The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has embarked on a programme aimed at empowering entrepreneurs in rural communities by providing them with essential business skills.
UNDP Gender and Development Specialist Juliet Sibale said the initiative is a proactive move that focuses on enhancing women’s intervention and leadership skills.
Sibale made the remarks following the completion of a three-day course on business management organised by UNDP in Salima District.
She emphasised that the rural empowerment programme seeks to cultivate entrepreneurship promote gender equality and advance sustainable energy initiatives.
“We aim to boost businesses, enhance livelihoods, introduce fresh business concepts and connect individuals with mentors to overcome financial support barriers,” she said.
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She said UNDP is collaborating with stakeholders to engage market actors and encourage investment in women.
The pilot project catered to communities in Dedza and Mchinji districts and is part of the broader programme called ‘Powering Equality, Gender and Energy’.
She said the program underscores the need for sustained efforts in providing women with the necessary knowledge to become entrepreneurs and fostering an enabling environment for their economic activities.
“The initiative aims to strengthen at least 70 percent of the women population by providing integrated support packages that combine entrepreneurship skills with mentorship services,” she said.
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During the course, 30 representatives from Kudembe and Nthembanji in Dedza, and participants from Sitolo in Mchinji, were equipped with expertise to develop businesses dependent on off-grid clean energy, produced and distributed within their villages.
The mini-grids programme, aims to transform energy markets by enhancing economic development and improving livelihoods through increased financial investment and innovative business models.
Under the programme, efforts are being made to set up hydro power and solar electricity in rural areas that are lacking power lines through the energy mini-grid project.
UNDP Energy Programme Assistant Sithembile Tembo emphasised that the mini-grid project signifies a commitment to reinvigorate the power sector, providing affordable energy to rural communities.
“Everybody deserves to have electricity. We need to reduce the trend of rural-urban migration. So, we must give power to people in the villages, and that is what we are doing,” Tembo said.
Anne Damiano Nyendwa, a participant from Mchinji District, expressed optimism that the training would improve their businesses.
She said the newfound knowledge would not only open up opportunities but also contribute to the overall betterment of her community.
“I believe that the skills acquired will not only benefit my business but also positively impact my life and the lives of those around me,” she said.
The programme receives support from the governments of Luxembourg and the Republic of Korea (South Korea).
