By Burnett Munthali
In a significant step towards youth empowerment, the government of Malawi is allocating grants to youth groups across the country to enable them to engage in various agricultural activities. The initiative aims to create economic opportunities for young people and contribute to national development.
The Executive Director of the National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM), Rex Chapota, highlighted the importance of this initiative during a cheque presentation ceremony in Nkhata Bay. A sum of K3 million was handed over to Sanga Youth Club to support their pig farming project, a venture expected to enhance their economic independence.
Chapota commended President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration for its commitment to youth empowerment, describing the program as a game changer. He noted that investing in youth-led agricultural projects aligns perfectly with the Malawi 2063 Agenda, which envisions a self-reliant, industrialized, and middle-income nation. He emphasized that such initiatives equip young people with the necessary resources to become entrepreneurs, reducing unemployment and poverty in the long run.
Echoing Chapota’s sentiments, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Social and Community Affairs, Savel Kafwafwa, praised the efforts of Sanga Youth Club in utilizing available opportunities to improve their livelihoods. He stated that the government’s financial support will not only boost agricultural production but also encourage more young people to venture into agribusiness.
Sanga Youth Club has been at the forefront of youth development in Nkhata Bay, engaging in various income-generating activities to uplift members of the community. Amanda Sauta, a mentor and member of the club, expressed her deep gratitude for the government’s support. She emphasized that initiatives like these provide young people with the means to break free from poverty and contribute meaningfully to the national economy.
The government’s youth grant program is a promising step towards empowering young Malawians. With proper implementation and continued support, such investments have the potential to transform the agricultural sector while addressing youth unemployment. As more youth groups benefit from this initiative, Malawi edges closer to achieving its long-term vision of economic resilience and sustainable development.
