‘Youth entrepreneurship vital for economic growth’

Minister for Youth and Sports Grace Chiumia has said the youth, who comprise 60 percent of Malawi’s population, have potential to contribute to economic growth and development.

She said government has hope in the youth and is committed to assisting existing and up and coming young entrepreneurs.

Chiumia was speaking on Thursday at a day-long youth entrepreneurship fair organised by Youth Leadership Entrepreneurship Initiative (Yali) with support from US embassy in Blantyre.

“We already have a starting point. We have machines, which we would like the youth to come and collect after proper procedures to empower their lives.

“On top of that, we have given a chance to the youth to acquire 50 percent of government contracts,” she said.

Chiumia said government has established a number of programmes, specially designed for the youth to empower them economically.

Yali fellow, Lombola Lombola, commended the youth for responding positively to the fair, saying such fairs are platforms to display their skills.

“We have received an overwhelming response from the youth. This is a sign that the youth are interested in various entrepreneurship programmes,” he said.

Lombola said the initiative will in future conduct a similar event in Lilongwe, Mzuzu and other parts of the country, following the response of the Blantyre fair and facilitate internship for up and coming entrepreneurs.

“It is shallow thinking not to share ideas. The truth of the matter is that sharing ideas boosts innovation and competition. It is for this reason that we encourage the youth to come forward and learn from us through our internship programmes,” he said.

In her remarks, US Embassy acting deputy ambassador Gerry Thiboudeau described the fair as a good platform to learn and share ideas.

She said the fair was aimed at promoting entrepreneurship as one of the best choices for young people to gain employment.

“We, at the embassy, will do even more to support young entrepreneurs with new grants to help them start a business,” she said.

The fair attracted 30 exhibitors who showcased various businesses, which include artifacts, shoe making and agribusiness. n