Phindu Enterprise

Post-Harvest Support CHALLENGE; Malawi

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Post-Harvest Support

Learn more about the Post-Harvest Support Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes post-harvest loans and improved grain storage bags could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Phindu Enterprise's mission is to help smallholder farmers escape poverty by providing post-harvest financing and market access solutions that enable them to capture the full value of their harvests.

Phindu Enterprise will launch its pilot in Dowa District, Malawi, working through existing farmer groups, cooperatives, and lead farmers to identify and onboard participants. Farmers will receive post-harvest cash advances secured against their crops, which will be aggregated, safely stored, and collectively marketed during the lean season when prices are highest. Their community-based approach builds trust by leveraging local relationships and ensuring farmers remain active partners throughout the process. What sets the venture apart is its integrated model that combines financing, storage, and market access into one solution, enabling farmers to meet immediate cash needs without sacrificing future income.

Phindu Enterprise was founded in 2025 by Aaron Bryce Chawiya, Founder and Executive Lead, and Constance Kalikwembe, Co-Founder and Coordinator of Field Operations. Spencer Bandawe joins the team as a Learning and Impact Lead.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 150 smallholder farmers within three months.

• Distribute 300 PICS Bags and 150 cash advances to 150 smallholder farmers within three months.

• To raise additional USD25000 during the pilot period

FOUNDING TEAM

Aaron Bryce Chawiya - Founder and Executive Lead

Constance Kalikwembe - Co-Founder and Field Operations Lead

Mangochi Immunization Advancement (MIA)

CHILD IMMUNIZATION CHALLENGE; Malawi

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Routine childhood immunizations

Learn more about the Immunization Challenge and how Increasing routine childhood immunization rates in low-coverage areas could prevent millions of childhood deaths.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

MIA works on increasing full childhood immunization in Malawi by using SMS reminders and conditional cash transfers to ensure children receive life-saving vaccines on time.

MIA delivers its intervention through public health facilities in Mangochi District, Malawi, enrolling caregivers of children aged 12–35 months at the point of care. Caregivers receive automated, personalized SMS reminders before each immunization visit, while completion of scheduled visits is verified through facility records and linked to small conditional cash transfers delivered via mobile money. The model is integrated with existing EPI systems and implemented in coordination with frontline health workers to ensure accuracy and accountability. Our pilot will run across six health facilities, reaching 500 children and their caregivers. What sets MIA apart is its tightly integrated, real-time verification and payment system that directly links immunization events to incentives, ensuring both high reliability and impact at low cost.

MIA was founded by Suzgo James Mwasikakata alongside Michelle Mwampashi Samuel, Dr. Kondwani C. Mamba, and Ketson Kayuni, a multidisciplinary team with expertise in public health, digital systems, and financial management. The team combines strong experience in immunization and health systems strengthening with finance and internal audit expertise from Michelle and Ketson, ensuring robust financial accountability. Suzgo James Mwasikakata leads the venture’s strategy and implementation in Malawi.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 500 children and their caregivers during the pilot phase, implemented across 6 health facilities in Mangochi District, Malawi.

• SMS reminders: ~6,000 messages (500 caregivers × ~12 reminders each, assuming 3 reminders per visit across 4 immunization visits), Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs): up to 2,000 payments within three months

• Fundraise $30,000 in additional funding within three months from new investors and donors, complemented by continued engagement and support from the D-Prize.

FOUNDING TEAM

Suzgo James Mwasikakata - CEO/Founder

Michelle Mwampashi Samuel - Programs Manager

Kondwani C. Mamba - Technical Advisor

Ketson Kayuni - Internal Advisor

Harvest Guard Solutions (HGS)

Post-Harvest Support CHALLENGE; Malawi

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Post-Harvest Support

Learn more about the Post-Harvest Support Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes post-harvest loans and improved grain storage bags could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Harvest Guard Solutions (HGS)’s mission is to empower smallholder farmers with affordable, innovative post-harvest technologies and pre-harvest financial support, reducing food losses, enhancing food security, and increasing household incomes.

HGS’s model combines affordable post-harvest technologies with pre-harvest financial support, delivered through local Village Savings and Loan Associations. Trained village agents manage groups of farmers, ensuring accountability and facilitating payments, while farmers access PICS bags and small loans to protect their harvests. This integrated approach strengthens local distribution networks, reduces post-harvest losses, and increases incomes, providing a scalable framework for expansion beyond the pilot.

