Youth employment critical in economic recovery

A local distribution agency, Global Distribution and Industries Limited (GDI), has appealed for support in its efforts to contribute towards economic recovery through creation of employment opportunities.

Speaking on Saturday on the sidelines of the Chikonella margarine launch in Blantyre, GDI sales and marketing manager Mike Makaka said the company is set to create thousands of jobs for the loafing youths if Malawians support its initiatives.

He said the youth have a critical role to play in recovering the country’s ailing economy, hence the need to engage them through various means.

Makaka enthused that Malawi’s economy can recover within a short period if all sectors are engaged, arguing that every citizen has a role to play in healing the economy.

“As a distributor, we think we can engage the youth by creating opportunities for them. That way, we will be empowering the youth to contribute to the growth of our economy because we cannot be talking of economic recovery where unemployment levels remain high,” said Makaka.

Youth unemployment is a critical issue in Malawi as most of them, even when they have requisite qualifications, are finding it tough to secure job on the market.

Makaka disclosed that, for a start, GDI will employ about 100 sales and marketing representatives to be spread across the country.

He, however, said the success of their initiative will depend on the support Malawians will give the distribution agency, explaining that though relatively new on the local scene, GDI is working hard to make a mark by opening markets for various products across the country.

“And in all these markets, GDI will need dynamic youths to serve its customers. But all this can remain a mere dream if Malawians don’t give us the support we deserve to grow.

“We, therefore, appeal to the general public to buy our products in large numbers, which will also translate into more jobs for our youths,” said Makaka.

GDI is a sole distributor of British and American Tobacco (BAT) products in the Southern and Northern regions.

It also distributes chocolate sweets on behalf of a Kenyan company, Patco Products.