By Burnett Munthali
In a bid to strengthen the fight against corruption and empower the youth in national development, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has called on young people to become whistleblowers, stressing that corruption remains a significant challenge in Malawi.
He made these remarks during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) for the Youths, held at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre on Thursday, under the theme “Gawo Lathu Popititfsa Chitukuko Patsogolo” (Our Role in Advancing Development).
President Chakwera emphasized that tackling corruption requires a collective effort from all Malawians.
He reassured the young people that his administration is working tirelessly to ensure that government systems are functional and effective in combating graft.
He further stated that the involvement of young people in governance processes is crucial, and their opinions and suggestions will be used to guide national policies and decision-making.
Apart from discussing corruption, the President also outlined his administration’s commitment to financial literacy programs to help young entrepreneurs manage loans effectively.
He acknowledged that while government initiatives such as the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) provide financial opportunities, ensuring proper utilization and repayment is essential for sustainability.
To this end, he urged young people to think innovatively, create demand-driven products, and actively contribute to economic growth through entrepreneurship and production.
During the interactive session, Grace Indawa raised concerns about youth sports development, to which President Chakwera responded by highlighting financial constraints.
He explained that some development projects fail to progress due to the high-interest loans the government owes, affecting implementation and completion. Despite these financial challenges, he assured the youth that his government remains committed to investing in sports infrastructure and programs.
Rehema Patrick, representing the mining sector, expressed concerns about the lack of government support for young people in mining, particularly in accessing NEEF loans.
Acknowledging these concerns, President Chakwera admitted that the government must do more to address youth-related challenges in all sectors of the economy, including mining.
He promised to explore ways to ensure young people benefit from the country’s natural resources.
The President assured the gathering that the SONA for the Youths would not be a one-time event but rather a continuous platform where young people can present their issues directly to government officials for meaningful change. Journalist and entrepreneur Yankho Seunda asked how the recent youth-focused SONA aligns with the three pillars of Vision 2063. In response, President Chakwera affirmed that while his government is addressing immediate key issues, Vision 2063 remains the foundation for sustainable development.
Responding to a question from a youth on X Forum, the President acknowledged the pressing issue of food insecurity.
He revealed that the World Bank has provided funds to purchase relief maize for vulnerable Malawians, highlighting the need for sustainable initiatives to combat hunger in the long term.
On the decision to hold the youth SONA in Blantyre, Chakwera explained that it was based on feedback from the Lilongwe edition.
He announced that, following suggestions from the previous engagement, youth clubs will be established across the country, beginning in Ntchisi.
These clubs will be equipped with 100 computers, and internet centers will be constructed to enhance technological development and digital literacy among young people.
Furthermore, the President assured the youth that the upcoming national budget will allocate reasonable resources to the Ministry of Youth, ensuring that their needs are adequately addressed.
He emphasized that the success of the Blantyre and Lilongwe youth SONAs proves that Malawian youth are committed to transforming the nation.
In conclusion, Chakwera announced that the next SONA for the Youth will be held in Mzuzu on a date to be announced later.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to empowering young people, encouraging them to take an active role in shaping Malawi’s future.
