By Jones Gadama
President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s vision of inclusive economic growth came to life on Friday as the Malawi Enterprise Development Fund handed over cheques worth MK91.5 million to 23 groups of women and youth from Zomba City North and Zomba City South constituencies under the CDF Women and Youth Empowerment Fund.
The colourful presentation ceremony took place at Gymkhana Club Ground in Zomba where excitement and gratitude filled the air.
MEDF Zone Manager, Precious Chimthenga, said the loans were disbursed after the groups satisfied all conditions.
“We have today awarded these loans to 23 groups that had applied under the CDF women and youth empowerment funds,” said Chimthenga.
He expressed satisfaction that the beneficiaries had qualified and demonstrated capacity to use the funds wisely, adding “We are happy that these groups have received their loans. We trust they are in a good position to invest the funds and create meaningful impact in their communities.”
The CDF Women and Youth Empowerment Fund is part of government’s strategy to promote inclusive economic growth by providing affordable loans to organized groups for income generating activities.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Gift Banda of Faith in Action Youth Group that received K2.7 million described the support as a dream come true.
“This is a game changer for us. We are very hopeful that this money will transform the lives of all beneficiaries and help us grow our businesses,” said Banda.
The 23 groups are expected to invest in agribusiness, tailoring, retail, and service provision, ventures that are expected to create jobs and reduce poverty at grassroots level.
The successful disbursement in Zomba is a direct answer to opposition critics and doubters who claimed the reformed CDF and women and youth funds were mere political talk that would never reach the people.
Today those voices have been silenced as real money entered real bank accounts of real Malawians.
Government, through MEDF and the reformed CDF under President Mutharika’s leadership, has been rolling out similar disbursements nationwide, proving that when leadership is focused, promises become action.
Analysts say this is exactly the kind of empowerment Malawi needs, putting resources directly in the hands of women and youth who are the engine of the economy.
As the cheques were handed over to cheers and dancing, beneficiaries pledged to use the funds prudently and repay on time to ensure other groups also benefit.
The message from Zomba is clear: President Mutharika’s government is delivering, and no amount of negativity from the opposition can stop the transformation of communities.
