President Chakwera promised a lean cabinet in the impending reshuffle due this month of January. According to Malawians on the street, they feel the cabinet has a lot of deadwood that must be removed as some of the problems facing the nation is due to the lack of the foresight leadership to help President Lazarus Chakwera move this country forward.
It appears the President, listening as he is has heard the people’s cry and is geared to come up with a cabinet that will define the remaining years of his presidency, especially with respect to 2025 where he will be expected to defend his position on the ground, on the ballot. Hopefully, he cannot afford to please certain quarters anymore as his line may be on the chopping board by the disgruntled Malawians.
According to word on the street, Malawians are waiting for the cabinet reshuffle with bated breath as among other things, it will help them know who was deadwood and who are the performers who will have been maintained, at least in the eyes of Chakwera, as this is his own prerogative to hire or fire Ministers.
Word to the Ministers, if you are chopped this time. Know that it is how it is supposed to be. We are over 18 million in this country and if you made it to the Cabinet, you just better thank God as belonging to the cabinet is anyone’s entitlement. It is a privilege. There are many Malawians who would also want the same opportunity. As for you guys, you were given the opportunity to help President Chakwera change the fortunes of this country but as we all can see your performance; it is what it is.
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.
