In a bold and targeted effort to drive sustainability and economic growth in Southern Africa, early-stage entrepreneurs from Malawi and Mozambique are now at the forefront of a new multi-million-dollar initiative aimed at unlocking the region’s green economy potential.
The second phase of the Empowering Sustainable Entrepreneurship Africa (ESEA) program, launched by Village Capital in partnership with Norad (the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation), is now fully underway and local entrepreneurs in Malawi and Mozambique are finally getting the tailored support they need to thrive.
At the heart of this regional effort are Emerge Livelihoods in Mzuzu, Malawi and IdeiaLab in Maputo, Mozambique two ecosystem builders selected for their deep local expertise. Each has been awarded USD 260,000 to co-deliver country-specific investment-readiness programs, strengthen their teams and provide capital to homegrown sustainability-focused startups.
Over the next 18 months, this initiative will directly support 500 early-stage startups, with 100 receiving pre-acceleration support and 30 selected startups per country entering acceleration programs. At least four startups per country will each receive USD 25,000 in catalytic grant funding.
Startups in sectors such as climate adaptation, renewable energy, food security and the blue economy often face a frustrating set of challenges: underinvestment, bureaucratic slowdowns and a one-size-fits-all approach to training. In countries like Malawi and Mozambique, where youth unemployment and climate vulnerabilities are rising, these issues are more than obstacles they’re barriers to national development.
“I was very excited when we enrolled in the empowering sustainable entrepreneurship programme in Africa being implemented by Village Capital,” said Wangiwe Joanna Kambuzi, Founder and Managing Director at Emerging Livelihoods, an ecosystem builder in Malawi. “We’re providing flexible financing in terms of debt up to USD 5000. We have seen flooding that has affected Malawi and Mozambique and that’s where climate innovators come in.”
In Malawi, Emerge Livelihoods is leveraging its impact hub in Mzuzu to deliver programs that empower entrepreneurs to solve local problems from food insecurity to energy poverty while building sustainable, job-creating businesses.
By pairing local ESOs with Village Capital’s proven curriculum, founders in both countries will gain access to practical financial training, 1-on-1 coaching, investor connections and peer learning opportunities. This support will help them scale faster, build stronger financial models, and increase their chances of securing long-term investment.
According to Village Capital, Africa’s future will be shaped by local innovation not imported solutions. And this program is designed to prove that.
“Africa is at the forefront of global sustainability, with expanding investment opportunities in climate adaptation, cleantech, agriculture, and mobility. However, collaboration, patient capital and ecosystem strengthening are essential to unlocking the full potential of green and tech-driven solutions,” said Allie Burns, CEO of Village Capital.
As climate change intensifies, the push for scalable, sustainable business models is no longer optional. It’s essential. Malawi and Mozambique often seen only through the lens of aid are now emerging as hotbeds of innovation, powered by local talent, international collaboration and a new generation of purpose-driven entrepreneurs.
With ESEA Phase 2 now underway, the spotlight is on entrepreneurs who are proving that climate action and economic resilience can go hand in hand.
