The National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) has welcomed the strong commitment to youth empowerment expressed by Honourable Minister of Mining, Dr. Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma, during the opening of the Second Malawi Mining Investment Forum held on Monday the 29th of April 2025 at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC).
Speaking to investors, policymakers, and development partners, Dr. Zikhale Ng’oma stressed the importance of putting young people at the heart of Malawi’s growing mining sector.
He highlighted the need for youth involvement not just in employment, but also in value addition — such as processing minerals into finished products.
“We believe our youth, if well supported with accessible and affordable funding, can quickly get us to this level,” he said, citing opportunities in graphite processing, gemstone polishing, and construction material production.
The Minister also emphasized deliberate efforts to include youth across the mining value chain. Initiatives such as Community Development Agreements and the formation of mining cooperatives are being promoted to increase local and youth participation.
“Inclusive development must recognize our women and youth as key players,” he added.
On building a future-ready workforce, Dr. Zikhale Ng’oma shared that training programs are already underway to prepare young Malawians as mine surveyors, geologists, gemologists, mining lawyers, and other professionals. He also pointed to the integration of Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies in mining operations to modernize and strengthen the sector.
The Minister’s remarks respond to several priorities raised by young people during the 2024 National Youth Summit.
At the Summit, youth leaders called for greater access to finance, tailor-made training in sectors like mining, targeted funding and incentives for youth businesses, mentorship programs, and stronger partnerships with private companies — along with raising awareness about opportunities under the ATM Strategy.
By addressing access to resources, skills development, and meaningful inclusion, the Minister’s commitments represent important steps toward meeting the expectations young people outlined at the Summit.
NYCOM is particularly encouraged by the alignment between these efforts and the upcoming launch of the Youth Innovation Fund (YIF) — a strategic initiative introduced under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi.
The YIF is designed to accelerate youth-led productive capacity in Agriculture, Tourism, Mining, and Manufacturing (ATM+M) by fostering innovation, skills development, and entrepreneurship among young people.
NYCOM is excited about the opportunities the Fund will unlock, ensuring that more young Malawians are equipped and supported to drive the country’s transformation towards wealth creation and self-reliance under Malawi 2063.
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