LICO is committed to strengthening organisational sustainability and local economic growth through innovative social enterprise development. In Malawi, civil society organisations continue to face heavy dependence on donor funding, which limits long-term program continuity and community impact. Economic volatility, shifting donor priorities, and rising operational costs further strain the ability of local organisations to deliver consistent services to vulnerable populations. Recognising these challenges, LICO is intentionally investing in social enterprises as a pathway to financial resilience, job creation, and inclusive economic participation.

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LICO’s Social Enterprise Development approach is anchored in its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, which prioritises income diversification while generating tangible social value for communities. The organisation has already demonstrated this model through Linga Social Enterprise, which produces reusable sanitary pads that improve menstrual health management for girls while generating internal revenue. Building on this foundation, LICO seeks to professionalise and expand its social enterprise portfolio to reduce reliance on external funding and strengthen institutional sustainability.

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Key planned social enterprises include reusable sanitary pad production, hospitality and accommodation services, catering and laundry services, community-based tourism, ICT and digital services, fitness and wellness centres, and community media platforms such as radio. These ventures will be developed through structured business planning, market analysis, and strategic private sector partnerships to ensure both profitability and social impact.

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Beyond revenue generation, LICO’s social enterprises will create employment opportunities for women and youth, support skills development, and stimulate local economic growth. Through hands-on involvement in enterprise management, marketing, and service delivery, beneficiaries will gain practical entrepreneurial and employability skills that enhance their long-term economic prospects.

 

By investing in social enterprise development, LICO is building a sustainable organisational model that not only supports its core programs but also contributes to resilient local economies. This approach ensures that communities benefit directly from inclusive economic opportunities while LICO strengthens its ability to deliver life-changing interventions for years to come.