Ye! Advisor Impact Story - Precious Di Phiri - Ye! Advisor, Malawi

BACKGROUND AND MOTIVATION

I heard about the Ye! community in 2021, and I was motivated to join the Ye! community because I was looking for a community that offers opportunities to young entrepreneurs, online training, finding opportunities, and networking. In my country, I couldn't find that, specifically when talking to entrepreneurs (especially young people). I came across it online (Ye! Community), and then I joined. Connect with Precious Di Phiri here.

My motivation was to be a Ye! Advisor, but my main motivation was to be in a community where I could finally sort things out so which helped me grow as an entrepreneur and my business. So I went on to do a process in joining as Ye! Advisor because I thought that was something that would help me contribute best. We didn't have a Ye! community in Malawi, so I went and did the process of establishing it in Malawi so that other young entrepreneurs could benefit from it as well.

MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE

I think at first, a few years ago, we did some training targeted at young people in business. They learned about taxation and all the systems that are essential when you're in business. One of the people who had undergone the training mentioned that their business has benefited from that and is at a big stage.

Another memorable moment was with my business. I wanted to let it go on the international stage. Ye! community helped me a lot in that regard. I was provided an opportunity to learn about international trade, specifically the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Cape Town in 2023. That really opened my eyes to a lot of opportunities in international trade.

SUPPORT TO ENTREPRENEURS

Lots of programs that the Ye! Community does, some being online and others physical. In Malawi, we now work with Image Livelihood (our anchor), and they provide lots of support to young entrepreneurs through training and online sessions from the Ye! Community.

WHY YE! IS UNIQUE

Because you find people, your community. If you're an entrepreneur, you want to learn from fellow entrepreneurs, know their challenges and opportunities. Ye! provides that platform to network, learn, and find resources.

For example, in my case, I'm pursuing international trade, and Ye! has helped me reach there. Entrepreneurs in technology, agriculture, etc., all benefit — Ye! makes that possible.

INFLUENCE OF YE! COMMUNITY

Ye! Community gave me a platform to contribute to policies, and also to how I run my business. It has taken me to spaces where I talk with policy makers and use my business experience as a practical reference — to help shape better environments for other youth businesses.

EXPERIENCES AND ADVICE

Some entrepreneurs told me our training helped them. Others were offered opportunities to represent their businesses internationally. They've been able to collaborate, speak from experience, and gain visibility.

ADVICE TO YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

Join the Ye! community — it’s global, collaborative, and full of learning and funding opportunities. A great space to start.

ADVICE TO ASPIRING YE! ADVISORS

Understand what young people face. Engage through tailored training and build local partnerships — with business agencies, government, etc. — to maximize impact.

This story has been compiled and written by Viviyana Ayom Alor (UN Volunteer June 2025) as part of an effort to highlight the inspiring journeys of youth within the YE! Community. Based on a personal conversation and interview with Precious, the narrative reflects his unique experiences, challenges, and the impact he has created as a young changemaker.