On 1st November 2025 Emerge Livelihoods marked its first anniversary a milestone celebrating transformation, resilience, and community growth since rebranding from Mzuzu Entrepreneur Hub. The day radiated with enthusiasm, learning, and collaboration as entrepreneurs, innovators, students and ecosystem partners gathered to reflect on progress and envision the next chapter of impact-driven development.
Emerge Livelihoods’ strategic plan stipulates that the first year of the 5-year plan focuses on raising awareness of Emerge Livelihoods and its subsidiaries for our community’s understanding and ownership of the brand identity, which this anniversary celebration managed to bring forth.
A Platform for Growth and Innovation:The celebration blended reflection with practical empowerment. Participants immersed themselves in diverse learning spaces, including graphic design sessions, mentorship circles and interactive exhibitions. The highlight, Canva for Marketing, engaged attendees in exploring creative ways to design visual content that enhances brand identity and storytelling. Through this digital skill training, many discovered how design can translate values, attract customers, and strengthen enterprise visibility in the online marketplace.
The event also featured mentorship dialogues led by Walusungu Chibwe Team Leader for Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Livelihoods at Emerge Livelihoods, that connected emerging MSMEs and entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders. Both one-on-one and group exchanges explored sustainable business models, leadership growth, and financial management. These interactions provided clarity on scaling operations and adapting to changing market demands.
Building a Connected Ecosystem:During information-sharing sessions, the organization introduced its two intertwined subsidiaries, Emerge Ventures, and Emerge Fund. Each platform plays a distinct role in empowering enterprises, financing innovation and promoting inclusive livelihoods. Participant engaged deeply, learning how collaboration between these arms strengthens opportunities for youth-led businesses and grassroots MSMEs.
The Mzuzu Hub office created an open environment for relaxed networking. Entrepreneurs sought guidance, exchanged perspectives and discussed potential collaborations. The atmosphere reflected Emerges’ commitment to accessibility and continuous mentorship beyond structured sessions.
Words from Leadership:In her opening message, Wangiwe Joanna Kambuzi, Founder and Managing Director of Emerge Livelihoods, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the community that has believed in the organization’s vision.
“This journey represents courage, adaptation, and shared purpose. Our rebranding to Emerge Livelihoods was not just about a new name, it was about deepening our impact and expanding possibilities for a thriving Ecosystem that creates jobs and wealth for individuals and communities in Malawi and beyond.”
Adding to her reflections, Alexander Gombar, Communications and Marketing officer who led the canvas for marketing training during the event, highlighted the importance of storytelling and digital presence:
“Most of the attendees in the canva for marketing class were entrepreneurs who want to use Canva for Marketing, we’re helping our community translate ideas into visuals that attract and build trust with their audience and customers.”
Inspiration from Participants:The anniversary inspired many to reimagine how they manage and promote their ventures. William Soko a student innovator who developed an app called Tidziwe Dothi Soil Monitor, that monitors water and nutrition levels in soil shared: “I learned how to use Canva to create impactful posters and online content for my small agribusiness. I’m going home to apply these skills to boost my brand’s visibility and reach more customers.”
Vanessa Pemba of Farmwise (Agriculture platform) a women entrepreneur, reflected: “The mentorship session opened my eyes to how I can restructure my business finances and grow sustainably. I’ve gained confidence to implement these strategies immediately.”
Another participant, Taonga Kamanga, representing a Veritas Platform tackling misinformation (detector), noted: “The networking here gave me ideas on how to collaborate with others working on digital inclusion. I’ll be using the insights from today to refine our awareness campaigns.”
Creativity on Display:The exhibition showcased innovations across sectors—ranging from soil health monitoring technologies and gender-based violence reporting systems to digital literacy tools for farmers. Each display embodied originality and determination, underscoring the transformative potential of local talent when given the right platform.
As the celebration concluded, participants left motivated to apply lessons learned, pursue partnerships, and contribute to an inclusive digital economy. Emerge Livelihoods reaffirmed its dedication to supporting creativity, enterprise development, and community empowerment through mentorship, investment, and innovation.
“Our anniversary was more than a commemoration; it was a living statement of progress, purpose, and potential. Emerge Livelihoods continues to rise as a bridge between ideas and impact, ensuring that dreams grow into sustainable realities for the people and communities it serves.” said Litness Chaima Team Lead, Communication and Marketing at Emerge Livelihoods.
