The 2024 National Youth Summit was not just a platform for policy makers and stakeholders—it also gave young leaders the chance to share their reflections on the theme, “A Renewed Commitment to Youth Development Towards MW2063.” Their insights highlighted both their aspirations and frustrations, offering a clear message: youth must be at the center of Malawi’s development.

Youth as Assets, Not Tools

Angela Kanene, a passionate youth advocate, spoke candidly about the need to recognize young people as more than just instruments of development. “It should be clear to everyone that we, the youth, are not just tools but assets,” she said. Kanene emphasized that the success of MW2063 hinges on giving young people the space and opportunity to lead.

She also called for greater youth consultation at the constituency level, arguing that without this grassroots involvement, the ambitious goals of MW2063 could remain out of reach. “Youth can only be key drivers of development if they are truly empowered and involved,” she concluded.

A Call for Action, Not Empty Promises

Former Youth Parliamentarian Carlos Dzoole echoed this sentiment but expressed concern over the lack of follow-through on promises made to young people. “We’ve heard the speeches, we’ve seen the policies, but now is the time for real action,” Dzoole said, calling for full implementation of policies advocating for youth inclusion.

He urged those in positions of authority to move beyond rhetoric and ensure that young people are meaningfully included in decision-making processes at all levels. “It’s not enough to talk about youth inclusion—we need to see it in action,” he added.

Turning Words Into Reality

These reflections from the summit underscored a key theme: young people in Malawi are ready and willing to lead but need genuine opportunities, resources, and spaces to do so. Their message to leaders was clear—support and inclusion are not optional if MW2063 is to become a reality.

As Malawi charts its path forward, the voices of young leaders like Kanene and Dzoole remind us that the future of the nation lies in harnessing the ideas, energy, and leadership of its youth today.