• National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), Malawi


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With over 53% of its youth unemployed, according to Afrobarometer, Malawi ranks among the countries with the highest youth unemployment levels. This challenge has pushed many young people to turn to farming for self-employment with support from NEEFโ€™s Micro Irrigation loans.
One such beneficiary is Richard Kumwenda, a 30-year-old farmer from GVH Kambitoto, T/A Kyungu in Karonga District. Born into a family of more than 22 siblings, Richard has faced significant struggles in meeting daily necessities and pursuing his education.

Before learning about NEEFโ€™s Micro Irrigation loans, he had already made attempts to divert water from the Rukuru River to irrigate his two-acre rice field during the dry season. โ€œWhen I heard about the Micro Irrigation loans on the radio, I saw an opportunity for myself and my community to change our situations. Together with fellow community members, we applied and successfully accessed the loan,โ€ Richard explained.

Richard, who is also a third-year Physics Education student at the University of Malawi (Chancellor College), lost both parents in 2005 a tragedy that deeply affected his academic journey.

In 2024, he was withdrawn from the institution on academic grounds. Rather than remain idle as he waits for readmission in 2026, he decided to focus on farming while preparing for his return to school. โ€œAfter selling part of my harvest, I plan to save the money to pay for accommodation rentals and food when I return to university. Although, I am grateful that my tuition is being covered by the government through the Higher Education Students Loans Board, it is still not easy staying off-campus as learners like myself have to spend money to get through the days,โ€ he said.

Through Micro Irrigation loans, young people are not only contributing towards food security in Malawi but also funding their desired futures whether in academics, entrepreneurship or both.
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