By Wadza Botomani
Malawi’s Deputy Speaker of parliament Madalitso Kazombo has called on African governments to work on creating more opportunities for the youths , and opening up new ways to engage more with those in diaspora that includes creation of Diaspora constituencies. He was speaking at a radio interview he held with activist and broadcaster Allan Mandindi that aired on Manchester based Radio Africana
Kazombo said it that it is unfortunate that Africa as a continent still lags behind in development and most of its inhabitants are still living below poverty level despite being a continent full of mineral resources . He said, himself as a young politician, it is his wish to see more African government creating environments and opportunities for the youths to flourish. “ The youths have the energy , they have the talent , the challenge with African youths now is that even if they are educated , opportunities are not being given to them unless they are connected to somebody either politically or in one way or another . We also have companies, not opening up job opportunities claiming they want someone with years of experience while the youths are not even being given opportunity to gain that experience “ said Kazombo
The Deputy Speaker also touched on the issue of Africans living in diaspora and how best they can be included in the policy making for their respective countries . He said , he was an admirer of the hardworking spirit of those living in diaspora and is very much aware of the economic benefits that the diaspora provides through remittances and even investments back home .Kazombo said time has come when African governments need to treat Diaspora as constituency “ What I mean is that we need to have a diaspora representative in our parliaments, someone who can be speaking on behalf of the diaspora and having opportunity to debate issues as well as participate in all parliamentary deliberations just like any member of parliament would do” Kazombo went on to say , the world has become one global village and the diaspora cannot be ignored anymore.
On how best Africa can work towards its development – Kazombo said time has come when Africa need to up its game so that it can compete on the level of other continents trade wise . He said they are some basic issues that need to be quickly rectified such as lack of proper infrastructures such as roads , persistent energy problems , lack of good communication facilities , things which he described as catalysts in driving economy forward . Kazombo also said its time for Africa to stop wasting time in unnecessary wars that has helped nothing but deter us from focusing on development . He said that it is unfortunate that the youths are always the victims as they are the ones often being used in all these wars.
