Residents Equipped on Entrepreneurship

Arnold Kadziponye,
Projects Coordinator (MuREA)

People engaged in various business ventures around Bondo Micro Hydro Scheme acquired skills in entrepreneurship and business management courtesy of MEGA with support from the PDM project being funded by the Scottish Government and UNDP (GEF). Powering Development in Mulanje (PDM) aims to improve the economic status and livelihoods of the local community in the Bondo Micro Hydro Scheme Project area through advancement of economic benefits in utilizing and optimizing opportunities and access to locally generated hydropower electricity in the area. The aim was to provide business and skills training and improve access to finance for the entrepreneurs since access to electricity will enable enterprises to offer new improved products and services and increase incomes.

Thirty-two (32) people doing businesses using electricity generated from Bondo Scheme participated in the 5 days training where among other things the modules comprised of: Meaning of entrepreneurship; Ideas for small businesses; Market; Pricing; Financing the business; Banking; Record Keeping; Communication; Making best use of Time; Developing a Business Plan

“All along I have just been conducting my business without knowing how to price my items and calculate my profit, I didn’t even have a business plan. This training has opened my eyes that I can even start thinking of other ways to finance my business and manage my profits well” - Chisomo Tewesa from Ngwendema Village.