Minister urges youths to be innovative

Minister of Youth and Sports has urged the youth to prioritize innovation through the use of technology to contribute to transformation of the country.

Uchizi Mkandawire, was speaking during the commemoration of International Youth Day in Machinga where he emphasized the importance of utilizing technology to advance and improve social lives of young people.

He however expressed concern over the rising incidents of theft and vandalism of digital infrastructure.

National Youth Council of Malawi executive director, Rex Chapota, expressed concern over shortage of digital devices in schools, and poor connectivity in rural areas as the major challenges to digital transformation.

On his part, National Youth Network Chairperson, Edward Chidombe, called on government to provide opportunities for young people to turn their ideas into action.

He believes if all young people are given equal access to loans from NEEF or included in Affordable Inputs Program, the country can overcome challenges such as hunger because they have innovative ideas.

Commenting on the matter, Melifa Mganda, a youth champion under the Power to Youth Program from Traditional Authority Sale called on the government to revitalize telecentres in rural areas saying this would greatly improve young people’s access to digital information and their ability to report issues affecting them to relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Deputy Representative, Ezizgeldi Hellenov, urged government and development partners to provide more support and opportunities for young people if the country is to achieve development agenda.

Malawi commemorated the 2024 International Youth Day on a localized theme “From Clicks to progress: Youth digital pathways for the achievement of the Malawi 2063”.