17/03/2026
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Alfred Gangata has challenged National Youth Council of Malawi(NYCOM) management to come up with programs that will immediately address challenges facing young people in the country.
Gangata was speaking during a courtesy call by NYCOM officials led by Board Chairperson Patience Silungwe Khembo on Tuesday in Lilongwe that youth centred programs are key in youth empowerment.
" We expect you to come up with programs that will add value in addressing challenges that young people are encountering today," he said.
The Minister observed that there is lack of adequate data on number of youths that have graduated from colleges and universities hence need to follow up.
"There is need to have enough information about young people that have successfully gone through different programs and stakeholders that are supporting such programs to measure progress," Gangata said.
In her remarks, Khembo said NYCOM continues to operate within its mandate to facilitate programs that empower the youth.
"NYCOM coordinates youth programs, promotes meaningful youth participation, and translates national policies into tangible opportunities for young people," Khembo said.
She disclosed that about 150 youth groups have benefited from government supported Youth Innovation Fund.
NYCOM Chairperson bemoaned lack of permanent offices due to delays in the implementation of Achinyamata Youth Centre Project, absence of 100 million Kwacha Youth Constituency Fund guidelines as some of the challenges facing the institution.
Some of the officials that attended the meeting were Secretary for Youth, Sports and Culture Jameson Ndalama, PS responsible for Administration Mischeck Munthali , NYCOM Executive Director Rex Chapota,
Director of Finance and Administration Enerst Mangani and Director of Programs Williot Lumbe.