The Council for NGOs in Malawi has conducted a Social Enterprise Training for local NGOs in collaboration with two local NGOs, Corporate Africa and Good Soil Partners.

Following the Social Enterprise Issues Paper titled; Unlocking Synergies: Strengthening Collaboration between Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Social Enterprises for Sustainable Development in Malawi, which CONGOMA developed in 2023, CONGOMA has partnered with some local NGOs, Corporate Africa and Good Soil Partners to conduct trainings in Social Enterprise for the local NGOs. The first of these trainings which started on Wednesday, 24^th September, 2024 and ended on 27^th September, 2024 at Chilambula Lodge in Lilongwe, saw the participants get theory knowledge as well as Practical knowledge provided through case studies by Banja La Mtsogolo and Kuwala Christian Girls School.

Speaking at the training, one of the participants from African Enterprise, Victoria Mtonga emphasised on the importance of the training to the NGOs, especially those that rely on donor funding. She said that looking at the ever shrinking donor basket it is proper that the NGOs get into Social Enterprise to sustain themselves in the absence of the donor funds. She also said that when she goes back to her office she will share the information that she has acquired from the training with her management so that they act upon it. Victoria expressed gratitude to the Coordination body for organising the training which she said is long overdue.

The Training which was facilitated by experts from Good Soil Partners, imparted a lot of skills into the participants and centred on the following courses; Introduction to Social Enterprise, Understanding Social Enterprise, Developing Sustainability, Leader Shift, Managing Change, Understanding Social Impact Measurements and Leadership Confrontation.

Another Participant, Mr Yusuf Telera of DawnAid Limited operating in Salima, emphasised on forming partnerships with other like-minded NGOs and also setting a stepping stone for their organisation to start and stand on.

This training is the first of its kind demonstrating commitment of CONGOMA to coordinate the Social Enterprise for the NGOs in this country. CONGOMA is committed to continue training the NGOs in Social Enterprise for their sustainability. As the donor basket continues to shrink due to other equally pressing issues that needs the attention of the donors, Malawian NGOs have not been spared from the lack of funds for their projects implementation and their own sustainability. There is need for the NGOs to quickly shift and change their mindset towards donor funding.

Council for NGOs in Malawi therefore is here as a designated coordinator by law to make sure that the NGOs continue running their designated projects and sustain themselves to continue complimenting the Governments development efforts.

Facilitators for the training were drawn from CONGOMA’s Membership, Good Soil Partners.