Government has challenged youths in the country to venture into entrepreneurship for the nation to grow economically.
Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale made the remarks during a public lecture titled “Empowering youth as catalysts for agricultural transformation in Malawi”, delivered Friday at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Thyolo District.
Addressing hundreds of MUST students, who attended the lecture, Kawale underscored the need for university students to lead by example in venturing into entrepreneurship once they finish their studies.
He said time has come for the country’s university students to dominate in agriculture, innovation and entrepreneurship.
“It is my wish to see university graduates venture into agriculture, modernise it, use it to create jobs and ensure food security for our nation,” he said.
The minister said the government would wish to see agriculture contributing a lot in the development of the country.
“Our vision as a country is to see agriculture contributing 30 percent of Gross Domestic Product and support 80 percent of our people,” said Kawale.
He then challenged the students to launch one agricultural project this year, innovating a tool, planting a tree, securing a loan or starting an agribusiness.
“I would like to see some of you build wealth through agribusiness and value chains,” he added.
On her part, MUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Address Malata commended Kawala for delivering what she described as a “powerful” message.
“This lecture has been an eye opener because it has tackled all the necessary issues,” said Malawi.
Youthful innovator, who is also a student at MUST, Innocent Mandili said Kawale’s message would inspire him to launch future projects.
“I am glad that I was part of this lecture and I have gained valuable insight,” said Mandili.
The event brought together officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF).
