The United States Agency for International Development (USAid) has launched a $2.2 million (about K3.8 billion) innovation challenge aimed at transforming lives through bicycle-based solutions in Malawi and Zambia.
Dubbed ‘Tchoova Njinga Innovation Challenge,’ the initiative was launched in Malawi following a similar event in Lusaka, Zambia.
The challenge seeks to address pressing social and economic issues in regions where over 78 percent of the population relies on walking for essential needs.
Speaking during the launch in Malawi, Director of Administration at the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Ben M’bwana, emphasized the significance of bicycles beyond transportation.
“Bicycles are not just a means of transport; they are a transformative tool for development and empowerment,” M’bwana said.
The challenge offers two funding streams including developing Innovations which will provide between $25,000 and $100,000 to support early-stage ideas ready for field testing from June 2025 to May 2026.
The second stream is called transition to scale which targets proven innovations with funding ranging from $200,000 to $400,000, running from June 2025 to November 2026.
Successful applicants will receive comprehensive support including training sessions, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities through engagement events.
The initiative, part of USAid’s Innovation Design, Execution, and Acceleration Support programme, brought together stakeholders from various sectors including the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, World Bicycle Relief, ActionAid, and mHub during the launch.
we would have spent billions of Kwacha if this were to be done by expatriates elsewhere,” Matola said.
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