In April, 2024, I had the immense honor of being invited by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Malawi, Ms. Rebeccah Adda-Dontoh, to participate in the UN Country Team Annual Strategic Planning & Reflection Retreat. As one of three youth representatives, I joined this gathering alongside Mr. Williot Lumbe, Director of Programs at the National Youth Council, and Mr. Alpha Phiri, CEO and Founder of Value Loans Microfinance.
The retreat provided a rare opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with UNCT members and key development stakeholders in Malawi. The highlight for me was participating in the session on UN Engagement with Youth in Malawi, chaired by Naomi Munthali from UNESCO. This platform allowed for candid conversations about unlocking the potential of young people and supporting the nation’s Vision 2063.
Empowering the Next Generation
During my session, I reflected on my personal journey as a young entrepreneur, policy advocate, and economist. It felt surreal to sit at the table, sharing insights alongside esteemed leaders, but it also reinforced the importance of creating spaces for young voices to be heard.
I spoke about the pressing need for access to education, skills development, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Malawi’s youth are innovative and driven, yet many lack the resources and support structures needed to thrive. I firmly believe that fostering entrepreneurship and digital literacy can unlock the immense potential that resides within our communities.
Through the Ntha Foundation and the Kwathu Kollective, we have created platforms that directly address these challenges. Our flagship programmes—the Nyenyezi Entrepreneurship Fellowship and the M’mawa Apprenticeship Programme—are designed to equip young people with the skills, mentorship, and financial resources they need to turn their ideas into tangible solutions.
Building a Brighter Future
One of the pivotal moments of the retreat was the breakout discussions, where young facilitators led deep dives into the key challenges facing youth in Malawi. Hearing perspectives from diverse participants was both enlightening and inspiring. The common theme that emerged was the urgent need to digitalize our economy, foster innovation, and ensure youth are actively involved in development planning.
As I emphasized during my address, the role of the United Nations in supporting youth cannot be overstated. By investing in digital infrastructure, scaling entrepreneurship programs, and fostering public-private partnerships, the UN can play a transformative role in driving youth-led development.
A Call to Action
This retreat was not just a reflection of past efforts but a call to action for all stakeholders to work collaboratively in advancing youth initiatives. I left the retreat feeling both grateful and invigorated, with a renewed sense of purpose to continue advocating for the youth of Malawi.
For young people reading this, know that your voice matters. Engage in your communities, seek out opportunities for growth, and never underestimate the power of your ideas. The journey towards Vision 2063 is one we must embark on together, ensuring that no one is left behind.
To those interested in collaborating with the Ntha Foundation or supporting our initiatives, please feel free to reach out to the Kwathu Kollective Business Development Manager, Ms. Zingani at abigail@kwathucentre.org. The future is bright, and together, we can shape a more inclusive and prosperous Malawi.
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