Empowering climate-smart enterprises: launch of SEED Malawi’s new project

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News publ. 22. May 2025

View on a green crop field in Malawi
© SEED

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Malawi, one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, faces rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events that threaten livelihoods and food security. To address these challenges, the Government of Malawi has set ambitious goals through its Vision 2063 and National Adaptation Plan (NAP), aiming to build resilience, foster environmental sustainability, and strengthen the private sector.

In alignment with these national priorities, adelphi global, in partnership with the Government of Flanders, has launched a new SEED project in Malawi. This initiative focuses on empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the agricultural sector to adopt climate-smart practices, strengthen value chains, and drive sustainable economic growth in the Mzimba and Kasungu districts.

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Promoting Climate-Smart and Resilient Agricultural Value Chains in Kasungu and Mzimba Districts of Malawi
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Driving impact and innovation

As the host institution of SEED, adelphi global leads the coordination and implementation of this project, bringing its expertise in sustainability entrepreneurship to the forefront. By fostering eco-inclusive enterprises, adelphi global’s efforts in Malawi are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by climate-smart MSMEs in the agricultural sector.

adelphi global aims to make a meaningful impact by supporting the growth of green enterprises, strengthening local ecosystems, and advocating for sustainable business models. The focus will be on supporting and scaling green enterprises by identifying and awarding early-stage and growing eco-inclusive businesses. These enterprises are equipped with the tools and training needed to develop innovative products, services, and value chains that contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation. adelphi global works to strengthen local ecosystems by collaborating with key stakeholders such as business development partners, incubators, financial institutions, and policymakers. Together, they design tailored programmes and instruments that directly address the unique needs of eco-inclusive enterprises, ensuring these businesses thrive in supportive environments.

Tackling local challenges with climate-smart solutions

The agricultural sector in Mzimba and Kasungu faces significant hurdles, including high poverty rates, the impacts of climate change such as soil erosion and dependency on rain-fed agriculture. There is a challenge in the lack of diversification of crops, which hinders the ability to respond to the transition away from tobacco. MSMEs, operating with green business models, have the potential to transform them into opportunities. By adopting climate-smart agricultural practices and energy-efficient production techniques, these enterprises can:

  • diversify agricultural production.
  • strengthen sustainable value chains in aquaculture, horticulture, and legumes.
  • create local jobs for youth, women, and low-income households.
  • enhance community resilience to climate change.

In 2025, SEED Malawi will select aspiring climate-smart entrepreneurs to participate in its Incubation Programme. These enterprises will receive tailored capacity-building support to refine their business models and scale their impact. Additionally, SEED will train 20 business development service (BDS) providers to deliver high-quality incubation and acceleration services, ensuring a strong support network for eco-inclusive enterprises.

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adelphi Mitarbeiterin Lina Gutierrez.
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This new chapter for SEED Malawi is about supporting enterprises and unlocking the potential of local innovation to transform rural communities. By focusing on climate-smart agriculture and inclusive enterprise development in Mzimba and Kasungu, we aim to drive sustainable growth where it’s needed most.
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Lina Gutiérrez
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Programme Manager for SEED Malawi
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Building on SEED’s legacy in Malawi

During the previous ten years of working in Southeast Africa, SEED supported 108 enterprises in Malawi, established a strong network of support, and provided training to local business development service (BDS) providers on how to work with green MSMEs. This new project builds on SEED’s extensive experience and strong local partnerships to create lasting impact.

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Green Entrepreneurship

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