2025
National Youth Summit
Concept Note
Date: 2nd -4th July 2025
Venue: Bingu International Convention Center (BICC),
Lilongwe, Malawi
Theme: Harnessing Youth Innovation for Economic
Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation
towards Malawi 2063.
To be presided over by: His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy
Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi
Submitted by:
Rex Chapota
Executive Director
National Youth Council of Malawi
Private Bag 389
Lilongwe, Malawi
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +265999899489
w w w. nyc o m . mw
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BACKGROUND
The National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) is committed to advancing youth
development in line with Malawi’s Vision 2063 (MW2063), which envisions an
inclusively wealthy and self-reliant nation. Young people play a pivotal role in
realizing this vision, particularly through innovation, entrepreneurship, and job
creation. With over 51% of the population comprised of youth aged between 10-35
years and with over 80% of the population being below the age of 35, Malawi is a
youthful nation and young people present a great human resources potential that
is key in transforming the country into a middle-income economy, particularly
through innovation, entrepreneurship, job creation, and leadership. However, many
youths in Malawi face challenges such as limited access to capital, inadequate
mentorship, and unemployment, which hinder their economic potential.
Malawi’s youthful population presents both opportunities and challenges for
national development. As of 2023, the youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
stands at 6.76%, lower than the global average of 16.08%, but concerns about
underemployment and job quality persist. The overall unemployment rate is
5.04%, with female unemployment at 5.98% and male unemployment at 4.16%.
Labor force participation is 68.97%, with men (74.60%) participating more than
women (63.84%). Self-employment accounts for 61.40% of total employment
(2022), while informal employment remains dominant, recorded at 85.20% in 2013.
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Economic empowerment among Malawian youth is hindered by limited ac-
cess to land, finance, and essential agricultural inputs. In the Central Region,
only 22.16% of rural youth have access to farmland, and land fragmentation
reduces economic viability. Financial access remains a major challenge, with
48.4% of youth citing limited finance as a barrier to engaging in agriculture and
agribusiness. Additionally, obtaining agricultural inputs like fertilizers and
herbicides is difficult, further restricting youth participation in agribusiness.
Despite these barriers, the Government of Malawi is implementing several
programs to empower youth economically. The National Economic
Empowerment Fund (NEEF) provides loans to young entrepreneurs, improving
their access to capital.
The Youth Internship Program under the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry
of Youth and Sports equips young people with practical work experience
to enhance employability. The Community Technical Colleges Initiative
has expanded vocational training opportunities, allowing youth to acquire
industry-relevant skills. Additionally, the Agriculture Commercialization Project
(AGCOM) is supporting youth agripreneurs through matching grants and access
to markets. The Malawi Agriculture and Industrial Investment Corporation (MAIIC)
is addressing financing gaps in agriculture and industrial development, with
plans to raise $10 billion over the next decade to support youth entrepreneurs.
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Recognizing these challenges and opportunities, the 2025 National Youth
Summit (2nd Edition of the National Youth Summit), themed “Harnessing
Youth Innovation for Economic Empowerment and Sustainable
Job Creation towards Malawi 2063,” aims to address employment issues,
enhance economic empowerment through improved access to land and
financing, promote youth innovation and entrepreneurship, capacity building
and strengthening, and facilitate policy dialogue. The summit will provide a
crucial platform for
multi-stakeholder engagement, fostering collaborative solutions that empower
young people to play a central role in achieving Malawi 2063’s development
aspirations.
Established in 2024, the National Youth Summit is the largest youth policy
event in Malawi, with a primary focus on advancing youth engagement,
empowerment, and development in the country. The Summit is hosted by the
National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM), in collaboration with the Ministry
of Youth and Sports (MoYS); other Government Ministries, Departments, and
Agencies (MDAs); youth organisations; and several development partners.
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LESSONS FROM 2024 NATIONAL YOUTH SUMMIT
The 2025 National Youth Summit will build upon the successes of the 2024
National Youth Summit, which was held under the theme “A Renewed
Commitment to Youth Development Towards Malawi 2063.” The 2024
summit brought together over 800 delegates, including youth from all districts,
government officials, development partners, and private sector representatives.
It served as a platform for engaging youth in key national discussions, including
policy implementation, youth economic empowerment, and participation in
governance structures.
