financing solutions tailored to the needs of women-led MSMEs. These solutions help entrepreneurs overcome funding barriers and achieve sustainable growth.

CONNECT : Knowledge and Networks

Through bridging events, peer-learning activities, and market access sessions, the project connects women entrepreneurs with financial institutions, private-sector actors, and fellow innovators—expanding opportunities, visibility, and collaboration.

Key Activities

1. Capacity Building and Training
   Delivering specialised business development and leadership training tailored to the realities of Malawian women entrepreneurs.
2. Access to Finance
   Supporting women-led enterprises to access growth-oriented financing and impact investment opportunities.
3. Ecosystem Strengthening
   Partnering with local ESOs to build a robust, inclusive, and gender-responsive entrepreneurship support network.
4. Bridging and Networking Events
   Hosting events that connect women entrepreneurs with financial institutions, government stakeholders, and private-sector partners.

Our Partners

IYBA WE4A Malawi is implemented in collaboration with key national partners:

• mHub Malawi – Designing and delivering bespoke business development services and gender-responsive training.
• Umodzi Consulting – Leading ecosystem engagement, mentorship, and monitoring of impact outcomes.

Together, these partners are strengthening Malawi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and advancing a future where women entrepreneurs are central to sustainable and inclusive growth.