Invest in youth for development—Old Mutual

Government and private sector have been urged to commit and invest in the youth as well as encourage leadership of young people, as a tool for economic development.

Speaking exclusively to Business News on Tuesday Jonas Mushosho who is outgoing Old Mutual rest of Africa managing director said it is crucial for governments and corporate to tap into young innovative for business survival.

“70 percent of the people in the continent are under the age of 35. If we do not create employment opportunities these people are going to miss out on innovations and capabilities they have to offer. The youth have vast knowledge and creative minds that can positively impact on our brands and the economy at large,” he said.

He said time has come for every African leader and corporate to think of how they can make Africa viable for young people.

“We have a number of innovative and creative ideas that we have set across in our business to try to tap into the innovation capacity of our young people and give them a shouting chance to succeed,” he said. 

In Malawi, according to the 2018, Population and Housing Census report, over 60 percent of the country’s population comprises of youths.

Having noted the persistently high levels of unemployment among the youth, Employers Consultative Association of Malawi (Ecam), a representative body of employers recently partnered Myjobo.com, an online job portal to enhance youth employability skills. 

Ecam chief executive officer George Khaki said Ecam member companies have prioritised efforts to remedy the skills mismatch through skills development, offering internships and apprenticeships and improving engagement with young people and educational institutions.

“We want to utilise the available talents to help employers build young people’s work readiness and increase their access to wider range of quality employment pathways,” he said.

Government has in this 2019/20 financial year committed to youth development with various programs set to engage and develop the youth professionally.