Beyond survival: How young entrepreneurs are rewriting Malawi's economic narrative

Malawi is a country caught in a perfect storm. In 2024, Malawi’s GDP growth slowed to 1.8% due to a severe drought and acute foreign exchange shortages. The poverty rate rose to 71.2%. Malawi’s economy is in a deep and protracted crisis marked by elevated inflation, declining living standards, and high rates of food insecurity. Yet, behind these grim numbers, my recent monitoring visit revealed another reality: stories of resilience, innovation, and hope driven by young entrepreneurs rewriting Malawi’s economic narrative.