Excitement is building among Malawi’s youths as at least 200 young innovators are set to benefit from a K2 billion Youth Innovation Fund, which President Lazarus Chakwera will officially launch during this year’s three-day National Youth Summit at the Bingu International Convention Center (BICC) in Lilongwe from July 2 to 4.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lilongwe, Executive Director of the National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM), Rex Chapota said the fund aims to unlock the potential of young entrepreneurs and innovators in the country.
“We received 836 applications from brilliant young minds across the country. After a rigorous selection process, 200 have been chosen for the first phase,” said Chapota.
“This fund will support 150 groundbreaking youth-led ideas that have the potential to transform communities and create jobs.”
In a bid to maintain integrity and fairness in the administration of the fund, Chapota emphasized that the process would remain transparent and shielded from political interference.
“No politician will meddle in this process. This is a youth-led initiative for the benefit of all young people in Malawi regardless of where they come from or what political colours they wear,” he said.
The summit itself, which will run under the theme ‘Igniting Youth Innovation for a Sustainable Future’, promises to offer young people a platform for networking, capacity building and accessing opportunities in job creation and entrepreneurship.
One of the beneficiaries, Edward Msiska, could not hide his excitement.
“The summit will not only empower us with financial support but also give us a chance to learn new skills and ideas from our fellow youths. I believe this is how Malawi moves forward by trusting its young people.”
The Youth Innovation Fund is part of the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and economic inclusion, with hopes that the supported projects will help address unemployment and stimulate economic activity in local communities.
