By Staff Reporter
A Chiradzulu-based youth activist, Suleman Atupele Chitera, has strongly criticized the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), accusing it of abandoning its founding mission by allegedly issuing loans to cabinet ministers, members of parliament, and other privileged individuals while sidelining poor and unemployed Malawians.
Chitera says NEEF was established as a poverty-alleviation and youth-empowerment vehicle, meant to support ordinary citizens—particularly youths and small-scale entrepreneurs—who lack access to formal financing. Instead, he argues, the fund has been captured by the political and social elite.
“It is an insult to struggling Malawians,” Chitera said. “How can ministers and MPs, who earn huge salaries and enjoy multiple government loan facilities, be allowed to access funds meant for the poor?”
The activist further alleged that some of the politically connected beneficiaries, including religious leaders favoured by those in power, have failed to repay the loans—turning NEEF into a loss-making scheme funded by taxpayers.
According to Chitera, the situation is especially devastating for youths in districts such as Chiradzulu, where unemployment remains rampant and many viable youth-led initiatives collapse due to lack of start-up capital.
“Young people are constantly told to be innovative and patient, yet the very money meant to empower them is hijacked by the powerful. This is not empowerment—it is legalized greed,” he said.
Chitera has called for an immediate audit of NEEF, demanding that government publish a full list of beneficiaries, loan amounts, and repayment statuses. He also urged law enforcement and anti-corruption bodies to take action against all defaulters, regardless of political position, religious standing, or social influence.
He further challenged Parliament to stop shielding its own members and instead exercise genuine oversight over public institutions.
“Public office is a trust, not an opportunity to loot. If NEEF cannot serve the poor, then Malawians deserve to know who it truly serves,” Chitera said.
As public anger grows, pressure is mounting on NEEF and government authorities to restore credibility, enforce accountability, and return the fund to its original purpose—empowering the poor, not protecting the powerful.