The HGS team includes Vanex Kamanga, Charity Manyowa, and Elizabeth Phiri, each playing a key role in the organization. Vanex will lead overall operations, coordinate farmer engagement, and ensure effective distribution of PICS bags. Charity will manage market strategies, farmer training programs, and support VSLAs to strengthen local networks, while Elizabeth will oversee financial management, pre-harvest loans, and repayment systems. Together, they will implement the pilot in Dowa District, directly engaging farmers and building a scalable model to reduce post-harvest losses and improve rural livelihoods.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 500 smallholder farmers within three months.

• Using 4 high-performing distribution agents, distribute 5,000 PICS bags and pre-harvest loans in three months.

• Raise $7800 in additional funding.

FOUNDING TEAM

Vanex Ian Kamanga - Founder

Safe Drop Solutions (SDS)

Clean Water Access CHALLENGE; Malawi

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Ceramic Water Filters

Learn more about the Clean Water Access Challenge and why ceramic pot water filters can be used by households to clean otherwise unsafe water from almost any source.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Safe Drop Solutions’ mission is to provide rural communities in Malawi with affordable and sustainable clean water through Ecofiltro water filters, improving health and livelihoods.

SafeDrop Solutions will pilot in the lakeshore communities of Mangochi District, T/A Makanjira, distributing 400 Ecofiltro ceramic water filters to households and nursery schools for three months. Families pay a 25% upfront fee and affordable monthly installments, making clean water accessible without financial strain. Trained Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) will serve as trusted, community-based sales agents, ensuring proper use, tracking repayments, and providing ongoing education.

What sets SDS apart is its unique integration of HSAs and Village Development Committees (VDCs), combining health expertise with local trust to drive adoption, sustain repayments, and maximize impact. This community-centered model ensures both health outcomes and financial sustainability.

SafeDrop Solutions is led by Prince Thomas, a Water Engineering graduate managing technical operations; Chifundo Saini, an Environmental Health Specialist leading health education; and Lwitiko Fweta, an M&E Specialist driving data-driven decision-making. Together, they combine expertise in water systems, public health, and impact evaluation to deliver clean water solutions. Their shared commitment and local knowledge position them to scale sustainably and transform rural health outcomes.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 1,600 beneficiaries within three months.

• Using four high-performing local HSAs, distribute 400 Ecofito water filters within three months, ensuring proper usage and follow-up to maximize impact on household water quality.

• Raise an additional $10,700 USD from new donors or investors within three months to support the scaling of activities.

FOUNDING TEAM

Prince Thomas - Founder

Chifundo Saini - Founder

Aqua Safe

Clean Water Access CHALLENGE; Malawi

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Ceramic Water Filters

Learn more about the Clean Water Access Challenge and why ceramic pot water filters can be used by households to clean otherwise unsafe water from almost any source.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Aqua Safe provides affordable ceramic water filters to low-income households in Malawi, ensuring safe drinking water and promoting lasting, healthy water practices.

The venture will pilot in Lilongwe’s rural and semi-urban urban, using a network of commissioned agents to sell ceramic water filters and run awareness campaigns on the importance of using filters and consuming safe, treated water. They will target Village Savings and Loan groups and small community clusters, offering a pay-as-you-use model with five monthly instalments to ensure affordability. Central kiosks will serve as sales and repair hubs while providing additional services like phone charging to maintain sustainability. What sets them apart is the combination of sales, education, and follow-up support, driving lasting behavioural change.

Aqua Safe, founded in 2025 in Lilongwe, Malawi, is led by Francis Mwamlima as full-time Managing Director and Chifundo Chikabadwa as Finance Lead. The team is committed to increasing access to safe drinking water by selling affordable ceramic water filters. Francis brings WASH and project management expertise, while Chifundo ensures strong financial management to drive sustainability.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Reach 3,200 low-income households with access to safe drinking water through ceramic water filters within 3 months.

• Establish a distribution network of at least 20 active community-based agents trained to sell and promote ceramic water filters.

• Secure an additional $25,000 USD in funding or investment commitments from new donors or investors within 3 months of launch.

