CARE Malawi is equipping 5,300 young people in Blantyre, Dedza, Machinga, Mzimba South, and Salima with skills to start businesses and find jobs, helping them become financially independent and self-reliant
The Ntchito Mbambande Project, supported by the European Union under the Zantchito Programme, aims to help young people access employment opportunities or venture into self-employment through entrepreneurship.
CARE Malawi Country Director, Pamela Kuwali, said the project prioritises young women and other vulnerable groups to ensure they actively participate in economic activities.
“Young people need opportunities and practical skills to build their future. Through this project, we want them to become independent and contribute to the economy,” she said.
Skills development is considered critical as Malawi continues to face high youth unemployment, with thousands entering the labour market every year with limited opportunities.
Assistant Registrar in the Ministry of Labour’s Department of Technical and Vocational Training, Anderson Lajabu, said vocational training is key to Malawi’s long-term economic transformation as outlined in Malawi 2063.
“Technical and vocational skills help young people become productive and improve their chances of employment,” he said.
For some beneficiaries, the programme is already making a difference.
Tamandani Magombo, a student at Pamudzi School of Computing from Traditional Authority Maganga in Salima, said the training has changed his life despite living with a disability.
“I never thought I could do much because of my disability. Now, computer skills help me earn a living and support myself,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Laisa Jimu, who is studying Solar photovoltaic installation, urged more girls to join technical and vocational training programmes.
“Girls should not shy away from technical courses. These skills can help them become independent and succeed in fields that are often dominated by men,” she said.
Initiatives like Ntchito Mbambande equip youths with practical skills, foster entrepreneurship, and ensure inclusive participation in Malawi’s economy.
