By Burnett Munthali
A total of 135 young people in Lilongwe have completed a four-week training program in digital skills and entrepreneurship, equipping them with essential knowledge to enhance their financial independence. The training was conducted by mHub, a leading technology and innovation center, under its Going Beyond Project, which seeks to bridge the digital skills gap among Malawian youth.
The graduation ceremony, held at Lilongwe Technical College, highlighted the importance of technology and entrepreneurship in tackling youth unemployment. Speaking at the event, mHub’s Communications and Engagement Officer, Faith Chavula, urged young people to consider entrepreneurship as a viable career path instead of relying solely on white-collar jobs. She noted that the country’s high unemployment rate makes it critical for youth to acquire digital skills that enable them to create their own opportunities.
“Many young people in Malawi struggle to access digital skills training, which limits their ability to integrate technology into their businesses,” Chavula stated. She explained that the Going Beyond Project addresses this challenge by training youth leaders, who then deliver digital literacy sessions to their peers and conduct community-based training programs to ensure accessibility.
Guest motivational speaker Franco Mwachande, Team Leader at Awesome Solutions, praised mHub for its dedication to empowering young people. He emphasized that digital skills are increasingly becoming a necessity in today’s job market and encouraged graduates to apply their newfound knowledge to improve their livelihoods.
Lilongwe City Council Youth Officer, Wezie Kamanga, described the training as both timely and impactful, noting that such initiatives play a crucial role in equipping young people with the necessary tools to compete in the digital economy.
One of the program’s beneficiaries, Keith Mambo, expressed his appreciation for the training, saying it had given him valuable skills in social media marketing. “I have learned how to use social media platforms effectively to market products and services. This will help me grow my small business and even assist others in promoting theirs,” he said.
Through its youth-led model, mHub has successfully trained participants in key areas such as data analysis, web development, and social media marketing. These skills are expected to help young entrepreneurs leverage technology to create jobs, increase their business visibility, and contribute to Malawi’s economic growth.
As digital transformation continues to shape global economies, initiatives like the Going Beyond Project are vital in ensuring that Malawian youth are not left behind. By equipping them with digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills, mHub is playing a significant role in fostering innovation and self-reliance among young people in Malawi.
