On 27 May, 2025, the National Youth Council of Malawi Executive Director, Mr. Rex Chapota , concluded the first phase of the ED Youth Impact Tours with a resounding testament to youth innovation in agricultural commercialization, visiting two trailblazing enterprises—Jeyie Foods and Patsogolo Farms in Mangochi—that are transforming Malawi’s agribusiness landscape.
At Jeyie Foods, a youth-led agri-processing venture that began as a small chili sauce operation in 2022 has now evolved into a nutrition and economic empowerment hub, thanks in part to the Youth Agricultural Cooperative Grant from the National Youth Council. Today, the enterprise produces MBS pre-certified fortified porridge, peanut butter, and vinegar, directly addressing malnutrition while creating sustainable livelihoods.
Their fortified porridge, enriched with essential vitamins, has become critical in combating under-five malnutrition, while their peanut butter—made from locally sourced groundnuts—provides vital nutrients to vulnerable communities. Even their signature chili sauce, their first product, remains a symbol of their commitment to local sourcing and quality.
Beyond production, Jeyie Foods has built an inclusive ecosystem, sourcing raw materials from over 765 youth and 300 women farmers while providing training in modern farming and business management. This model has turned smallholder farmers into agro-processors and suppliers, amplifying economic opportunities across Mangochi.
Just miles away, under Traditional Authority Mponda, the ED encountered Patsogolo Farms, a high-impact poultry venture founded by three LUANAR graduates in 2023. Specializing in quail breeding and improved local chickens, the farm boasts a 10,000-bird capacity poultry house and a 3,500-egg incubator, positioning it as a key player in Malawi’s poultry sector. Beyond production, Patsogolo serves as a hatchery hub, supporting over 500 local farmers in just one quarter and supplying organic manure to youth-led vegetable farms—fostering a circular agri-economy in the district.
Both enterprises have applied for the Youth Innovation Fund (YIF), underscoring the program’s potential to accelerate youth-led commercialization. “What we’ve seen today is proof that Malawian youth are not just waiting for opportunities—they are creating them,” said Mr. Chapota. “Jeyie Foods and Patsogolo Farms exemplify why the YIF will be transformative. With small, strategic investments, young innovators are scaling solutions that boost food security, create jobs, and drive rural economic growth”
The ED also expressed gratitude to the Government of Malawi and His Excellency Dr Lazarus Chakwera for their unprecedented political will in prioritizing youth development. “This level of commitment to youth empowerment has never been seen before. The YIF is not just a fund—it’s a national movement to harness the bold ideas of young Malawians who are ready to industrialize our agriculture sector and build a more prosperous Malawi.”
As the ED Youth Impact Tours wrap up its first phase, the success of these enterprises sends a clear message: “Malawi’s youth are ready to lead the agri-commercialization revolution—and with the right support, they will transform the nation’s economic future”.
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