In a strong affirmation of its commitment to youth empowerment, Malawi’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Uchiz Mkandawire, underscored the pivotal role young people will play in shaping the country’s future during the opening of the 2024 National Youth Summit. The summit, which runs from November 11 to 13, 2024, has gathered over 500 youth leaders from across the country.
Held in Lilongwe, the event’s theme, “A Renewed Commitment to Youth Development Towards Malawi 2063,” aligns with the government’s long-term strategy for transformation under the Malawi 2063 vision. The vision is aimed at turning the country into an industrialized, middle-income economy by the year 2063, with youth empowerment at the core of the plan.
Youth Driving Malawi’s Future
Minister Mkandawire emphasized the critical role of young people in the nation’s socio-economic development, particularly in fulfilling the Malawi 2063 agenda. He acknowledged the challenges faced by many youth, such as limited access to capital, job opportunities, and skills training, but reiterated that the government remains committed to providing solutions. This includes initiatives like the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), which offers loans to youth entrepreneurs.
“The government is committed to empowering youth through financial support and development programs like NEEF, recognizing the significant responsibility young people have in achieving Malawi 2063,” Mkandawire said.
The NEEF program, part of a wider government push to address youth unemployment, is designed to provide affordable loans for young people interested in starting or expanding businesses, thus contributing to the country’s economic growth.
A Platform for Youth Engagement
The summit provides an important platform for youth leaders to exchange ideas, collaborate, and discuss the challenges and solutions to advancing Malawi’s development. Duncan Chiyani, Chairperson of the National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM), highlighted the summit’s importance in fostering dialogue among young people.
“This summit is vital in ensuring youth voices remain central in shaping the country’s future. Collaboration and dialogue will help drive the national agenda forward,” Chiyani said.
He urged the youth to dream big and be ambitious in their efforts to contribute to the success of Malawi 2063, as they will be at the heart of realizing the country’s long-term development vision.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Key to National Development
As part of the ongoing discussions, the summit focused on encouraging youth-driven innovation, particularly in key sectors like technology, agriculture, and manufacturing. While these industries present vast opportunities, access to financing, modern skills, and professional development remains a challenge. Mkandawire reiterated the government’s efforts to equip young people with the tools necessary for success, including partnerships with international organizations to offer skills training and internships.
“We must ensure that youth have access to the right skills and resources to drive innovation. The potential for change and growth among young people is immense,” Mkandawire added.
Turning Vision into Reality
While financial initiatives like NEEF are essential, Mkandawire noted that youth empowerment goes beyond just monetary support. It also requires access to education, job creation, and an environment conducive to entrepreneurship. These efforts align with Malawi’s broader goals under the Malawi 2063 agenda, which envisions transforming the country into a modern economy by mid-century.
The summit’s discussions are expected to result in actionable policies to overcome the challenges limiting youth potential, inspiring a new generation of leaders to take on the mantle of national development.
The Future of Malawi’s Youth
As the summit concludes, it is hoped that the discussions will lead to concrete actions that will empower Malawi’s youth to contribute to the country’s prosperity. With over 60% of the population under 25, the youth demographic presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the country.
The government’s commitment to youth development will require continued collaboration between the public sector, private sector, and civil society. As Malawi moves towards the goals of Malawi 2063, its success will depend largely on how effectively the nation can harness the innovation and energy of its youth to create jobs, foster economic growth, and build a better future for all.
