In the vibrant hallways of the Malawi National Youth Summit 2025 on 2 July 2025 at BICC, Lilongwe, Malawi with the themes Harnessing Youth Innovation on for Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Job CreationTowards Malawi 2063, a clear and resonant message rang out, one that should echo in every boardroom, village meeting, and policy roundtable. Delivered with fire and clarity by Wangiwe Joanna Kambuzi, Managing Director of Emerge Livelihoods, her call was not just to include youth, it was to trust them, invest in them, and champion their leadership as the cornerstone of Malawi’s transformation.
The National Youth Summit is a dynamic platform organised by the National Youth Council of Malawi, where young leaders, innovators, and changemakers come together to share ideas, build skills, and shape the future. The 2025 event brought together more than 500+ young people, development partners, and government officials, including the president.
From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Youth Innovation as Power
“To harness means to control something in order to leverage its POWER,” she declared; an urgent reminder to every young Malawian that their voice, ideas, and agency matter. But the power must be backed by opportunity, an opportunity that knocks not just once, but persistently. Malawi’s youth make up nearly half the population, yet they remain on the sidelines of the very decisions that shape their future.
Youth-led innovation isn’t a buzzword; it’s a necessity. And it requires dismantling systemic obstacles: access to finance, inclusion in policy, digital literacy, and ecosystem support that’s robust, not performative.
Economic Empowerment: More Than Skills, It’s Ecosystem
As Wangiwe highlighted, “supporting young entrepreneurs is more than skills training.” It’s about building an entrepreneurial ecosystem that’s holistic and resilient. This includes financial inclusion through vehicles like the Youth Innovation Fund, mentorship, peer networks, and platforms that not only listen to youth but also equip them to lead. Without addressing financial barriers, the Malawi 2063 agenda risks remaining ink on paper. But with intentional investment, especially in rural youth, that vision becomes a lived reality.
A Future Youth Are Ready to Build
Emerge Livelihoods isn’t just delivering speeches; we’re co-creating solutions. From the Going Beyond project to innovative financing like the Emerge Fund, we’re designing spaces where youth not only dream, but build.
As Wangiwe reminded us in her closing words, it’s time to “invest in their BIG IDEAS, amplify their VOICES and build a Malawi where innovation is the backbone of our prosperity.”
Watch the full speech below:
