ANSAH CALLS ON YOUTH TO CLAIM THEIR RIGHT TO DEVELOPMENT

Vice President Dr Jane Mayemu Ansah SC, JA (Retired) has called on young people to actively participate in Malawi’s development, saying they should move beyond being recipients of opportunities and become creators of businesses, jobs and solutions.

Ansah made the remarks on Saturday, October 3, 2026, when she attended the Youth Awake Conference in Mzuzu, held under the theme “National Dialogue on the Right to Development.”

Addressing the conference, Ansah referred to Sections 29 and 30 of the Constitution of Malawi, which recognise the right to economic activity and development, stressing that citizens have a role to play in activities that contribute to national development.

She said her interaction with today’s youth had shown her a generation that does not simply want to sit and wait for opportunities, but one that wants to establish companies, create employment and contribute directly to the country’s economic growth.

Ansah also said government has a responsibility to create a conducive environment for young people by removing unnecessary barriers that can hinder development, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and infrastructure.

She further emphasised the need for young women, girls and people with disabilities to be fully included in the country’s development agenda, in line with the aspirations of Malawi 2063.

Speaking at the conference, its chairperson, Dr Victor Madhlopa, praised President Professor Peter Mutharika’s leadership, saying it had reaffirmed what he described as the importance of democratic stability.

Madhlopa also commended Vice President Ansah and her foundation for engaging marginalised groups, including people with albinism, people with disabilities and people of short stature.

Meanwhile, youth representative Baxton Shaba appealed to government to make education more affordable and improve opportunities for graduates entering the labour market.

Shaba said many young graduates continue to struggle to secure employment after completing their studies, urging government to translate its commitments into practical action and ensure that young people are meaningfully involved in national development programmes.

The conference brought together young people and other stakeholders to discuss ways of strengthening the right to development through greater youth participation, inclusion and access to economic opportunities.