The 2024 National Youth Summit marked a significant turning point in
Malawi’s youth development landscape. The summit catalysed bold policy
commitments and strategic alignment around youth priorities. Key outcomes
included the launch of the NYCOM Strategic Plan (2024–2030) and the MW
2063 Youth Engagement Strategy—both designed to institutionalize youth
participation across governance and development processes. The summit
elevated youth voices in national discourse, particularly through
high-level engagements with cabinet ministers, and sparked momentum to
address long-standing barriers such as limited access to finance, skills
mismatches, and exclusion from policy formulation.
Among the most notable outcomes was the establishment of the Youth
Innovation Fund, with the Government allocating MWK 2 billion (Under
the Youth Innovation Fund) in the 2025/26 fiscal year to support youth-led
innovations, entrepreneurship, and business ventures in line with the ATMM
Strategy of the Malawi 2063 First Ten Year Implementation Plan (MIP1).
The fund is expected to grow in subsequent years, signalling long-term
investment in youth economic empowerment. The summit also called for
systemic reforms in education and economic systems, encouraging greater
alignment between curricula and labour market demands, expansion of digital and
vocational skills training, and enhanced inclusion of marginalized youth. By fostering
accountability, affirming youth leadership, and securing tangible policy and
financial commitments, the summit repositioned young people as central
actors in the realization of Malawi 2063.
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The National Youth Council of Malawi will conduct this National Youth
Summit in close collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and other key
stakeholders in the youth sector. While the summit focuses on innovations
towards youth economic empowerment and job creation, it will also address other
critical issues affecting young people, such as health, climate change, and education.
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THE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL OF MALAWI
ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY
On the third day of the 2025 National Youth Summit, the National Youth
Council of Malawi (NYCOM) will convene its Annual General Assembly (AGA) as
required by the National Youth Council of Malawi Act (1996). This legal mandate
ensures transparency, accountability, and effective governance in youth sector
programming. The AGA serves as a platform for reviewing NYCOM’s progress,
discussing key policy matters, and engaging stakeholders in shaping the strategic
direction of youth development in Malawi. It provides an opportunity for youth
organizations, government representatives, development partners, and other
stakeholders to assess program implementation, deliberate on emerging issues,
and make informed decisions that enhance the Council’s effectiveness.
Integrating the AGA within the 2025 National Youth Summit ensures that youth
voices and contributions are embedded in NYCOM’s governance processes,
fostering greater ownership and responsiveness to the needs of young people
across the country.
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HIGH-LEVEL PARTICIPATION AND PRESIDENTIAL
ENGAGEMENT
The 2025 National Youth Summit will be presided over by His Excellency Dr. Lazarus
McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, demonstrating the
government’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment as a key driver
of national development. As Malawi strives to achieve the aspirations of Malawi
2063, the engagement of young people in economic transformation, innovation,
and sustainable job creation is critical. The President’s participation will reaffirm
the government’s recognition of youth as central to national progress and provides
a direct platform for meaningful dialogue between young people and national
leadership. His presence at the summit will not only inspire confidence among
youth stakeholders but also catalyze actionable commitments, fostering an
enabling environment for youth-led solutions and policies that contribute to
economic empowerment and sustainable development.
To be presided over by: His Excellency Dr.
Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of
the Republic of Malawi
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LAUNCH OF THE YOUTH INNOVATION FUND (YIF)
One of the major highlights of the 2025 National Youth Summit will be the offi-
cial launch of the Youth Innovation Fund (YIF) for Accelerated ATM+M Strategy
Implementation towards MW 2063 by His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy
Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi to be done during the opening
ceremony on the first day of the Summit.
The Youth Innovation Fund (YIF) for Accelerated ATM+M Strategy Implemen-
tation towards MW 2063 is a strategic initiative designed to empower young
entrepreneurs, start-ups, and innovators across various economic sectors. The fund
seeks to provide financial support, mentorship, and incubation servicesto enable
young Malawians to develop scalable and sustainable businesses. By bridging the
funding gap that young innovators often face, the YIF aims to foster a new
generation of business leaders and change-makers who will contribute
significantly to the national economy.
