‘You are not passive observers’

Faced with unsuccessful job hunting and lack of capital, concerned young people in Mangochi District say they find it unfair and ironic that those with stable income sources stick to jobs, while asking the have-nots to take the path less travelled, as do some motivational speakers.

“I have tried many times to start a business, but my ideas and energy count for nothing without money and requisite skills,” laments Asiatu Emment.

Most youth-led businesses end the same way—no capital, no support, no progress.

Like the teacher-turned-musician, Zakaat Sambo, a youth advocate from Traditional Authority Mponda in the district, has endured missed chances and rebuffs in his long, draining struggle for self-reliance.

“We have suffered enough,” he says. “We cannot remain quiet and let others speak for us.”

Rampant youth unemployment and limited economic opportunities force young people to flee the fishing district along Lake Malawi to South Africa in search of greener pastures.

It gives a glimpse of the country’s high unemployment rates.

Over half of Malawians aged 18 to 35 cannot find jobs and at least three in four say they ever thought of migrating, according to Afrobarometer last December.

Limited access to jobs, capital, markets and decision-making power excludes the youth from economic opportunities.

However, the youthful majority are saying enough is enough.

“We have to unite, engage leaders and push for solutions to our unique problems,” says Emment.

Malawi Economic Justice Network (Mejn) is equipping the youth with advocacy skills to improve the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable communities.

The training under the Fighting Inequality Project, funded by Norad through Norwegian Church Aid and Danish Church Aid, promotes accountability and inclusive participation.

Participants say the advocacy sessions helped them come out of the cocoon and demand their economic rights from leaders and service providers.

“Now, we know how to approach authorities and raise issues that affect us,” says Emment.

Sambo says the youth must be around the table when issues affecting them are tabled for debate.

“We will use these skills to push for the support we need, especially when we feel sidelined,” he states.

Mejn Southern Region coordinator Mike Banda wants the youth to reclaim their rights and own their future.

Policymakers envision transforming Malawi into an inclusive, self-reliant, industrialised, middle-income economy by 2063.

“To achieve the aspirations outlined in Malawi 2063, young people must stand up and be at the centre of the country’s development agenda,” he says.

Banda warns that the vision for a wealthy Malawi will remain beyond reach if the nation continues to exclude the youthful majority in decision-making.

“The youth are energetic, innovative, in large numbers and capable of driving change,” he says.

Active participation of young people, who constitute over 65 percent of the country’s population, is central to the national vision.

The global Sustainable Development Goal eight recognises young people as key drivers of economic progress.

It calls for efforts to create employment, entrepreneurship and skills development opportunities for the youth to participate meaningfully in the economy.

This includes investing in quality education, relevant skills training and business loans for the youth.

Mangochi district principal youth officer Kumbukani Manda challenges young people to actively engage in governance processes.

“You are not passive observers. Take part in budget formulation, implementation, and monitoring. That is how you influence development in your communities,” he says.

Manda encouraged them to understand relevant laws and policies to strengthen their advocacy skills.

Youth employment, enterprise, skills development and youth inclusion in governance systems are among the 10 pillars of the National Youth Policy.

“Young people need the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively engage duty-bearers on issues that matter,” Banda states.

For Emment, a new chapter has already began.

She declares: “We now have confidence to demand accountability and support our leaders on initiatives that affect us. We are ready to speak and push for change.”

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