Malawi launches K720mn AGRA-Funded SPICE Project

The Government of Malawi has unveiled a major initiative designed to create jobs for young people and accelerate agricultural transformation

Through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the country has launched the Strengthening Policy Implementation and Institutional Capacity for Youth Employment Creation and Agri-Food Systems Transformation (SPICE) project, a K720mn programme funded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

The project was officially launched at Chikho Hotel in Mponela, Dowa, and aims to link youth employment with Malawi’s agriculture-led development agenda. With a US$400,000mn from AGRA, the Ministry will collaborate with other government departments to reform agricultural policies, strengthen institutions, and create more opportunities for youth within the agri-food value chain.

Dina Gumulira, Director of Technical Services in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, said, “This project is meant to strengthen the policy environment for youth empowerment and respond to issues affecting our agri-food systems,” she said. “Malawi's population is predominantly young, yet many lack opportunities. SPICE seeks to bridge that gap by promoting inclusivity and employment through agriculture.”

Gumulira emphasised that agriculture remains Malawi’s economic backbone, with huge potential for youth participation in key value chains such as soybeans, groundnuts, and maize, which are vital for food security and income generation.

“By involving youth in these value chains, we are empowering them economically and contributing to national development,” she added. “The project aligns with Malawi 2063 and the National Youth Policy, promoting youth participation, market access, and value addition.”

The launch brought together government representatives, youth leaders, civil society, and development partners to map out an implementation strategy. Among the expected outcomes are the creation of evidence-based policies, the development of a National Youth Service Strategy and Act, and the establishment of a coordination framework to link ministries involved in agricultural industrialisation and commercialisation.

Eluphy Nyirenda, AGRA Malawi Country Director, said ,“This grant supports the Ministry of Youth and other collaborating ministries to implement reforms that will create jobs for young Malawians,” she said. “It falls under a Mastercard-funded programme that identified policy gaps affecting youth engagement.”

Nyirenda highlighted that unclear legal definitions and overlapping frameworks have slowed youth development. “For example, there's no law that clearly defines who a 'young person' is in Malawi,” she explained. “This lack of clarity across legal frameworks hampers effective youth programming. SPICE will align all youth-related policies and laws to the Malawi 2063 vision.”

The project will also form a Reference Group to provide technical oversight and ensure effective coordination.

As youth unemployment continues to rise, SPICE is viewed as a timely effort to transform Malawi’s agricultural sector into a source of innovation and opportunity. “This is more than just a project,” Gumulira stressed. “It is a renewed commitment  by government and AGRA  to ensure that no young Malawian is left behind in the country's journey toward inclusive and sustainable growth.”