The Youth Innovation Fund will prioritize high-growth sectors such as agribusi-
ness, technology, renewable energy, creative industries, and manufacturing. It is
expected to stimulate job creation, enhance productivity, and drive technological
advancements that align with Malawi 2063’s aspirations. Through this initiative,
the government and its partners reaffirm their commitment to investing in young
people as key drivers of economic transformation.
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PRACTICAL INNOVATION TOURS: BRIDGING
INSPIRATION WITH ACTION
As part of the Summit’s deliberate effort to move beyond dialogue to
tangible impact, the 2025 National Youth Summit will feature Practical
Innovation Tours—a dynamic, field-based component designed to expose youth to
real-world innovations that are shaping Malawi’s socio-economic transformation.
The tours will take place on Day 2 of the Summit and will offer delegates an
immersive opportunity to visit and engage with a diverse range of innovative
enterprises, institutions, and initiatives across Lilongwe and surrounding areas.
These innovations—many of which are youth-led or youth-serving—
represent practical solutions contributing to job creation, entrepreneurship,
and sustainable development in alignment with the pillars of Malawi 2063.
The Practical Innovation Tours will center on showcasing high-impact
initiatives across key sectors, particularly those aligned with the Agriculture, Tourism,
Mining, and Manufacturing (ATM+M) strategy, while also highlighting
cross-cutting innovations in technology, education, sports, and environmen-
tal sustainability. Up to ten concurrent tours will be organized, with youth
delegates grouped based on thematic interest. Each group will be transported to a
designated innovation site, where they will engage in guided experiences designed
to inform, inspire, and connect them with opportunities for learning, mentorship, and
possible replication. Proposed destinations include but not limited to the following:
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• NASFAM Agribusiness Farm (Kanengo) – Cooperative-based value chain
development and agribusiness models.
• Pyxus Factories (Kanengo) – Agro-processing innovations and industrial
job creation
• Nthawi Farms – Permaculture, regenerative farming, and climate-smart
practices
• Nthanthwe Farms – Horticultural value addition and rural youth empowerment
• mHub – Youth-led technology startups, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship
• LUANAR Innovation Hubs (Bunda Campus) – Applied agricultural research
and student innovations
• SIMBI Farms (Dowa) – Irrigation technologies and integrated farming systems
• MATCH Foundation (Area 47) – Sports as a tool for youth development,
inclusion, and empowerment and many others.
• Akatswiri Mining (Nathenje) – Youth Engagement in Mining
• Chingalire Cultural Village in Lilongwe – Cultural tourism for community
economic empowerment and development (Cultural Economy)
• R and L Farms/Ranch in Lilongwe – Eco-tourism.
The Practical Innovation Tours aim to bridge policy with practice, ensuring
that young people not only discuss economic empowerment but also see and
experience the innovations driving it. Delegates will have opportunities to
interact directly with innovators, observe processes, and gain practical insights into
entrepreneurship, innovation ecosystems, and employment creation.
This hands-on component reinforces the Summit’s overarching objective: to
catalyze youth-led action by showcasing what is working, what is possible, and
how young people can meaningfully contribute to and benefit from Malawi’s
developmental journey. It also affirms our national commitment to creating a
generation of solution-oriented, empowered, and entrepreneurial youth—key
agents in the realization of Malawi 2063.
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KEY THEMATIC AREAS
The summit will feature high-level discussions and interactive sessions
organized under the following thematic areas:
A. Youth-led Innovation and Technology
• The role of digital technology in fostering youth entrepreneurship.
• Leveraging artificial intelligence, blockchain, and fintech for economic
transformation.
• Strengthening innovation ecosystems through incubation hubs and start-up
accelerators.
B. Value Addition, Manufacturing & Industrialization
• Strengthening youth-led manufacturing enterprises.
• Leveraging technology and innovation for value addition.
• Access to financing and market opportunities for young manufacturers.
C. Mining & Natural Resource Management
• Enhancing youth participation in the mining value chain.
• Sustainable and responsible mining practices for economic development.
• Government policies and youth engagement in extractive industries.
D. Youth in Tourism & Creative Industries
• Promoting youth-driven tourism ventures and cultural entrepreneurship.
• Digitalization in tourism: Leveraging technology for growth.
• Strengthening public-private partnerships for youth in tourism.
