By Sheminah Nkhoma
LILONGWE-(MANA)-President Lazarus Chakwera has emphasised government’s commitment to develop youth highlighting that they are at forefront in coming up with innovative solutions in line with vision 2063.
Speaking on Wednesday in Lilongwe during the opening of 2025 National Youth summit and launch Youth Innovation Fund( YIF) , Chakwera said government’s effort is to build a strong foundation for youth empowerment through the National Youth Policy and economic transformation strategies.
He said, the “doors to future creation are now open” through the fund, saying that the future of Malawi rests in the hands of its youth.
“As government we are already giving out loans to youth through NEEF and now we have launched a K2 billion fund as our plan is to expand it to K10 billion , this is a milestone in a foundation of youth development ,” he said.
Chakwera further highlighted the significance of infrastructure development and multi-sectoral collaboration in empowering young people and commended the National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) for championing youth issues by supporting them with different initiatives.
“This summit is an opportunity for the youth to discuss various issues affecting them in day to day life and to come up with tangible ideas on how they can contribute to the economic growth of Malawi,” he added
The President further appreciated development partners for their support towards youth development and encouraged youths to take advantage of various initiatives being rolled out in the country.
Board chairperson for NYCOM , Duncan Chiyani, commended President Chakwera for his support towards youth development and economic empowerment in the country.
He said, coming of the YIF is a clear sign of government’s desire to invest in young people as they are the key to the national’s prosperity.
Chiyani stated that, with continued support and strategic partnerships, the fund will serve as a catalyst for job creation, entrepreneurship and inclusive development across the country.
In his remarks, Vice President of Programme Delivery at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Professor Hamadi Boga, said the government of Malawi has shown the strong political will in prioritising youth empowerment and institutional strengthening in the agricultural sector.
He said, the launch of the K2 billion Fund, is a bold step toward inclusive and sustainable development.
One of the representative of youth who is also Managing Director of Emerge Livelihoods, Wangiwe Kambuzi, called on youths participating in the 2025 summit to be solution-bearers rather than mere participants.
She said, the future of this nation belongs to the young people, so it’s high time they prioritise on things that will benefit the country at large.
The three-day summit is being held under the theme “Harnessing Youth Innovation for Economic Empowerment and Sustainable job creation towards Malawi 2063”.