The other day, I passed a shopping mall in Lilongwe where scores of young people had gathered for a holiday bash. Most of them appeared to be students making the most of their school break. What I witnessed left me deeply disturbed and praying: God, have mercy on our youth.
The air was thick with the smell of cannabis. Alcohol flowed freely. Some of the young people were barely dressed. What troubled me most was that these were not strangers. They were our sons and daughters—children from our homes, families and communities.
I left with a heavy heart, convinced that if we do not act now, we risk losing an entire generation. Alcohol and drug abuse among young people is becoming one of Malawi’s most serious social challenges. We cannot continue watching as our youth destroy their health, abandon their dreams and jeopardise their future.
Research and public debate increasingly point to substance abuse as a growing public health crisis. Alcohol, cannabis and the misuse of prescription drugs are affecting families, schools and communities across the country. Young people are particularly vulnerable because of peer pressure, easy access to cheap alcohol and drugs, poverty, frustration and limited economic opportunities.
The future of any nation depends on the character, discipline and sense of responsibility of its young people. When they become trapped in substance abuse, they lose focus and become more vulnerable to crime, risky behaviour, poor health, academic failure and unemployment. In the process, the nation loses some of its most valuable human capital.
We have repeatedly spoken about Malawi 2063—the vision of building an inclusively wealthy, self-reliant and industrialised nation. But that vision cannot be achieved without a generation that is disciplined, productive and prepared to lead. If alcohol and drug abuse become normal among our youth, Malawi 2063 risks becoming little more than an inspiring slogan.
I have always argued that Malawi 2063 is not about today’s leaders. Our responsibility is to lay a strong foundation and create opportunities for Generation Z and those coming after them to take the baton. They are the ones who will drive this vision to its destination.
When I reflect on my own age, I realise that by 2063 I will be about 99 years old. That raises an obvious question: why should I still be carrying responsibility for an agenda meant for the future? What meaningful role would I be playing at that age? The answer is simple—we must prepare today’s young people to lead tomorrow’s Malawi.
At the same time, we must recognise the pressures they face. Many are battling unemployment, poverty, hopelessness and a lack of opportunities. For some, alcohol and drugs become an escape from despair and disappointment. This does not justify substance abuse, but it reminds us that lasting solutions must address both individual behaviour and the social conditions that fuel it.
The fight against alcohol and drug abuse is not about condemning young people, it is about protecting them. Our youth remain Malawi’s greatest asset and our best hope for national transformation. Given the right guidance, opportunities, mentorship and an environment that allows them to thrive, they can become the innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders our country needs.
The time to act is now. We cannot afford to stand by until an entire generation is consumed by addiction. We must invest more in young people, restore positive values, promote healthy lifestyles and expand opportunities for meaningful participation in national development.
Malawi 2063 will not be realised by a generation trapped in alcohol and drugs. It will be built by young people who are educated, responsible, innovative and committed to creating a better future for themselves, their communities and their country.
The question before all of us is simple: What kind of generation are we raising?
The answer will not be found in our speeches or policy documents. It will be determined by what we choose to do today.
