For Ismail Amidu of Kambulaje Village in Machinga, Wednesday, March 18, 2026 was not just a day, it was the beginning of a new chapter as Faizan Global Relief Foundation (FGRF) empowered him and 99 other families with K1 million each to build sustainable livelihoods.
Amidu, who runs a restaurant, had watched his dream teeter on the edge of collapse due to rising food costs. “I was struggling to keep the doors open, and every day felt like a battle,” he shared.
“Now, with this support, I can restock my kitchen, improve my menu, and bring back my customers. I finally feel like I can stand on my own feet.”
For Chikondi Samika, a young entrepreneur selling electronic devices in Machinjiri, Blantyre, the past year had been equally challenging as her once-thriving electronics business died amid stiff competition and dwindling sales.
“I had been selling keypad phones, Bluetooth speakers and other electronic stuffs, but due to rising costs, I failed to sustain it,” he said, his eyes shining with hope. “I can restock my products, attract customers again, and rebuild my business. I am so grateful to FGRF for believing in us and giving us this chance to start over.”
But what is the driving purpose behind this significant investment? Speaking at the launch, FGRF Africa Head, Usman Madani, said the initiative goes beyond financial aid, combining capital with business training, mentorship, and ongoing support to ensure families build sustainable livelihoods.
“The idea is not just to give the fish, but to teach how to catch it,” Madani said. “We want these 100 families to become self-reliant and, in time, to give back to their communities.” Madani added that the organisation will conduct regular follow-ups and provide business advisory support, including counselling.
He stressed that FGRF remains non-political and committed to serving communities, while calling for stronger collaboration with government and other stakeholders to drive national development.
“This is a partnership. We need to work together because a nation which comes together can achieve dreams. There are countries which few years ago, they were at zero, but today, they are seen as main spots where people want to go. Why not Malawi? Why not our people? It can happen. But we need to come as together,” added Madani.
Business tycoons present at the launch, including Hanif Osman and Abdul Munaf, emphasized the importance of strong values and sound business practices among beneficiaries.
“Because this is an empowerment initiative, I have urged the beneficiaries that if they are to excel in business, they must embrace discipline, honesty, accountability, and proper record-keeping, as these are the foundations of any successful and sustainable enterprise,” said Munaf.
Beyond the empowerment initiative, FGRF has extended food assistance to vulnerable families across Malawi during the month of Ramadan.
According to FGRF’s Director of Communications, Ibrahim Omar Mataya, the organisation has spent over K1 billion in just one month, reaching nearly 30,000 families, which amounts to more than 150,000 individuals.
Mataya, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to improving the lives of Malawians and called on the public to join hands in uplifting communities.