FOUNDING TEAM

Francis Lusekero Mwamlima - Managing Director

Chifundo Chikabadwa - Accountant

Kuwala Clean Energy

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Malawi

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Solar Lamps

Learn more about the Solar Lamp Challenge and how these lamps create enormous benefits for developing world families.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Kuwala Clean Energy’s mission is to uplift off-grid communities in Malawi with clean energy for healthier, safer lives.

Kuwala Clean Energy will pilot its distribution model in Havara Village, Zomba, Malawi, by using existing Water Point Committees as community-based sales agents. These trusted local groups will be trained to distribute Sun King solar lamps using a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) model, which requires only a 30% upfront payment.

This approach ensures accessibility while utilising well-established community structures for efficient distribution. Kuwala Clean Energy’s integration with local governance systems makes them stars, fostering trust and sustainability from within the community itself.

Kuwala Clean Energy was founded by Gabriel Kamowatimwa, Raymond Zulu, Hopeson Ngalande, and Phillip Kamowatimwa in 2024. Gabriel serves as the Chief Executive Officer and leads overall strategy and monitoring. The team combines expertise in project coordination, field operations, and finance, with a strong connection to the local community in Zomba, Malawi.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 1500 beneficiaries during the pilot.

• Distribute 500 solar lamps during the pilot.

• Fundraise an additional $15,000 during the pilot phase.

FOUNDING TEAM

Gabriel Kamowatimwa - Chief Executive Officer

Raymond Innocent Zulu - Project Coordinator

Philip Kamowatimwa - Finance Manager

Hopeson Ngakande - Field Officer

Yafika Agri Ventures

Quality Inputs CHALLENGE; Malawi

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Quality Agricultural Inputs

Learn more about the Quality Inputs Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes high-quality seeds could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Yafika Agri Ventures is boosting the productivity and potential of last-mile subsistence farmers with sustainable agricultural solutions.

Yafika Agri Ventures (YAV) is a social enterprise dedicated to helping subsistence farmers in Mwanza District, Malawi, unlock their agricultural potential and build lasting economic resilience. They provide affordable input bundles on credit, along with hands-on training and ongoing support, so farmers can increase productivity and access better markets.

What truly sets YAV apart is its team of mobile extension agents, who work closely with farmers organised into Village Savings Groups. By delivering services through local hubs within walking distance, they make sure support is affordable, effective and timely, breaking down the barriers of geography and finance that too often hold farmers back.

Yafika Agri Ventures was founded in 2019 by Thomas Chiwaula, a passionate farmer who serves as the full-time CEO. Jacinta Chikalamba is the Project Coordinator, and Jason serves as the Community Development Officer, all working together to drive meaningful change in Malawi’s farming communities.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach and organise 100 subsistence farmers into active village savings groups in three months.

• Using a capable network of mobile extension agents, distribute 100 input bundles in three months.

• Fundraise an additional USD 20,000 within three months.

FOUNDING TEAM

Thomas Chiwaula - Founder

Jacinta Chikalamba - Project Coordinator

Jason Nthumbwana - Community Development Officer,

Safe Water Technologies

Clean Water Access CHALLENGE; Malawi

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Ceramic Water Filters

Learn more about the Clean Water Access Challenge and why ceramic pot water filters can be used by households to clean otherwise unsafe water from almost any source.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Safe Water Technologies will provide water filters to ensure that rural communities have access to clean and safe water.

Safe Water Technologies will distribute Ceramic Water Filters in Salima District, Malawi on a Pay as You Use Credit Model through 24 village agents that will be on commission.

Through this model, they will target Village Savings and Loans groups to be their customers to purchase the filters on credit.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Reach 3000 beneficiaries during the pilot.

• Distribute 600 water filters during the pilot.

• Raise an additional $10000 during the pilot.

FOUNDING TEAM

Thokozani Chepuka - Co-Founder

Steve Lameck - Co-Founder

Sunny Energy Malawi (SEMW)

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Malawi

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Solar Lamps

Learn more about the Solar Lamp Challenge and how these lamps create enormous benefits for developing world families.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Sunny Energy Malawi's mission is to enhance the quality of lives in low-income rural communities in Dowa, Malawi, by promoting education, empowerment, and economic development through the distribution of clean, affordable, and sustainable solar lamps.

Sunny Energy Malawi uses solar kiosks and sales agents to distribute sustainable solar energy solutions in Dowa, Central Region, Malawi. The company uses the PAYGO model for credit collection and mobile money services for rural customers to access the PAYGO Model.

