LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Three outstanding young entrepreneurs will walk away with millions, each, in startup capital and structured business mentorship following the National Finals of the Young Builders Challenge (YBC).
The event is scheduled for December 14, 2025 at Crossroads Hotel in the capital Lilongwe.
The prestigious competition, organized by the Paul Katema Foundation, marks a major milestone in Malawi’s entrepreneurship ecosystem as it continues to identify, nurture, and empower youth-led innovation.
During the finals, the young entrepreneurs will pitch their business ideas before a panel of distinguished judges, competing for startup capital prizes of K5 million, MK2.5 million, and MK1 million.
This will go alongside with business mentorship and capacity-building support aimed at turning their ideas into sustainable enterprises.
The three winners will be selected from ten national finalists drawn from over 700 applications submitted nationwide.
The finalists are Charles Kamcheka (Bunda College), Emmanuel Nangwiya, Alinafe Velemu, Mackson Manda, Annette Zombe, Robert Muyereka, Lufeyo Trecio, Precious Nkhata, Steve Spesho, and Grace Chikaya.
Founder of the Paul Katema Foundation, Paul Katema, described the finals as a defining moment for youth entrepreneurship in Malawi, noting that the Challenge aligns with Malawi Vision 2063 by promoting mindset transformation, innovation, and business readiness among young people.
“Our goal is to ignite ambition and support practical action among young people who are ready to build and shape the Malawi we envision. These finalists represent hope, innovation, and the determination needed to drive our nation forward,” said Katema.
The event will begin at 7:30 PM and will feature a special performance by award-winning artist Gwamba, adding excitement to a night dedicated to celebrating youth potential and transformative business ideas.