By Mwai Mtumodzi
The Paul Katema Foundation has expressed delight with the progress and business growth demonstrated by several winners of its Young Builders Challenge, an initiative designed to equip young innovators with seed capital, mentorship, and practical business guidance.
Among the standout success stories is that of Alinafe Velemu, a Level 2 TEVET General Fitting student at Phwezi Technical College in northern Malawi, who was a third-place winner in the competition, earning K1 million in seed capital alongside mentorship support aimed at helping young entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses.
Operating from Nalikule in the outskirts of Lilongwe city, Velemu founded the Green Innovations Centre in 2024 with a mission that is both entrepreneurial and environmental, converting plastic waste into practical household and commercial products.
What began as a bold idea to transform discarded plastic into something valuable is quickly becoming one of Malawi’s inspiring youth entrepreneurship success stories.
At his workshop, discarded plastics are given a second life, transformed into tables, baskets, and even panga knife handles, helping reduce waste while creating income opportunities.
What started on a small scale is now steadily expanding.
Through the mentorship and support provided under the Young Builders Challenge, Alinafe says the business has already recorded tangible growth, with increased production capacity and growing demand for recycled products.
“My initiative is not only helping to build a business, but also contributing to environmental sustainability and youth empowerment at a time when innovative solutions to unemployment and waste management are urgently needed,” Velemu said.
Business Development Consultant at the Paul Katema Foundation, Ashley Chingoma, feels encouraged by the positive outcomes emerging from the initiative.
According to Chingoma, the Young Builders Challenge goes beyond simply providing financial assistance.
“The programme also focuses on mentorship, accountability, and business structuring, key ingredients that enable young entrepreneurs to turn promising ideas into viable and sustainable enterprises like Alinafe has done,” Chingoma said.