The company relies on warranties for product quality and longevity and employs local people as sales agents and kiosk operators to build community trust and verify customer information.

The company is committed to ensuring that every household in Malawi has access to clean, sustainable, and affordable renewable energy lighting solutions.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 5,810 beneficiaries within three months.

• Using five solar kiosk operators and 15 high-preforming sales agents, distribute 1162 solar lamps within the first three months.

• Fundraise additional $20, 000 from new investors or funders within three months.

FOUNDING TEAM

Chikondi Chizu - Co-Founder & Managing Director

Glory Bwetu - Co-Founder & Administration and Marketing Manager

Austin Kalimanjira Junior - Co-Founder & Sales and Distribution Manager

Green Business Solutions

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Malawi

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Solar Lamps

Learn more about the Solar Lamp Challenge and how these lamps create enormous benefits for developing world families.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

GBS was founded to provide affordable and sustainable long-term clean energy support in rural low-income communities, with labour embedded in the community, using a simple scalable approach.

Green Business Solutions (GBS) has developed a simple and scalable distribution method for getting low-cost pico-solar lamps to low-income rural communities such that they can have a life with lighting: increasing security at night, allowing night-time study for children, providing opportunities for nighttime commercial activities such as sewing and cooking, and increasing quality of life.

Their model involves recruiting local ‘Energy Committee’ teams i.e. Village Savings and Loans Associations who recruit customers to get bulk orders. The Energy Committee is supported by an experienced and locally based Sales Agent who provides training and support. The model improves gender equality; offers local employment and low costs; provides excellent after-sales support; and creates a two-way communication hub for the community.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Reach 2250 customers during the pilot.

• Distribute 500 products during the pilot.

• Fundraise an additional $20,000 from other donors.

FOUNDING TEAM

Bright Bamusi Banda - Managing Director

Precious Mkandawire - Finance Manager

Dzuwa Gleam

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; MALAWI

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Solar Lamps

Learn more about the Solar Lamp Challenge and how these lamps create enormous benefits for developing world families. 

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Dzuwa Gleam is on a mission to empower and enhance the lives of Malawians living in underserved, off-grid rural communities grappling with energy poverty through the provision of clean, sustainable, and reliable energy solutions.

Dzuwa Gleam's distribution model centers on deploying highly motivated local sales agents to deliver sustainable energy solutions, starting with the pilot in Kasungu district, Malawi. Their agents leverage community connections and local knowledge to directly engage with residents, ensuring the effective distribution of Pico solar lamps.

What sets Dzuwa Gleam apart is its commitment to empowering communities by establishing a robust network of agents, fostering genuine connections, and tailoring its approach to the specific needs of each locality. This localized, community-driven strategy distinguishes Dzuwa Gleam as a catalyst for transformative change in the energy landscape.

Dzuwa Gleam was founded in 2023 by Geoffrey Mtika, a visionary Chief Executive Officer, who serves as the driving force behind Dzuwa Gleam's commitment to bringing sustainable energy solutions to communities in Malawi. While Geoffrey leads the initiative, the team is further strengthened by dedicated individuals, including Steve Chipanje, Sales and Marketing Executive, and Stern Nyasulu, Finance Manager.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 1,500 unique customers within three months.

• Using 15 high-performing sales agents to distribute 300 Pico Solar Lamps during the three-month pilot.

• Fundraise an additional fund of $20,000 from new investors or funders within three months.

FOUNDING TEAM

Geoffrey Mtika - CEO

Steve Chipanje - Sales and Marketing Executive

Stern Nyasulu - Finance Manager

Greenspa

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; MALAWI

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Solar Lamps

Learn more about the Solar Lamp Challenge and how these lamps create enormous benefits for developing world families. 

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Greenspa is a startup enterprise which promote utilization of renewable energy technologies to marginalized people in Malawi.

Greenspa strives to improve solar energy access to the underserved and marginalized people in the remotest areas of Malawi. Greenspa has created a distribution network reaching logistically challenged areas with affordable solar technologies.

Greenspa will recruit trained sales technicians and empower them with motorcycles so that they reach hard to reach areas to distribute solar products. Greenspa has partnered with mobile money providers so that mobile money would be its payment platform. They have also partnered with mobile money kiosks in our target catchment areas.

