
Wanga Fosiko
25 Aug 2025
The Youth Innovation Fund (YIF) continues to highlight the creativity and resilience of young Malawians tackling some of the country’s most pressing challenges
The Youth Innovation Fund (YIF) continues to highlight the creativity and resilience of young Malawians tackling some of the country’s most pressing challenges from environmental degradation to food security and access to technology.
Green Energy Innovations, represented by Enock Phiri, is one such organization. They produce charcoal briquettes and organic fertilizers as a sustainable alternative to traditional farming methods and fuel. Enock proudly showcased their products, explaining how their fertilizer not only restores soil health but can last up to ten years before reapplication is needed. This gives farmers breathing room to focus on other expenses while ensuring long-term soil productivity.
Another recipient, Tomex Organic Fertilisers, is working with the same passion. Their executive director explained that the initiative was born out of concerns over the heavy use of chemical fertilizers in Malawi, which damage the land and reduce soil fertility. Tomex is providing farmers with a healthier, more sustainable option that strengthens food systems without compromising the environment.
The spotlight also fell on Seedbiz, led by Taonga Nyirenda, one of only two women recipients for the day. Seedbiz is tackling environmental issues from a unique angle producing army flies for animal feed. In the process, the company also generates organic manure, offering farmers dual benefits: affordable livestock feed and eco-friendly fertilizer.
Another inspiring woman recipient, Envirosolutions 4 Innovation and Progression, represented by Estridah Nyirenda, is addressing Malawi’s reliance on charcoal. Her organization turns agricultural waste into briquettes, providing households with a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable alternative for cooking while also helping reduce deforestation.
The day’s innovations weren’t limited to agriculture and the environment. Noble Agricultural Technology is bringing technological solutions closer to Malawians by providing greenhouses, aquaponics systems, and soon aeroponics. Their work is focused on maximizing space and water use opening doors for food production even in crowded urban areas where land is scarce.
Finally, Farmers Voice Africa, the hosts of the day, are working on energy solutions. They manufacture and sell solar-powered generators in various sizes and are now in the process of developing a generator powerful enough to electrify an entire village in Kasungu.
It is incredible to see young Malawians working tirelessly to provide solutions for their country and not waiting in the background for someone else to come save us. The dedication to environmental preservation is something that stood out and is very admirable about these organisations in Lilongwe’s Nchesi.
These organizations, though different in their focus, are united by one goal to create practical, sustainable solutions for Malawi’s development. From clean cooking energy and soil restoration to advanced farming technologies and renewable power, the Youth Innovation Fund is not just supporting ideas it is fueling a generation determined to change the country.