Youth Innovation Driving Climate Action: UN Resident Coordinator Visits Waste and Innovation Hub in Blantyre

Blantyre, Malawi – The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Malawi, Rebecca Adda-Dontoh, has commended the transformative efforts of the Waste and Innovation Hub—an inspiring youth-led initiative at the forefront of sustainable entrepreneurship and climate action in Malawi.

During her visit to the Hub in Blantyre, Adda-Dontoh engaged with young innovators who are transforming waste into opportunity through a range of eco-friendly products and services. From eco braids, hair extensions made from sisal fibre, to biogas systems utilizing kitchen and latrine waste, recyclable sanitary products, and charcoal briquettes made from sugarcane waste, the Hub exemplifies a zero-waste philosophy and a strong commitment to sustainable livelihoods.

“These young innovators are not only creating jobs and protecting the environment—they are reimagining what is possible for Malawi. This is the future,” said Adda-Dontoh. “Their work speaks directly to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 on Decent Work, SDG 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 13 on Climate Action.”

Innovating for Impact

Founded in 2023, the Waste and Innovation Hub is run by young Malawians, all under the age of 30. Their mission is grounded in the belief that Malawi’s waste is a resource—with the right tools and support, it can drive both climate solutions and job creation.

Currently employing five young Malawians, the initiative is already turning heads with its creative use of natural materials like sisal fibre and bamboo to produce items such as EcoBraids—a sustainable alternative to synthetic hair extensions—and bamboo-based sanitary pads that are affordable, biodegradable, and designed with the needs of women and girls in mind.

Support from partners has played a key role in advancing the Hub’s mission. The European Union, through the ZANTCHITO Skills for Jobs programme, has supported the development and commercialisation of the EcoBraids initiative. Additionally, the Global Youth Mobilisation Fund provided funding for piloting the Biogas Systems initiative in Thyolo. These contributions have helped the Hub access critical equipment, support innovation, and build capacity for youth-led sustainable solutions.

“We have seen what is possible with seed funding,” said Andrew Monile Msuku, Director of Public Relations at the Hub. “Imagine the scale we can reach with sustained partnerships. With the right backing, we can transform waste into opportunity for thousands of Malawians.”

Building a Greener Future

The Hub plans to introduce waste collection and recycling services in the coming months. It also aims to train more young people in renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable product development. In the near future, the innovations born at the Waste and Innovation Hub will:

• Provide expanded market access for local farmers growing bamboo and sisal;
• Equip technicians with hands-on experience in green energy and biogas systems;
• Improve urban sanitation through sustainable biomass use and clean cooking solutions.

By 2030, the initiative is expected to create more jobs, increasing to 150 direct employment, with 50% targeting youth and women, directly contributing to Malawi’s goals for economic transformation and inclusive development.

A Call to Action

Adda-Dontoh urged development partners, government institutions, and the private sector to rally behind the Hub and similar community-based innovations.

“This is the kind of initiative that brings the UN Charter to life—local action, led by youth, delivering local solutions with global significance,” she said. “We call on all stakeholders to support and scale such innovations, not just for what they solve today, but for the resilient and inclusive future they are building.”

The Waste and Innovation Hub is more than just an enterprise; it is a movement—led by young Malawians determined to protect their planet and shape their future. Through their efforts, the Sustainable Development Goals are not just aspirations—they are becoming reality.