Ndirande Township in Malawi Transforms into Business Hub for Young Entrepreneurs

The township, formerly known for its criminal elements, now houses a number of businesses, including hardware and furniture showrooms.

Part of Ndirande

Malawi: One of the biggest townships in Malawi's Blantyre City, Ndirande, is being transformed into a centre for young people's businesses, writes Thokozani Beaton.

The township, formerly known for its criminal elements, now houses a number of businesses, including hardware and furniture showrooms.

Amos Kunjakuno, who works at a timber milling shop in Ndirande's busiest marketplace, said, "Sometimes we work at night, racing against time to work on workloads that our customers brought.

"We use the electricity supply at night in some situations if there is a lack of electricity during the day due to load shedding."

Workers at a sawmilling workshop

Greyson Kamwendo, the owner of a carpentry and joinery business, stated that his customers come from all walks of life.

"We serve a variety of clients. You mention Black, White, and Native Americans. We trade with people of all races, "said Kamwendo.

Kamwendo assists other young people at the shop in the manufacture of furniture.

The "need to create more economic empowerment avenues for the youth," according to a National Youth Policy report from 2013, included expanding employment opportunities and encouraging youth entrepreneurship.

A prominent member of the Ndirande community, Group Makata, claimed that a lot of young people are now working as entrepreneurs in fields like carpentry, welding, mechanics, and other creative endeavours.

According to Makata, "many young people are now involved in entrepreneurship such as carpentry, welding, mechanics, and other artistic works, which is good for the community and their livelihoods."

However, he continued, some young people continue to engage in wild behaviour, such as drinking risky beers that put their lives at risk from strange diseases.

Makata suggested that a programme to help young people with vocational skills and give them the necessary tools would greatly improve their social well-being.

“Giving them money to launch businesses would be a waste of time and resources,” he explained.

"Training these young people in those areas and giving them tools will have a significant impact on them."

Chifundo Chipo, a youth in Ndirande

Chifundo Chipo, a youth activist, is convinced that if young people are given the right opportunities and support, they can reduce crime and other risky behaviours for society while also making a meaningful contribution to their communities.

"Cases of crimes and other violent acts will be reduced if these youths are fully supported because everyone will be engaged in productive activities," said Chifundo.

This story was made possible with the support of Google News Initiative's News Equity Fund. #GNIChallenge