Youths in the country have urged the government to honour the upcoming 2025-2030 National Youth Manifesto agenda of creating 2.5 million jobs in the next five years.
The plea was made in Mzuzu on Tuesday during a consultation meeting held by various youth actors who shared input towards development of the new National Youth Manifesto which succeeds that of 2019-2024.
Institute for Policy Research and Social Empowerment deputy director Joseph Thumbozi said the 2019-24 National Youth Manifesto required the government to create around 500 000 jobs each year but the aspiration was partially realised.
He said: “Our previous manifesto aspired for the creation of 500 000 jobs per year and was adopted by some political parties under the Tonse Alliance. However, it has not fully worked out.
“Only a few jobs have been created as evidenced by the presence of more job-seeking youths in the streets.”
Youth and Society (YAS) programmes coordinator Mwandida Theu said it is high time politicians start abiding to youth manifestos.
“Ahead of the September 16 General Election, we want political candidates to adopt a youth manifesto which highlights youth needs, not what politicians want.”
Meanwhile, Rise Together executive director Tawene Simbeye has said the government should establish a separate funds basket for youth empowerment besides National Economic Empowerment Funds (Neef) loans.
“Some youths access Neef loans but it doesn’t cater for a larger percentage of youths that are in need of such funds,” he stated.
During the meeting, the youth decried the lack of consolidated record of jobs created from the year 2020. The figures were required to form a basis for the development of the new National Youth Manifesto.
The 2019-24 National Youth Manifesto has about14 thematic areas which have been partially implemented due to factors such as lack of public awareness and resources, among others.
Consultations are organised by YAS and Youth Decide Campaign with support from United Nations Development Programme.