Greenspa’s team is made up of vibrant individuals with diverse backgrounds who are passionate in taking part in fighting energy poverty in Malawi. The founding team include Phillip Kanchiputu, Managing Director; Chifundo Nchochoma, Human Resources and Finance Officer; and Triza Chimwaye, Sales and Marketing Officer.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Use 30 high-performing sales agents to distribute 700 solar lamps in three months of the pilot phase.

• Reach 3000 beneficiaries within three months.

• Raise additional USD 10,000 from other donors during pilot phase.

FOUNDING TEAM

Phillip Kanchiputu - Managing Director

Chifundo Nchochoma - Human Resources and Finance Officer

Triza Chimwaye - Sales and Marketing Officer

Kwawala Energies

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; MALAWI

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Solar Lamps

Learn more about the Solar Lamp Challenge and how these lamps create enormous benefits for developing world families.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Kwawala Energies is aimed at improving access to clean, safe, and affordable solar energy products in rural and off-grid households in the last mile communities bordering Mozambique in Mulanje district, Malawi.

Kwawala Energies will distribute sunking pico solar lamps in Mulanje through 12 high-performing Village Agents using the Pay Half and Take model. The lamps will be distributed through 12 high-performing Village Agents to 24 VSLAs in the rural areas of Mulanje. The Village Agents are part of the VSLAs and they are trusted in the community.

Kwawala Energies was founded in 2022 by two motivated young and passionate ladies who have an in-depth understanding of the energy industry in Malawi. Ms. Rachael Kapindu, the Co-founder is a well experienced Project Manager who recently worked with Green Impact Technologies, a leading renewable energy company in Malawi. Ms. Judith Luhanga is also a Co-founder and she has worked as a Marketing Field Officer.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Reach 2500 customers during the pilot phase.

• Distribute 500 solar lamps.

• Fundraise an additional $10, 000 USD from philanthropic organizations.

FOUNDING TEAM

Rachael Kapindu - Managing Director

Judith Luhanga - Marketing Coordinator

Chetechete Sautsa Nyama

CUSTOM CHALLENGE; malawi

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Sexual and Gender Based Violence Support

Learn more about the Custom Challenge and why we only fund ideas that focus on distributing proven poverty interventions.

 

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Our mission is to create a Malawi free from Sexual and Gender Based Violence by championing survivor empowerment and transforming societal norms and allow completion of court cases involving SGBV perpetrators.

The model is based on Community Response to SGBV with the understanding that survivors of SGBV do not receive community support when they report abuse such that they end up withdrawing such cases before they are concluded by the courts. The intervention will create survivor clubs in Chinsapo, Lilongwe in Malawi and empower and support these clubs and engage community structures.

Chetechete Sautsa Nyama project with an English version of "Voices Unsilenced" was founded in 2023 by a group of six members who attended 2023 GHC SGBV Hackathon in Lilongwe. The team was led by Frank Chidampamba, who is a Global Health Corps Alum and the other five members are professionals working on gender, youth empowerment and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights and their names are Susan Chisi, Davis Chunga, Kumbukani Molishu, Everlisto Phiri and Praise Banda.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 5,000 unique customers within three months

• Using 50 high-performing distribution agents, distribute 5,000 products/services in three months

• Fundraise an additional $25,000 USD from new donors or investors within three months

FOUNDING TEAM

Frank Chidampamba - Team Leader

Susan Chisi - Project Coordinator

Kumbukani Molishu - Communications Officer

Davis Chunga - Resource Mobilization Officer

Everlisto Phiri - Finance Officer

Praise Banda - M&E Officer

Village Solar

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Malawi

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Solar lamps. 

Learn more about the Solar Lamp Challenge and how these lamps create enormous benefits for developing world families.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Village Solar is driven by a mission to empower communities through the provision of accessible and sustainable energy solutions, utilizing a community-driven distribution model. Its current focus is on a pilot project aimed at a rural community lacking reliable electricity, with the goal of demonstrating the efficacy of our model in addressing energy poverty and meeting the unique needs of underserved areas. Through this pilot, they aim to build trust, foster ownership, and establish a scalable framework that can be replicated in various communities.

The long-term vision is to expand impact, bringing reliable and clean energy to numerous communities, transforming lives, and contributing to sustainable development on a larger scale.