E. Entrepreneurship and Access to Finance
• Overcoming barriers to youth financial inclusion and investment.
• Strengthening microfinance and venture capital for young entrepreneurs.
• Enhancing youth financial literacy and business management skills.
F. Agriculture and Agribusiness, Access to Land, Agro-Processing and Link-
age to Markets
• Youth participation in agribusiness value chains and export markets.
• Adoption of climate-smart and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Market linkages and access to agrifinance for young agripreneurs.
G. Education, Sustainable Job Creation, TEVET Integration and Skills
Development
• Bridging the gap between youth skills and labor market demands.
• Enhancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
opportunities.
• Strategies for industrialization and employment generation for youth.
H. Youth in the Digital Economy
• The future of work in a digitally transforming world.
• E-commerce, freelancing, and online business opportunities for young
people.
• Policy and regulatory frameworks to enhance digital inclusion and
innovation.
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I. Climate Action and Green Jobs
• Youth-driven green businesses and climate solutions.
• Opportunities in renewable energy, waste management, and environmental
conservation.
• Strengthening youth engagement in national climate change policies and
programs.
J. Elections, Leadership and Governance
• Strengthening youth participation in decision-making and electoral
processes ahead of the 2025 General Elections.
• Enhancing youth leadership in politics, governance, and policy development.
• Building youth capacity for civic engagement and accountability.
K. Youth Health and Well-being
• Strengthening youth-friendly health services, including sexual and reproduc
tive health.
• Addressing mental health challenges among young people.
• Promoting youth participation in health policy development and advocacy.
L. Youth, Peace and Security
• Examining youth-led peacebuilding initiatives, conflict prevention, and
the implementation of Malawi’s National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and
Security (2024–2029).
M. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion for Youth Empowerment and
Economic Transformation
• Addressing systemic barriers that hinder the full participation of young
women, girls, youth with disabilities, and other marginalized groups in
economic activities and innovation spaces.
OBJECTIVES OF THE 2025 NATIONAL YOUTH SUMMIT
The summit aims to:
i. Explore the role of youth innovation in driving economic transformation
and job creation in Malawi.
ii. Provide a platform for young innovators and entrepreneurs to showcase
their ideas, products, and solutions towards economic empowerment and
job creation.
iii. Strengthen policy and programmatic responses that foster youth-led
innovations in entrepreneurship, job creation, and inclusive economic
participation.
iv. Facilitate networking and strategic partnerships between youth, private
sector actors, financial institutions, and policymakers to take innovations
to scale.
v. Identify key challenges and opportunities in youth-led innovation with a
focus on the ATM+M, and the creative industries.
vi. Enhance youth financial literacy, business development skills, and access
to investment opportunities in support of innovations.
vii. Evaluate the implementation progress of key commitments from the
2024 National Youth Summit.
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KEY PARTICIPANTS OF THE 2025 NATIONAL YOUTH SUMMIT
The summit will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders (1000), including:
i. Government ministries, such as the Ministry of Youth and Sports;
Ministry of Trade and Industry; Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs;
Ministry of Agriculture; Ministry of Tourism; Ministry of Labour;
Ministry of Gender, Social Welfare and Community Development;
Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Mining,
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
ii. Government Agencies like TEVETA, Malawi Communications Regulatory
Authority, National Economic Empowerment Fund, Malawi Council for
Disability Affairs, Mining and Mineral Regulatory Authority, National
Planning Commission, SMEDI, Malawi Commission for Science and
Technology, National Council for Higher Education, National AIDS
Commission; etc
iii. Development Partners and Donors (UN Agencies, World Bank, African
Development Bank, Etc.)
iv. International Delegates from Continental and Regional Youth Fora
andGroups
v. Private Sector Representatives, Including Banks, Investors, And Business
Leaders
vi. Youth-Led Businesses, Startups, and Entrepreneurs
vii. Youth-Led Organizations and Networks
viii. Youth Leaders and Influencers
SUMMIT FORMAT
The summit will feature a diverse mix of interactive sessions to ensure
maximum engagement and knowledge-sharing. Key components include:
i. Opening Ceremony: Presided over by His Excellency Dr. Lazarus Chakwera,
President of the Republic of Malawi, on the first day of the summit.
