By Burnett Munthali
Old Mutual has reinforced its commitment to tackling youth unemployment in Malawi through an empowering skills development initiative. Speaking today at a certification ceremony for 35 young trainees from Mtandire and Mtsiliza in Lilongwe, Patience Chatsika, Old Mutual’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs representative, emphasized the company’s dedication to equipping young people with practical skills that increase their employability and entrepreneurial potential.
During the event, Chatsika noted that Old Mutual remains deeply concerned about Malawi’s high youth unemployment rates. This commitment to addressing the issue, she explained, is reflected in the company’s decision to invest in vocational training. “We are empowering young people with skills that enable them to become self-sufficient and contribute meaningfully to the economy,” she said. “By training them in phone repair, home gadgets repair, and dish installation, we aim to provide them with practical skills that meet market demand.”
The training initiative is conducted in collaboration with SANWEKA Tech Companions, a technical training company specializing in skill-building for young people. Rashid Kasito, CEO of SANWEKA, praised the partnership, highlighting its impact on youth welfare and economic prospects. “Our partnership with Old Mutual has been transformative for the participants, helping them gain valuable skills that can provide them with sustainable livelihoods,” Kasito said.
The program has so far trained 108 young people across Malawi, providing them with hands-on expertise that enables them to either enter the workforce or start their own businesses. This initiative represents a step forward in addressing systemic issues in the job market, where many young Malawians lack access to both employment and vocational training opportunities.
As Chatsika concluded, “We believe that by investing in our youth, we are investing in the future of Malawi. Empowered young people are not only more self-reliant but are also better positioned to drive social and economic growth.”
