By Wakisa Myamba

Karonga, May 20, Mana: Programs Officer for National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM), Ashan Cossam, says the Council is geared to promote youth participation in the implementation of the Malawi 2063 through a strategic plan they are formulating.

Cossam was speaking Saturday in Karonga during a stakeholder consultation meeting for the development of the NYCOM Strategic Plan (2024-2029).

He said the strategic plan is aimed at harnessing the potential of the country’s youthful population, emphasizing the pivotal role of youths in realizing Malawi’s long-term aspirations for inclusive prosperity.

"As stewards of tomorrow, the youth must be at the forefront driving change and shaping the future. Our strategic plan must align with Malawi 2063 and youth policies that are in place to empower young people to actively participate in the country's development.”

"The consultation sessions being held across the country are providing a platform for youth representatives, non-governmental organizations and council officials to voice their challenges and aspirations,” he said.

Chairperson for Mbande Youth Network, Walusungu Kaseghe, lamented obstacles faced by young entrepreneurs in accessing loans and financial hurdles hindering their education pursuits.

"We are failing to meaningfully participate in sectors like agriculture and education due to difficulties in accessing loans from money lending institutions. However, through the strategic plan which NYCOM is formulating, we are hopeful that our concerns will be addressed," Kaseghe said.

A representative for Karonga District Youth Office, Anna Chima, urged NYCOM to integrate the insights learned from participants into the strategic plan.