MALAWI: Youth Innovators Struggle for Support as NYCOM Boss Sounds Alarm
By Smile Hamilton Malawi
Young innovators in Malawi are struggling to turn their ideas into reality due to limited funding and support, a situation the National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) says could cost the country its future.
Speaking during the CorpsAfrica/Malawi Pitch Day event last Friday, NYCOM Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Rhoda Gadama Misomali warned that many promising youth-led projects risk collapsing despite their potential to transform communities. “Young people are already delivering practical, community-driven solutions, but many of them fail to grow because they lack support,” she said.
At the event, several young innovators showcased projects aimed at addressing real-life challenges such as unemployment, access to clean water, and community development. However, most admitted that financial constraints remain their biggest barrier to success.
Misomali commended CorpsAfrica for committing MWK 300 million towards youth initiatives, describing it as a lifeline for emerging innovators. She, however, challenged the government and private sector to do more. “If we are serious about Malawi’s future, then investing in young people must not be optional it must be a priority,” she stressed.
In a show of commitment, NYCOM pledged MWK 10 million towards supporting some of the projects, though stakeholders say more sustained investment is needed to ensure long-term impact.
The Pitch Day, introduced in 2022, continues to serve as a platform connecting young innovators with potential funders, at a time when youth unemployment remains one of Malawi’s most pressing
challenges.
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