Zantchito – Emerge Livelihoods

Zantchito Entrepreneurship and Access to Finance

This is serious business.

About the Programme

In 2023, we launched a provision of incubation services in collaboration with the Zantchito Entrepreneurship and Access to Finance Program, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with financing from the European Union.

Through this partnership, Emerge Livelihoods aims to support 50 enterprises in the first year, and up to 500 ideas to early-stage entrepreneurs over a period of five years across Malawi.

The programme will provide business incubation support, split into four phases of delivery; preparation, pre-incubation, incubation and post-incubation. A participant in the programme is not guaranteed to move through each of these phases; at the end of each phase, the applicant will be assessed and selected in order to move to the next phase of support.

Problem Statement

Program Benefits

Youth with innovative ideas fail to venture into entrepreneurship due to limitations in resources and having the business acumen to set up and manage a business. The program aims to bring innovative business ideas that have potential to life by providing much-needed support in the form of trainings, coaching, mentorship and access to finance.

With unemployment on the rise, the program is using entrepreneurship as a vehicle to combat unemployment by helping young graduates become entrepreneurs that once they are well established can create job opportunities for others.

Business Ideas unwrapped into a business plan and Business Model Canvas
Business Registration
Capacity building through various trainings
Tailored Coaching and Mentorship
Access to Finance
Exposure through participation in various business expos
Recommendations for various business opportunities

Who can apply?

Age: 18-35

Location: Physical presence in the Northern Region of Malawi

Stage: Phased, from those with an idea and business plan to operational businesses with tangible products