On May 29th, 2024, the Ntha Foundation proudly welcomed the UN Resident Coordinator, Rebeccah Adda-Dontoh, to the Kwathu Innovation & Creative Centre in Lilongwe, Malawi. Her visit underscored the critical role of innovation hubs like Kwathu in fostering creativity, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment across Malawi.
Kwathu’s Role in Malawi’s Development
The Kwathu Kollective, a flagship initiative of the Ntha Foundation, is a hub dedicated to nurturing young creatives and innovators. With a vision to bridge the gap between ideation and market-ready solutions, Kwathu provides a collaborative space for Malawian youth to turn their ideas into impactful projects.
This centre serves as a launchpad for local talents in technology, arts, and entrepreneurship, equipping them with the skills, tools, and support to drive progress in their communities and beyond. It embodies the Foundation’s mission to empower the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
A Question That Matters: ‘What Keeps You Up At Night?’
During her visit, Ms. Adda-Dontoh engaged the team in a thought-provoking conversation centred on the question: “What keeps you up at night?” This question set the stage for a meaningful dialogue about the challenges and opportunities in developing Malawi. Discussions ranged from addressing gaps in education and youth employment to the urgent need for infrastructure that supports innovation and entrepreneurship.
Ms. Adda-Dontoh emphasized the importance of not only identifying these critical issues but also leveraging local talent and resources to co-create sustainable solutions. Her insights reaffirmed the Foundation’s belief in the power of youth-led innovation to address Malawi’s most pressing development challenges.
Acknowledging Local Impact
During her visit, Ms. Adda-Dontoh interacted with the Foundation’s team and young creatives involved in Kwathu’s programs. She commended the efforts of the Ntha Foundation and its partners in creating a supportive ecosystem for young innovators and entrepreneurs.
Her remarks highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She particularly noted Kwathu’s alignment with goals such as Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9).
Showcasing Innovation and Creativity
Ms. Adda-Dontoh was introduced to several groundbreaking projects developed at Kwathu, including:
- Tech innovations addressing local challenges in agriculture, education, and health.
- Creative arts initiatives that celebrate Malawian culture while promoting economic opportunities for young artists.
- Youth-led entrepreneurial ventures designed to generate sustainable solutions for the community.
These projects reflect Kwathu’s commitment to building a generation of problem-solvers equipped to tackle local and global challenges.
Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Development
The visit underscored the importance of collaboration between local organizations, international agencies, and the government. Ms. Adda-Dontoh reiterated the UN’s dedication to supporting initiatives like Kwathu, which align with the broader mission of fostering sustainable development and empowering Africa’s youth.
The Ntha Foundation is committed to leveraging such partnerships to expand Kwathu’s impact, enabling more young innovators to access resources, mentorship, and opportunities to scale their ideas.
Ms. Adda-Dontoh’s visit serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of investing in youth and creativity. The Ntha Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to empower Malawians to lead change through innovation and entrepreneurship.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Rebeccah Adda-Dontoh and the United Nations for their continued support. Together, we are shaping a future where Malawian youth are not just participants in development but architects of progress.
Work With Us
Want to partner on or fund one of our programmes / initiatives? We are always open to collaborations and partnerships. Contact our Business Development Associate; Ms. Abigail Zingani via contact@kwathucentre.org, or give us a call(direct or WhatsApp) on +265991850749.
To keep up with the work of the Ntha Foundation, our hubs under the Kwathu Kollective, our initiatives, and our projects, follow us on social media:
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