About the Programme
The ESEA Malawi programme is an innovative accelerator programme designed to support and empower 100 promising and scalable startups undertaking renewable energy, food security, and climate adaptation challenges.
Through the programmes interventions, pre-acceleration and investment readiness training, entrepreneurs will be equipped with the necessary tools, networks and capital to scale their businesses and drive sustainable development.
About Emerge Livelihoods
Emerge Livelihoods, formerly known as the Mzuzu Entrepreneur Hub, is a social enterprise that fosters socio-economic growth for communities through transformative solutions that leverage technology and promote inclusivity and collaboration. The core business is set within the broader vision: to champion a thriving ecosystem that amplifies the self-reliance of individuals and communities across Malawi and beyond.
Emerge Livelihoods acknowledges the importance of supporting entrepreneurs in Malawi in light of the challenges they face in accessing capital, markets and the effects of climate change on the economy.
Entrepreneurs who own Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially those tackling challenges in renewable energy, food security, and climate adaptation often face struggles in scaling up due to these challenges. Through the ESEA programme, Emerge Livelihoods is committed to minimize the gaps the SMEs face by providing support through investment readiness trainings, mentorship and direct access to networks and funding. The programme aims to create a thriving and inclusive ecosystem to create transformative impact.
Problem Statement
Malawi ranks among the top 20 national economies most reliant on agriculture. As of 2023, 18% of the population had access to electricity due to high dependence on hydroelectric power, leading to vulnerability to climate variability and energy shortages during the dry seasons. As a landlocked country, Malawi is particularly vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events threaten the country’s development, infrastructure, food security and human well-being.
Current trends demonstrate a growing opportunity for Malawian startup companies with a deeper understanding on the challenges to develop innovative and sustainable solutions contributing towards climate adaptation, food security, and access to renewable energy. Aligning with the Malawi 2063 Agenda, some notable government-led interventions include the National Energy Policy, National Climate Change Management Policy, National Adaptation Plan, and Malawi Green Climate Fund (GCF)readiness program prioritizing increase in funding for climate adaptation projects to contribute to climate resilience and transform rural livelihoods.
Through a collaborative approach with Emerge Livelihoods in Malawi, the Empowering Sustainable Entrepreneurship Africa (ESEA) program championed by Village Capital intends to transform early-stage climate-focused companies to amplify their service to the community and ensure a sustainable environment for all.
eligibility
Who should apply?
We’re looking for (for-profit) startups that are building market-based solutions that tackle a sustainability challenge in Africa, especially in Malawi. Eligibility requirements include:
Location: Must have operations in (or the ability to expand business to) Malawi
Stage: Must have a minimum viable product and meaningful customer validation
Team: Must have at least one full-time founder based in Malawi and Co-Founders to have 50%+ female representation or more than 25% of senior leadership team to be female
program benefits
training
Our curriculum is tailored to help your company identify early milestones and prepare for your next round of capital
mentorship
Build 1:1 connection with investors, strategic partners and potential customers
financial analysis
Chat with an investment analyst who will coach you 1:1 on building a financial model, identifying unit economics, and using financial metrics
media exposure
Get featured on Village Capital’s program website and other collateral
access to abaca
Scale your business faster by identifying the right capital for you and planning your next milestones for growth
Discounts
Program participants will be offered in-kind support from our benefits partners, including web hosting credits, pro-bono legal support, and more.
