While many graduates move from one office to another dropping off job applications, Jomo Kayira and six fellow MUBAS fresh graduates decided to venture into horticulture, creating employment opportunities for themselves and others.

With start-up capital of a MK66 million loan from FDH Bank, the team established Green Gold Enterprises Limited and acquired two hectares of land at M’bwatalika in Lilongwe, where they grow vegetables including cabbage, tomatoes, spinach, lettuce, watermelons and broccoli among others. The produce is supplied to various supermarkets across Lilongwe City.

According to Kayira, the idea to venture into horticulture was inspired by the realisation that some vegetables sold in supermarkets across the country are imported. The group saw an opportunity to tap into this market while creating jobs for themselves and members of the surrounding communities.

Kayira described their farming journey as both exciting and challenging. However, through patience, perseverance and focus, the group has made steady progress and is confident of repaying the loan from FDH Bank.

“When we were starting, none of us had experience in serious commercial farming. We took this as a challenge to prove that, as young people, we are capable of running serious businesses and contributing to the socio-economic development of the country,” said Kayira.

He said the group’s long-term vision is to become a major supplier of fresh vegetables across the country, with ambitions of eventually expanding into international markets.

“We are taking baby steps, learning and exploring opportunities in this business. We are confident that we will achieve our vision,” he added.

Chimwemwe Jackford, one of the community members employed at the farm, said the job has transformed his life by helping him meet some of his family’s basic needs.

“Since getting employed here, the economic burden on my family has been eased. I can now provide for my family, and we also get vegetables here for relish,” Jackford said.

Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) Entrepreneurship Centre Manager, Steven Kuchande has commended Kayira and his associates for their dedication to the business.

“As an entrepreneurship Centre, our role is to promote entrepreneurial culture to both students and staff and this enterprise is a marvellous example of the potential that can be realised by young innovative minds across the country," he said.

Kuchande urged other young people to pursue entrepreneurship as a response to the shrinking jobs market in Malawi.

The MUBAS-FDH Graduate Start-Up Programme was established to promote entrepreneurship among students, particularly those in their final year of study. Student groups with outstanding business pitches are supported with loan capital from FDH Bank to turn their ideas into viable businesses and create employment opportunities.