Introducing Our New Partner: Emerge Livelihoods

Action for Women’s Empowerment Global (AWE) is pleased to announce its partnership with Emerge Livelihoods to produce an ASSET Program in northern Malawi.

AWE Global's impactful programming is implemented on the ground in partnership with local organizations selected for their mission alignment and experience with the target beneficiaries. Originally introduced to Emerge Livelihoods (EL) through Godfrey Mphande, Malawi Country Director at WUSC, AWE is excited to be collaborating with this experienced team to host an ASSET training for 65 women living in rural communities near Mzuzu. Alice Chiwaya, Executive Director of the Save the Poor Foundation (SAPOF) has also been instrumental in communicating with beneficiaries and shaping the delivery of our upcoming program.

Prospective participants in Kantchindi, Malawi.

Established in 2017, EL puts young people and communities at the heart of private enterprise and socio-economic progress. Their work responds to a critical challenge in Malawi, where limited structural transformation of the economy has led to high poverty levels, unemployment, and persistent barriers for youth and women. Skills mismatch, limited access to finance, infrastructure gaps, climate vulnerability, and gender inequality continue to prevent many people from transitioning out of extreme poverty.

Emerge Livelihoods addresses this challenge through leadership development, sustainable entrepreneurship development, and education in rural and urban communities across Malawi tackle the root causes of socio-economic vulnerability. By building human capital and supporting sustainable enterprises, EL is helping create resilient communities equipped with the skills, resources, and leadership needed to thrive. 

"We're very excited about this new partnership in Malawi," said Dr. Jennifer Lonergan, Executive Director of AWE. "They have great experience in the north of Malawi and we're looking forward to learning from them."

Interviewee in Sanga, Malawi.

Program Lead Madeline Zerbey echoes Dr. Lonergan’s sentiment, adding that “EL is exactly the team we want to be partnering with in Malawi to host our first ASSET program in southeastern Africa. Their expertise in sustainable entrepreneurship and economic development aligns well with AWE’s mission, and I’m excited to support the growth of the communities they work with.”

This collaboration aligns closely with AWE’s mission to advance women’s economic empowerment. Research consistently shows that when women control their own income, they invest in their children’s health, education, and well-being, creating lasting, intergenerational change. Our ASSET (Artistri Sud Social Entrepreneurship Training) programs equip women entrepreneurs with the business skills they need  to turn creativity into sustainable livelihoods.