The founding team at Village Solar consists of Sungeni Segula and Susanna Simango. Sungeni serves as the CEO, bringing strong leadership and strategic vision to the organization, while Susanna takes on the role of Programs Director, overseeing the implementation and development of our initiatives. Together, they form a dynamic team committed to empowering communities through accessible and sustainable energy solutions.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 1500 beneficiaries in 3 months

• Distribute 300 lamps by using 6 VSLAs

• Fundraise an additional $10000 from new donors or investors within three months

FOUNDING TEAM

Sungeni Segula - CEO

Susanna Simango - Programs Director

4Her2Her

SUGAR DADDY AWARENESS CHALLENGE; Malawi

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Sugar Daddy Awareness classes. 

Learn more about the Sugar Daddy Awareness Challenge and how a simple, one-hour “sugar daddy awareness” training could help countless girls avoid pregnancy while still in school, which can lead to entrenched poverty, and build a better life.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

By delivering “Sugar Daddy Awareness” classes to Standard 8 girls in Malawi, 4Her2Her will address the dangers of Sugar Daddies who capitalize on girls’ poverty and vulnerability, contributing to a reduction in cross-generational sexual encounters and related HIV/STI incidence, teenage pregnancies and early marriages.

The Sugar Daddy Awareness Classes pilot targets primary schools within Lilongwe Rural and Urban Education Zones. The delivery of these classes will remove the shroud over an SRHR issue that is prevalent yet taboo, giving the targeted girls tools to avoid risky sexual encounters. The curriculum will be taught in classes led by trained facilitators from similar backgrounds, using language and references that are understandable and relatable. 4Her2Her will leverage the lived and professional experiences of its founding team, who have seen their peers fall into the Sugar Daddy trap and use their passion to advocate for gender and social justice within contextual bounds.

4Her2Her was co-founded by Phindu Banda, Mirriam Sibale, Diana Gulitsa and Angella Bwilani. Though from different backgrounds, the team formed a friendship and working relationship based on their shared desire to see women and girls empowered and elevated using methods that recognised and centered their unique experiences. The team believes in the power of participatory arts and transformative approaches to aid in women and girls reclaiming their voices and autonomy.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Directly reach 3,000 Standard 8 girls in primary schools across Lilongwe Urban and Rural Education Zones

• Successfully deliver 60 interventions/Sugar daddy Awareness classes through our trained facilitators

• Raise an additional $5,000 through new donors (which may be in-kind support from existing actors in the sector) during the Pilot

FOUNDING TEAM

Phindu Banda - Human Relations and Training Officer

Mirriam Sibale - Resource Mobilization and Accounting Officer

Diana Gulitsa - Communications and Administration Officer

Angella Bwilani - Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer

tEnergy

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; Malawi

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Solar lamps. 

Learn more about the Solar Lamp Challenge and how these lamps create enormous benefits for developing world families.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

TENERGY is a youth-led clean energy company geared to reduce social and economic vulnerabilities associated with lack of access to clean and sustainable energy solutions.

The company provides reliable and certified solar energy solutions to households in the Northern Region of Malawi with limited access to electricity. Their solutions are backed by warranties and verification to ensure quality and longevity and are designed to overcome energy poverty and improve their daily lives. We are committed to bridging the logistical and financial barriers that hinder sustainable adoption of renewable energy technologies.

The team is being led by Pius Mkandawire who has an education background in Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Policy. His work and research have been in the fields of off-grid energy solutions, energy literacy, managing electronic waste, and productive use of energy.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Distribute 600 solar lamps within three-month pilot phase reaching 3,000 beneficiaries

• Recruit and train 20 sales agents

• Raise $9,000 during the pilot period

FOUNDING TEAM

Pius Mkandawire - Team Leader

Shukran Latif - ICT Officer

Daniel Sikwese - Accounting and Finance Officer

Gift Kasambala - Sales and Distribution Officer

Health for All Initiative

SAYANA PRESS CHALLENGE; MALAWI

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Sayana Press injectable contraceptive.  

Learn more about the Sayana®  Press Challenge and why training health providers to administer Sayana® Press can be particularly valuable for women who prefer injectable contraceptives but don’t have regular access.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Health for All Initiative (HAI) distributes low-cost self-injectable contraceptives to adolescent girls and women in Malawi.

