Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Rosa Fatchi Mbilizi, says the government remains committed to ensuring that young people and women have access to capital for agricultural investment.
Mbilizi made the remarks when she accompanied World Bank Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, Ndiamé Diop, on a tour to ACADES, a youth-led agribusiness group benefiting from the World Bank-funded Agricultural Commercialisation (AGCOM 2) project in the area of Traditional Authority Mbwatalika in Lilongwe.
She said ACADES, which was established in 2015 by five fresh graduates from the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), is a clear demonstration of the potential that lies in empowering young people.
“These young people have challenged us that the youth are not only the future but the present. This is why our manifesto has highlighted investing in young people so that they can explore their full potential,” said Mbilizi.
On his part, World Bank Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa Ndiamé Diop stated that Malawi’s opportunity for economic transformation lies in increasing agricultural production and processing.
He encouraged the ACADES group to continue aiming high in increasing their production and processing in order to ensure that farmers have access to quality seed and fertiliser, in order to increase production.
“I am encouraged by what these young men fresh from college have done. This showcases the importance of aggregation, vision and good leadership. As a bank, these are the projects we are proud to sponsor,” said Diop.
The Minister and Diop were taken through a tour of ACADES water facility, electricity last mile infrastructure, exhibitions, warehouse, factory and offices.
With a membership of 3,000 farmers, the ACADES group is located in Sachikumwa Village in the area of Traditional Authority Mbwatalika in Lilongwe district.
ACADES has received a grant from AGCOM 2 worth K138 million for the construction of a storage facility, installation of a water supply solar system, which is expected to increase production and processing of soybean, beans, rice and other crops.
By Mwai Mtumodzi
