President Lazarus Chakwera has urged Malawi’s youth to become whistleblowers in the fight against corruption, calling it one of the country’s most pressing issues. Speaking at an interactive State of the Nation Address (SONA) for the youth at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre on Thursday, Chakwera stressed that ending corruption requires the collective effort of all Malawians. The event, themed “Gawo Lathu Popititfsa Chitukuko Patsogolo” (Our Role in Advancing Development), provided a platform for young people to engage with the government.
Chakwera emphasized that the government is working to improve systems to combat corruption, and he assured the youth that their suggestions and opinions would help guide governance processes. He added that young people are an integral part of the government.
The President also announced that financial literacy programs would be prioritized to help young people manage loans effectively, ensuring their businesses thrive and can repay debts. He encouraged the youth to think creatively and produce market-driven products and services to stimulate entrepreneurship.
In response to questions from the youth, Chakwera addressed concerns about youth involvement in sports and the mining sector. Regarding sports, he explained that the high-interest loans owed by the government have delayed project implementation. On mining, he acknowledged that the government must better address issues affecting young people, including their access to NEEF loans.
Chakwera also responded to questions on food insecurity, noting that the World Bank has provided funds for maize relief to vulnerable Malawians. He shared that, based on feedback from the previous SONA in Lilongwe, youth clubs will be established across the country, beginning in Ntchisi, and equipped with computers and internet centers to promote technology development.
The President assured that the upcoming national budget would allocate significant resources to the Ministry of Youth to further support young people’s initiatives.
