Malawi is seeking to reshape its development future through innovation and global partnerships, as policymakers, young entrepreneurs and international investors, including Japanese firms, met in Lilongwe for the Social Innovators Forum Africa (SIFA) 2026.
Opening the forum, Minister of Natural Resources Patricia Wiskes, speaking in her capacity as Minister responsible for Youth at the time, underscored the central role young people must play in shaping Malawi’s future.
“Young people are not at the margins of development. They are at the centre of Malawi’s development. They are not merely beneficiaries; they are agents of change, problem solvers and leaders in their own right,” said Wiskes.
The minister described Malawi as a youthful nation facing employment challenges, noting that 41.4 per cent of young people aged between 15 and 35 are not in employment, education or training. She warned that traditional job pathways alone would not absorb the growing labour force.
“We are encouraging young people not only to seek jobs, but to create them,” she said. “Not everybody can have a government job, but innovation and entrepreneurship allow young people to generate opportunities not just for themselves, but for others as well,” added Wiskes.
The Minister also highlighted government initiatives such as the Youth Innovation Fund and the National Youth Service Programme, calling on development partners and the private sector to collaborate in scaling youth-focused solutions aligned with Malawi 2063.
Delivering a keynote address, Professor Emmanuel Kaunda of the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) traced the evolution of university-driven innovation ecosystems designed to turn student ideas into viable enterprises.
“We realised that having ideas was not enough,” said Professor Kaunda. “Those ideas had to be refined, mentored and connected to people who have already walked the path.”
Professor Kaunda emphasised the importance of partnerships based on genuine collaboration rather than transactional engagement, particularly with international investors.
“Our entrepreneurs are not just seeking investment; they are offering partnership opportunities. This is happening in one of Africa’s most stable and welcoming environments,” said Professor Kaunda
He challenged participants to rethink conventional approaches to development and innovation.
“If we keep thinking conventionally, it will take us hundreds of years to innovate. Innovation starts when we question why things are done the way they are, and how they can be done better,” added Professor Kaunda.
Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) Public Relations Officer Ndondwa Msaka said the forum was critical in ensuring young innovators are included in the investment ecosystem.
“This event brings young people into the conversation, connects their ideas to global investors and strengthens their skills,” said Msaka, adding that MITC supports youth through market intelligence, export training and digital platforms.
The forum featured keynote panels on ICT, tourism and agriculture, alongside the Malawi Future Entrepreneur Challenge 2.0, which showcased youth-led business ideas. Organisers said SIFA 2026 aimed to turn dialogue into lasting partnerships.
Malawi Investment and Trade Centre facilitated the expo in collaboration with partners including Colorbath, Docomo Business, DAI Labs and Nsona Enterprises.
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