Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Judith Msusa has urged the youth in the country to seize opportunities that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) presents to them emphasizing their importance in unlocking a world of possibilities.
Msusa made the call during an ICT conference themed ‘Bridging the digital gender gap in Malawi and empowering tomorrow’ organized by Computer Clinic in Lilongwe District with funding from the Public Private Partnership Commission (PPPC) under the Digital Malawi Project (DIGMAP) initiative called the ‘Luntha ndi Chuma’ Digital Skills Development and Innovation.
The conference is one of the activities that the DIGMAP through the Computer Clinic and other tech hubs under the ‘Luntha ndi Chuma’ initiative has implemented to exhibit the impact of digital and entrepreneurship skills training on youths and women across the country.
Msusa asked the youths trained under the initiative to harness their capabilities for positive change, emphasizing ICT as a key tool for such empowerment.
“Young minds are architects of the future. They need to seize opportunities that ICT presents for they are key to unlocking a world of possibilities,” remarked Msusa.
Highlighting the common challenge of youth lacking capital despite possessing skills, Msusa commended the initiative for granting seed capital to groups, calling it “a commendable effort”.
She concluded by applauding all partners of DIGMAP for their work in training youths and women in remote areas in digital and entrepreneurship skills.
In his keynote speech, Data Centre Technical Project Manager for DIGMAP Paul Kanthambi emphasized the project’s role in bridging the digital gender gap through promoting digital literacy and skills development, supporting female entrepreneurs and innovators, and improving technology access in the country.
He highlighted: “Over 18,000 youths, women, and the elderly have been trained in digital skills, mass ICT literacy, and entrepreneurship through nine tech hubs under the ‘Luntha ndi Chuma’ initiative of which 9,650 are women. Additionally, various jobs have been created for over 80 youths of which over 30 are women”.
Managing Director of Computer Clinic, Sam Masikini, stressed the importance of young people having a basic understanding of digital technology in today’s world.
During the conference, 31 clubs whose members were trained in digital and entrepreneurship skills were awarded seed capital amounting to K42.5 million.
Five clubs from the districts of Ntcheu, Ntchisi, Rumphi, Salima, Dowa, and Lilongwe emerged as top winners in a pitching competition, receiving K2.5 million each, while 26 clubs were awarded K1 million each to support their small enterprises.
Ruth Mtambo of Tiyanjane Chalk Marking Club, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude for the seed capital, acknowledging its potential to boost their business.
