*MALAWI* Some disgruntled Malawians have camped at the official facebook page of President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera asking him not to attend the funeral ceremony of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom (UK).
Queen Elizabeth died on Thursday at the age of 96 and her death has attracted condolonces from across the world.
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has also registered his shock over the death of the UK leader.
But instead of Malawians join him in paying tributes,³ some have opted to block him from attending the funeral, saying the country is in crisis.
Paul Bonda wrote: “Basi zithele pompo! Sizotengana kamudzi, kugawana ma allowance mumvekele mupita kumaliro. Money imeneyo tilibe.”
Another Malawian identified as Vukiwe Thukuta Harawa: “Ngakhale program ya maliro siyinadziwike inu mukachoka Ku UNGA mukhala mutakwanisa 3 foreign trips. Uku kuzangopita ambassador basi akakuyimileni.”
On his part Dennis Chabala wrote: “When our African heroes die, their deaths are ignored, but when these people die, all our leaders join to mourn and send condolences to please them, we are still colonized.”
Youth empowerment in action: Judith Msusa applauds success of Business Acceleration for Youth Project
By Burnett Munthali, November
The Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth, Judith Msusa, has expressed her satisfaction with the impact of the Business Acceleration for Youth (BAY) project, describing it as a transformative initiative for empowering Malawian youth economically. Msusa commended the project during a visit to some grant beneficiaries who have successfully turned their ventures into thriving enterprises.
Speaking during her visit, Msusa lauded the program for equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to enhance their livelihoods. "The government is impressed with the youth who, through this initiative, have been able to increase their revenue streams. This not only enables them to live decent lives but also positions them as job creators for their peers," she said. Msusa emphasized the project's role in fostering a generation of self-reliant, innovative, and economically active young people.
Adding to Msusa's sentiments, David Slane, Chief of Party for the project, expressed his own delight at the progress made. "It’s rewarding to see these young individuals demonstrating tangible successes as a result of this support. They are living proof of what is possible when young people are given the right opportunities and resources," said Slane.
The three-year BAY project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is being implemented by the Alliance of Biodiversity International and the Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). Focused on the districts of Zomba, Balaka, Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, Machinga, and Mangochi, the project aims to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among youth by providing grants, mentorship, and technical assistance.
During the visit, several beneficiaries shared their inspiring stories of transformation. One of them, a poultry farmer from Mangochi, recounted how the project’s financial and technical support helped her scale her business, enabling her to employ two additional workers. Another young entrepreneur in Zomba, specializing in agro-processing, highlighted how mentorship from the project helped him navigate market challenges and significantly increase his revenue.
These testimonials reflect the project's profound impact on communities. Beyond financial gains, the BAY initiative is helping youth build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose, all of which are critical for sustaining long-term economic growth.
As Malawi grapples with high unemployment rates among the youth, the BAY project stands out as a beacon of hope. With continued support from USAID and partners, the initiative could serve as a model for youth empowerment not only in Malawi but across the region.
Msusa’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to supporting programs that align with its broader vision of reducing poverty and unemployment. "The youth are the backbone of our nation," Msusa concluded. "Projects like BAY remind us of their untapped potential and the immense possibilities that emerge when we invest in them strategically."
The success of the BAY project serves as a testament to the power of collaboration between government, development partners, and the private sector in addressing pressing societal challenges.
