Malawi overview
Malawi is one of the least developed countries in Africa. Over 70% of the population live below the income poverty line. There is an estimated 18% of young people underemployed – 21% women and 16% men, with almost a third of potential employment falling within the informal sector.
Agriculture accounts for about one-third of GDP and 85% of the population live in rural areas, most of whom eke a living as subsistence farmers.
Illiteracy and high prevalence of HIV/AIDS remain as obstacles to economic growth. Nearly half of all girls receive no primary school education.
Young women are more affected by unemployment and underemployment. Despite Malawi’s Constitution giving men and women equal rights in law, social norms and traditions mean that many young women still face barriers to gender equality. As a result, women have less access to power, resources, participation, and decision-making, leaving them disadvantaged in many areas of society.
How we are helping
We have been working in Malawi for almost 20 years.
Our projects support women, youths and marginalised groups to learn a trade, gain business confidence and build financial independence.
We are currently working with four partners across Malawi to deliver projects aligned to our Vocational Training, Business Development, Agriculture and Transition programming.
Our partners
FESODEV
The Foundation for Education and Social Development is a registered non-governmental organisation working in Lilongwe in the central region of Malawi. FESODEV was established with the purpose of assisting underprivileged and disadvantaged people by introducing initiatives that lead to poverty reduction and a sense of independence. Their holistic approach to skills development and learning includes delivery of accredited technical competency, business and financial acumen and vital health and life skills.
Njira Impact
Njira Impact is a registered non-governmental organisation based in Nkhotakota in the central district on Malawi. They strive to improve the livelihoods and status of marginalised groups in their local communities, creating social change through a rights-based approach to programming which gives participants the tools and confidence they need to make decisions affecting their lives. They deliver training in a wide range of vocational trades and agriculture and involves local communities directly in planning, implementing, and evaluating projects.
Young Achievers Skills Development Foundation
Young Achievers Foundation (YAF) is a registered community-based organisation based in the heart of Kauma village, in the southwest of Lilongwe. It runs a training centre which serves the local population, welcoming trainees who are unable to access the formal state education system and providing adapted and supportive training programmes which are nationally accredited. YAF supports individuals who are unemployed or underemployed, including women, those affected by or living with HIV/AIDS, or those who are in high risk groups for transmission.
YouthCode
YouthCode is a registered non-governmental organisation committed to to promoting human rights and livelihood development, particularly amongst young people in Nkhotakota. YouthCode provides technical and entrepreneurship skills training, empowering disadvantaged youth to be self-reliant through a vocational trade.
