Lilongwe, August 18 – Five Malawian community organizations today received grants totaling $40,000 (MK29 million) from the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), an independent agency of the United States Government, at a ceremony held today at the U.S. Embassy.
This year’s grants will support two value-adding groundnut and sunflower oil processing centers, two honey production and processing businesses, and one aquaculture business. These projects will create jobs for men and women in rural areas. A total of 5,516 people will directly benefit from the grants and thousands more will indirectly benefit from the products generated from the businesses.
Addressing the grantees, U.S. Ambassador to Malawi Virginia Palmer said, “We are happy to see your commitment to uplifting living standards in your communities. We believe these projects will be a catalyst for the sustainable transformation of your communities. The United States Government is proud to be your partner in these projects.”
Name of Project Grant Amount
- Chiguluwindi Beekeeping, Nkhotakota $ 3,500
- Lilongwe South Association, Lilongwe $ 10,000
- Mapanga Honey Processers, Mulanje $ 6,575
- Mkanako Oil Producers, Mzimba $ 9,925
- Mpamba Fish Association , Nkhata Bay $ 10,000
Since 2011, the United States African Development Foundation, an independent agency of the United States Government, has funded local grassroots organizations to implement innovative and sustainable income-generating projects in their communities. These grants are implemented through the U.S. Ambassador’s Self-Help Fund which is designed to support community-driven development projects that address grassroots economic and social issues. The program selects projects that 1) improve basic economic or social conditions at village level; 2) have a high-impact, can be quickly implemented, and benefit a large number of people; 3) involve a significant local contribution in labor, material, or cash; 4) are within the ability of the local community to operate and maintain; 5) are a direct response to the initiative and aspirations of the local community; and 6) make income-generating activities possible. Since 2011, through this program 39 projects have been funded across Malawi worth $210,000 (MK130 million).
For more information on the U.S. Ambassador’s Self-Help Fund please visit: https://mw.usembassy.gov/education-culture/ambassadors-self-help-fund/
Contacts: Edward J. Monster – Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy
Marcus Muhariwa – Information Specialist, U.S. Embassy
Embassy of the United States of America
Public Affairs Section
Old Mutual Building
P.O. Box 30016
Lilongwe 3, Malawi
Internet: mw.usembassy.gov
Facebook: U.S. Embassy Lilongwe
Tel: (265) 1 772-222/414/992
Fax: (265) 1 771-142