The President will also launch the Youth Innovation Fund (YIF) for Accelerated
ATM+M Strategy Implementation towards MW 2063.
ii. Keynote Addresses: Inspirational speeches from high-level speakers,
including government ministers and global youth development experts.
iii. Panel Discussions: Expert-led discussions on youth innovation, job creation,
financial inclusion, digital transformation, and green economy opportunities.
iv. Breakout Sessions: Thematic conversations focusing on sectors with high
job creation potential, such as agriculture, technology, and the creative
economy.
v. Exhibitions and Innovation Fair: Showcasing youth-led enterprises,
innovations, and technological solutions to key economic and social challenges.
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vi. Youth Impact and Leadership Awards: The summit will recognize
outstanding young individuals making a significant impact in their
respective fields and communities.
vii. Workshops and Masterclasses: Capacity-building sessions on business
development, digital skills, financial literacy, and investment readiness.
viii. Fireside Chats and Storytelling Sessions: Conversations with
successful youth entrepreneurs, innovators, and role models who have
overcome challenges and achieved success.
ix. Networking and Partnership Forums: Structured and informal sessions
to connect young entrepreneurs with mentors, policymakers, and
business leaders.
x. Youth Policy Review and Implementation Tracking: Discussions on the
progress of youth-focused policies and commitments made in previous
summits.
xi. Practical Innovation Tours
• Real-World Exposure: The Practical Innovation Tours offer youth delegates
hands-on visits to innovative enterprises and initiatives across Lilongwe,
showcasing real solutions driving Malawi’s socio-economic transformation.
• Sector-Focused Learning: Tours will cover key sectors aligned with the AT-
M+M strategy—agriculture, tourism, mining, and manufacturing—alongside
tech, education, sports, and sustainability, enabling youth to engage with
innovation in their areas of interest.
• Bridging Ideas with Action: By directly interacting with innovators and ex-
periencing practical models, the tours aim to inspire, inform, and empower
youth to contribute to Malawi 2063 through entrepreneurship, job creation,
and community-driven solutions.
YOUTH DELEGATES AND REPRESENTATION
The summit will bring together over 700 youth delegates, drawn from a wide
range of sectors and backgrounds. These include youth engaged in agriculture,
mining, tourism, entrepreneurship, business, and innovation. Additionally, youth
leaders from various youth organizations, youth networks, and youth clubs will
participate, along with members of youth advisory panels such as the Malawi
2063 Youth Core Advisory Panel. The summit will also include youth from
other interest groups, ensuring broad representation. Furthermore, delegates
will be selected from all districts in Malawi, ensuring regional diversity and
inclusion.
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EXPECTED OUTCOMES
The 2025 National Youth Summit is expected to yield the following key results:
i. Increased awareness and adoption of innovative approaches to job creation
and youth economic empowerment.
ii. Strengthened policies and frameworks that support youth-led innovations
towards entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and access to markets.
iii. New strategic partnerships and collaborations between youth and key stake
holders, including government and the private sector.
iv. Identification and recognition of youth-led solutions with high potential for
scaling and sustainability.
v. Concrete policy recommendations to inform national youth development
strategies and economic programs.
vi. Enhanced capacity of youth entrepreneurs through training and mentorship
in business development and investment attraction.
vii. Tracking and review of the implementation of the 2024 Summit’s resolutions
and policy actions.
CALL TO ACTION
The National Youth Council of Malawi invites all stakeholders to actively
participate and support the 2025 National Youth Summit through both
technical and financial contributions. Sponsorship, technical expertise, and
strategic collaborations are essential to ensuring the success of this import-
ant event. Youth entrepreneurs, innovators, and job creators are encouraged to
engage in shaping a prosperous Malawi through innovation and
entrepreneurship.
CONCLUSION
The 2025 National Youth Summit will be a defining moment for young peo-
ple in Malawi, providing a platform for knowledge exchange, investment, and
networking. By bringing together key actors from various sectors, the
summit aims to unlock the potential of Malawian youth as catalysts for
economic growth and sustainable development. Through collective
action, the summit will contribute to achieving Malawi 2063’s aspirations of
creating a wealthier, self-reliant nation driven by empowered young innovators and
entrepreneurs.
