By Charles Nkhoma.

Lilongwe, December 2, MANA: Stepping into university is one of the greatest feelings for any secondary school student in Malawi. In a country where educational achievement is hard won, acceptance to university is seen as a true milestone.

Every year, students work tirelessly in secondary school, fueled by a dream of advancing to higher education and transforming their lives. For these young people, university symbolizes hope, opportunity, and the promise of a brighter future.

No student works hard in secondary school just to stay at home afterward. The sacrifices made by families, the long hours of study, and the dedication of teachers all center on the belief that education will lead to opportunities.

Growing up, many students look up to professionals in their communities—doctors, nurses, teachers, and journalists—as symbols of success and aspiration. These careers are not just jobs; they represent dignity, stability, and respect within society.

Mzuzu University, one of the prominent public universities in Malawi, offers a wide range of programmes that are vital for the country’s development. From education to environmental science, agriculture to information technology, the programs at Mzuzu University are designed to equip students with the skills they need to contribute to Malawi’s growth.

For every student who steps through the university’s gates, life seems to be full of possibility. They imagine careers that not only bring personal satisfaction but also contribute to the well-being of their communities and country.

  However, upon graduation, many young people encounter a different reality than the one they envisioned. After leaving university, they face a job market that is challenging, often disheartening, and marked by limited opportunities.

The promise of employment that motivated them throughout their studies is not easily fulfilled. The reality on the ground is difficult to accept, and for many, it brings a feeling of disillusionment and uncertainty about the future.

Christopher Mzumara, a graduate from the Malawi University of Science and Technology, has been caught in a two-year struggle to find employment since finishing his studies. Armed with a degree and high hopes, Christopher entered the job market only to face relentless rejection and scarce opportunities.

Despite applying for countless positions and attending numerous interviews, he found himself repeatedly turned down. "I thought my education would be my ticket to success, but I didn’t expect it to be this difficult," he shared, reflecting the harsh reality many young Malawians encounter after graduation.

The lack of opportunities in his field forced Christopher to explore alternatives, such as temporary or unrelated work, but even those options were limited.

 His daily routine became dominated by scanning job postings, refining his applications, and writing cover letters tailored to each prospective employer, yet the silence from recruiters was deafening. Financial pressures mounted, leaving him to rely on family support and odd gigs to make ends meet.

"It’s disheartening to see friends with connections get ahead while I’m stuck sending out CVs to no avail," Christopher lamented, highlighting the challenges of networking in a competitive job market.

Christopher’s struggles have taken a toll not only on his finances but also on his mental well-being. The initial optimism he carried after graduation has been eroded by two years of rejection, leaving him uncertain about his future.

He has begun to consider up skilling through online courses or even venturing into entrepreneurship, but both require resources he currently lacks. "I’m at a crossroads," Christopher admitted.

"I want to contribute to my community and use my education meaningfully, but I don’t know where to start." His story underscores the urgent need for systemic solutions to improve youth employment opportunities in Malawi.

Unemployment rates in Malawi remain high, and many graduates struggle to find work that matches their qualifications. While they are prepared with knowledge and skills, the job market has limited positions, especially in specialized fields.

Graduates are often forced to consider jobs outside their area of study, or even jobs that require no degree at all. For some, the frustration leads them to question the value of their education. They wonder whether the sacrifices they made and those made by their families were worthwhile if there are no opportunities waiting for them at the end.

Despite these struggles, the government has recognized the need to support its youth and help them transition from education to employment or self-employment. In recent years, various initiatives have been introduced to give young people a fighting chance in the difficult job market.

One such programme is the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), which provides loans to young people across the country.

These loans are intended to help young people start small businesses, pursue agricultural projects, and find innovative ways to create sustainable livelihoods.

 Through NEEF, the government aims to empower youth to become economically self-sufficient, encouraging them to think beyond traditional employment and consider entrepreneurship as a viable path forward.

Business and agriculture have become key areas of focus in Malawi’s youth empowerment efforts. Farming, in particular, holds vast potential, as Malawi is an agricultural country with rich, fertile land. For many young people, agriculture can be a gateway to financial stability and independence. By turning to farming, they not only support themselves but also contribute to the country’s food security and economy.

Small businesses are another area where young people can make a difference. With the skills they gained in university and the support of programs like NEEF, young graduates have the opportunity to explore various forms of entrepreneurship, from agribusiness to technology and retail.

Small businesses drive local economies, create jobs, and provide services that improve the quality of life within communities. These businesses are not just economic ventures; they are a means of uplifting families and fostering resilience.

Communication Specialist at NEEF, Elizabeth Hara emphasized the role of youth in driving change.

“Malawi’s future lies in the hands of its young people,” she said. “We need to encourage them to look beyond the traditional job market and see themselves as creators of opportunity. Programs like NEEF are here to support them, but the initiative, vision, and determination must come from within.”

Several young graduates have already begun to find success through entrepreneurship, thanks to the support of NEEF and similar initiatives. These stories serve as powerful examples of what is possible when young people are given the tools they need to create their own paths.

For instance, Chawanangwa Mbalo, a recent Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources graduate, used a NEEF loan to start a small poultry business. Initially, Chawanangwa was skeptical about the viability of farming as a career, but after facing months of unemployment, he decided to take a chance. Today, his business is not only sustaining him but is also creating jobs in his community.

The question "Where do we go from here?" is one that every graduate in Malawi faces as they step into the world beyond university. While the journey may be challenging, there is hope and opportunity for those willing to embrace change, learn new skills, and think outside the traditional paths. Programmes like NEEF and the stories of young entrepreneurs serve as beacons of possibility, showing that even in difficult circumstances, it is possible to rise and thrive.