By Sheminah Nkhoma
National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) has disclosed that President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera will launch the K2 billion Youth Innovation Fund (YIF) during the 2025 National Youth Summit scheduled for 2 to 4 July at the Bingu International Convention Centre.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday in Lilongwe, Executive Director of NYCOM, Rex Chapota said the aim of the fund is to help the youth to be innovative in areas of agriculture, tourism and mining as outlined in the ATM strategy to achieve Malawi 2063 Vision.
“The Government of Malawi knows the importance of investing in youth because a country that invests in the youth is a country that is ready to grow,” he said.
Chapota, therefore, urged politicians not to interfere with the fund as their mandate is to serve every youth who is in Malawi.
“Regardless of the political party one belongs to, the fund will only look at those eligible to get the money, political influence is not needed as we want every youth to benefit from it,” he said.
Chapota indicated that the preparation of the summit is at an advanced stage and that the summit will give a chance to the youth to engage with each other and other leaders.
“This summit represents a new chapter in Malawi’s development; a future where young people are not passive beneficiaries but active architects of change and inclusive prosperity,” he added.
Representing Y-plus Malawi, Angella Kanene underscored the significance of the summit, particularly to young people as it will give room for the young people to learn how they can venture into different areas such as agriculture and politics, among others.
“One of the problems we face as the youth is lack of capacity building, we mostly depend on other people to come and support us, yet we have the opportunity to support ourselves,” said Kanene.
Over 1000 youths are expected to participate in the summit across the country.
The summit will be held under the theme: “Harnessing Youth Innovation for Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation Towards Malawi 2063.”
It will bring young people, policymakers, development partners and stakeholders to discuss youth-led development and progress in the country.
