Lilongwe, Malawi — June 4, 2025
Honourable Uchizi Mkandawire, Minister of Youth and Sports, held a strategic meeting with the leadership of the National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) at the Ministry’s offices, Capital Hill, Lilongwe. The meeting provided a comprehensive update on critical youth empowerment programs and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting youth development across the country.
NYCOM’s Executive Director, Mr. Rex Chapota, accompanied by Director of Programmes, Mr. Williot Joaquim Lumbe, and Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Ernest Victor Mangani, presented the latest progress reports to the Minister. The Minister was flanked by Secretary for Youth and Sports, Mr. Isaac D. Katopola, and Director of Youth, Ms. Judith Msusa.
The meeting opened with Mr. Chapota providing an update on the 2025 National Youth Summit, slated to take place from July 2 to 4, 2025, at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe. Mr. Chapota highlighted that the summit will convene over 1000 youth delegates from diverse sectors, including agriculture, technology, business, and civil society, drawn from all districts nationwide. Importantly, the summit will also host more than 50 international delegates from across Africa and beyond, fostering cross-border youth engagement and collaboration. Themed “Harnessing Youth Innovation for Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation Towards Malawi 2063,” the summit aims to showcase youth-led innovations, stimulate policy dialogue, and foster partnerships with government and development partners. Preparations for the event, including a detailed draft program and key highlights, are well underway.
Attention then shifted to the Youth Innovation Fund (YIF), a flagship NYCOM initiative designed to empower young entrepreneurs across Malawi. Mr. Chapota reported that the Fund has garnered substantial interest, with over 850 applications received from youth aged 18 to 35 nationwide. Following a rigorous screening process, 216 applicants have been shortlisted based on innovation potential, viability, and socio-economic impact. Currently, a thorough due diligence exercise is ongoing across all 28 districts to verify applicant information and assess business feasibility, ensuring transparency and fairness. Notably, Lilongwe and Blantyre districts recorded the highest number of applicants, reflecting vibrant entrepreneurial activity. The goal is to finalize beneficiary selection before the official launch scheduled for July 2, 2025, when His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, will formally inaugurate the Fund and present grants to selected youth entrepreneurs.
The Executive Director also updated the Minister on the progress of the Achinyamata Centre project — a national youth complex that will serve as NYCOM’s headquarters and a hub for youth programs and innovation. He disclosed that the government has allocated MWK 2 billion in the 2025/26 fiscal year to support preparatory works. Key milestones include the completion of cadastral surveys and the ongoing topographic survey on the 4.6-hectare site at Area 54, Lilongwe. The Council is in the process of finalizing payment of land development fees, with plans to engage architects and consultants soon. Construction is expected to commence within this fiscal year, marking a significant step towards establishing a state-of-the-art facility for youth empowerment.
Lastly, Mr. Chapota informed the Minister about the recent appointment of a new NYCOM Board of Directors, expressing confidence that the new board will provide strategic leadership and governance to further advance youth development in Malawi.
Honourable Mkandawire expressed his strong appreciation for the comprehensive updates and commended NYCOM’s proactive efforts in driving youth development initiatives. He described the Youth Innovation Fund as a transformative program that will unlock opportunities for Malawi’s young people and applauded the inclusive approach taken in selecting beneficiaries.
“The commitment and progress demonstrated by NYCOM are commendable and inspire confidence in the future of our youth,” the Minister said. “My Ministry pledges its full support to NYCOM’s initiatives, ensuring young Malawians are equipped with the tools, resources, and platforms necessary to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
The meeting concluded with mutual commitments to sustained collaboration and partnership, emphasizing a shared vision to empower Malawi’s youth as vital contributors to the country’s socio-economic growth.
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