By Burnett Munthali
The Youth and Society (YAS) organisation has announced that it will host a landmark Presidential Youth Debate on August 10, 2025, in Lilongwe. The event aims to bring together presidential candidates on one stage to engage directly with the youth of Malawi on issues that affect them most.
The debate is expected to provide a national platform for presidential hopefuls to present their visions and policy proposals specifically targeted at empowering and uplifting Malawi’s young population. With the 2025 general elections fast approaching, the event is seen as a critical moment for young voters to hold aspiring leaders accountable and influence national discourse.
According to YAS Youth Coordinator, Mwandida Theu, the initiative is part of the broader Youth-Decide Campaign, a nationwide movement powered by a coalition of 48 youth-focused organisations. The campaign seeks to amplify the voices of young people in Malawi’s democratic processes by encouraging civic engagement and demanding issue-based leadership.
“The Presidential Youth Debate is not just an event—it is a national call for youth inclusion in decision-making,” Theu said. “We believe the future of this country rests in how leaders respond to the aspirations and concerns of its young people.”
Organizers have indicated that the debate will focus on key youth development pillars, including education, employment, health, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation. Each candidate will be expected to outline specific and actionable commitments that resonate with the needs and ambitions of Malawi’s youthful population.
A major highlight of the debate will be a live youth question-and-answer session. This segment will allow young people from across the country to pose direct questions to the candidates, ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsiveness from those seeking the highest office in the land.
In addition to outlining their agendas, each presidential aspirant will be asked to publicly commit to youth-centered development goals. These commitments are expected to be tracked by the Youth-Decide Campaign and its partners throughout the campaign period and beyond the elections.
The Presidential Youth Debate is poised to be a game-changer in Malawi’s political landscape, signaling a shift towards a more inclusive and responsive democratic process where the voices of the youth are no longer sidelined but actively shape the future of the nation.
