In a landmark event aimed at reshaping the future of youth development, the National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) hosted the 2024 National Youth Summit from November 11 to 13. Held under the theme “A Renewed Commitment to Youth Development Towards MW2063,” the summit drew over 500 youth leaders, government officials, development partners, and stakeholders. It was one of the largest gatherings of its kind this year, signaling a united front to position young people as central players in Malawi’s development agenda.

Renewing Momentum for Youth Development

In his opening remarks, NYCOM Board Chairperson Duncan Chiyani emphasized that the summit’s theme represented a pivotal moment for the council. “This is about renewing our momentum to steer youth development with purpose,” he said. He also celebrated the launch of NYCOM’s 2024–2030 Strategic Plan and the MW2063 Youth Engagement Strategy, describing them as critical tools for ensuring the youth’s central role in achieving the country’s long-term aspirations.

Youth as Key Drivers of MW2063

Delivering a keynote address titled “Youth as Key Drivers of MW2063,” Dr. Thomas Chataghalala Munthali, Director General of the National Planning Commission, highlighted Malawi’s unique demographic advantage: with over 60% of the population under 25 years old and 80% under 35, young people are the cornerstone of the nation’s future.

“Empowering youth is not a choice—it is a necessity,” Dr. Munthali said, stressing the importance of providing opportunities and resources to harness this potential. He called for a collective effort to ensure youth empowerment and expressed confidence in their ability to drive Malawi’s economic and social transformation.

Government’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Uchizi Mkandawire, also addressed the summit, affirming the government’s ongoing dedication to youth development. He highlighted several flagship initiatives designed to create jobs, close skills gaps, and encourage entrepreneurship. Among them:

• The Agriculture Commercialization Project (AGCOM).
• The National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF).
• The National Youth Service (NYS).
• Community Technical Colleges.
• The Greenbelt Initiative.

“These programs are equipping young people with the skills and resources needed to unlock their potential and contribute to the country’s growth,” the minister noted. He urged the youth to take ownership of Malawi 2063 by participating actively in various sectors and working with commitment and integrity.

A Bold New Strategic Vision

NYCOM’s Executive Director outlined the council’s new 2024–2030 Strategic Plan, which repositions NYCOM as a lead coordinating agency for youth policy implementation. He called for bold action in ensuring:

• Youth leadership in driving national development at all levels, as outlined in the National Youth Policy.
• A sense of urgency in executing youth programs.
• A restructured national budget prioritizing youth development.
• Inclusivity of young people in decision-making processes and developmental discussions.
• Measurable impacts of youth-led initiatives aligned with MW2063’s goals.

“This is about moving beyond activities. It’s about creating real impact and outcomes that demonstrate the renewed value of youth development toward MW2063,” he said.

A Call to Action

The summit wasn’t just a platform for dialogue; it was a rallying cry for action. With powerful speeches and concrete plans now in place, Malawi’s youth have been called upon to seize the moment. The tools, strategies, and commitments are there. Now, the challenge is to transform these promises into tangible results.

As Dr. Munthali succinctly put it, “You are not just the future—you are the present. We need your courage, your energy, and your ideas today.”

The National Youth Summit has set the stage for a youth-led movement that could shape the next chapter of Malawi’s history. The question now is: how will the youth rise to the occasion?