The Initiative will identify groups of adolescent girls and women and increase awareness about Sayana Press by addressing cultural and religious beliefs that affect family planning uptake. Motivated community health workers (CHWs) in targeted districts and communities will be trained in counseling, storage and handling of Sayana Press, and behavior change activities to decrease stigma and promote knowledge about contraception for women. Coordination with community leaders and healthcare officials will enable widespread awareness campaigns and access to Sayana Press. Regular focus groups and collaboration with other NGOs will improve understanding of successes and drawbacks of our model and feedback will be integrated as we continue to expand our project. Health for All Initiative believes tackling the root cause of low contraceptive uptake will help in scaling up the distribution of Sayanna Press.

Health for all Initiative was founded in 2021 by Jemimah Nyirongo, Albert Kaonga, and Madeleine Dirmaco, Leonard Mndala and Madeline Stark.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Provide 500 women with access to Sayana Press during the three-month pilot

• Reach 4,000 beneficiaries by the end of year 1

• Reach 10,000 beneficiaries by the end of year 2

FOUNDING TEAM

Jemimah Nyirongo - Executive Director

Madeleine Dimarco - Fundraising & Marketing Director

Leonard Mndala - Implementation Director

Madeline Stark - Monitoring & Evaluation Advisor

Albert Kaonga - Operations & Quality Improvement Director

Mlimi Agro Hub

CUSTOM AGRICULTURE CHALLENGE; MALAWI

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Quality seeds and other key inputs for rural farmers through a franchised agro dealer network and a youth agent network. 

Learn more about the Custom Agriculture Challenge and why distributing proven agricultural interventions can greatly improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

 

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Mlimi Agro Hub distributes quality farm inputs, including fertilizer, seeds and post-harvest storage bags, to smallholder farmers and supports them with extension services on better agronomic practices through village savings groups, farmer cooperatives, and existing hardware stores.

Mlimi Agro Hub model has three main components that include, engaging owners of hardware stores nearer to smallholder farmers as sales agents, providing asset-based loan service to farmers belonging to Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA), and involving lead farmers in the dissemination of information to smallholder farmers on better agronomic practices. Our model addresses major reasons limiting smallholder farmers from accessing quality agricultural inputs and the reasons are limited access to agriculture loan, long distances to agro-dealer shops located in towns and lack of knowledge on better agronomic practices like fertilizer micro-dosing and correct plant spacing.

Mlimi Agro Hub was founded by Gilbert Banda, Wilson Nkhata, and Marko Chiumia. The team members have knowledge and experience in the agriculture sector in Malawi.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Reach 100 smallholder farmers during the pilot period

• Raise additional $10,000 by the end of the pilot period

• Reach 2,500 farmers by the end of year 1

• Reach 8,500 farmers by the end of year 2

FOUNDING TEAM

Gilbert Chikwama Banda - Managing Director

Wilson Nkhata - Sales & Operations Manager

Marko Chiumia - Business Development Manager

Zasolar

SOLAR LAMP CHALLENGE; MALAWI

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Solar lamps. 

Learn more about the Solar Lamp Challenge and how these lamps create enormous benefits for developing world families.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Zasolar is a youth-led enterprise that enhances access to renewable energy technologies in underprivileged rural areas in Malawi by creating a distribution network reaching logistically-challenged areas with affordable solar technology.

Zasolar deploys trained sales technicians (empowering them with motorcycle transport), recruiting highly performing sales agents, setting up kiosks (with mobile money abilities) and undertaking mass community engagements cost-effectively. Zasolar is committed to finding cost-effective ways to deliver solar products to the last mile.

The Zasolar team is made up of vibrant individuals who are passionate about selling with an impact. Members bring industry experience covering the entire solar market supply chain. The founding team includes Fishani Msiska, Lusayo Salanga, Shawowene Mwasangwale and Jacob Nyasulu.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Distribute 1,750 solar lamps during the pilot, reaching 8,750 beneficiaries

• Raise an additional $10,000 during the pilot

• Reach 50,000 beneficiaries by the end of year 2

FOUNDING TEAM

Fishani Msiska - Team Leader

Shawowene Mwasangwale - Sales & Marketing Assistant

Lusayo Salanga - Sales Technician

Jacob Nyasulu - Sales Technician