The call was made during a two-day event organised by IWMI, which started on 14 August 2026 with a Youth Agribusiness Policy Dialogue under the theme, “Strengthening an Inclusive Enabling Environment for Youth Agripreneurs and SMEs.”
The dialogue brought together youth agripreneurs, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), government representatives, the private sector, financial institutions and development partners.
It was followed by a capacity-building workshop for youth agripreneurs and SMEs on 15 August 2026.
IWMI Researcher for Gender, Social Inclusion and Youth, Ojongetakah Enokenwa Baa, encouraged young agripreneurs to promote gender equality and social inclusion in their businesses while balancing profit-making with inclusivity. She also encouraged the participants to make better use of digital tools and work together with other entrepreneurs to grow and sustain their businesses.
Executive Director of Springs of Hope, Kumbukani Peter Mamba, thanked IWMI for partnering with youth-led enterprises and institutions to support their participation in shaping Malawi’s agribusiness sector.
Ronnie Mussa, founder of Trustees Farm, said the capacity-building workshop equipped her with useful financial management skills and improved her understanding of gender inclusion in her entrepreneurial journey.
Another entrepreneur, Yamikani Dison, from Dowa District, described the two-day event as a mind-opening experience and an important platform for networking with different players involved in shaping Malawi’s agribusiness sector.
Alice Kakusa, an agripreneur from Salima District, said she gained valuable networking skills that she believes will help her grow her business.
The dialogue provided an opportunity for different stakeholders to discuss how policies and institutions can better support young people in agribusiness. The discussions will also inform follow-on technical assistance facilitated through the CGIAR Scaling for Impact Program.
