By Patience Longwe

Lilongwe, May 16, Mana: National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) and Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to  empower young people through digital innovation.

Speaking Friday during the signing of the MoU at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, NYCOM Executive Director, Rex Chapota, said the partnership aims to unlock the full potential of Malawi's youth in driving innovation, creating jobs, and building a knowledge-based economy.

"If we want an innovative and competitive Malawi, we  must trust and invest in youth-led innovation," he said.

Chapota said the partnership will focus on expanding digital access and literacy by providing young people a cross all districts with digital skills and access to technology and strengthening innovation ecosystem by collaborative programming to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among youth.

According to Chapota, the partnership aligns with the Malawi 2063 and the UN global pact for the future emphasizing the importance of digital transformation in sustainable development.

"By empowering young people through digital innovation, NYCOM and MACRA aim to drive economic growth, create jobs, and build a more inclusive and sustainable future for Malawi," he said.

MACRA’s Muuni Fund Team Leader, Wezzie Salima, said the partnership aims to address lack of access to digital opportunities faced by many Malawian youths.

"We are very happy to have signed this agreement with NYCOM as we have previously worked together before," she said.

Salima said, through the partnership, more youth are expected to have access to digital opportunities and benefits of the digital economy.

"Young people will be empowered through digital skills and opportunities, enabling them to participate in the digital economy," she said.

The partnership between MACRA and NYCOM is a step towards bridging the digital divide and promoting digital innovation among Malawian Youth.