Youth unemployment in post-democratic Malawi : a policy review

Abstract

Although in the immediate post-independence period in Malawi there was an exciting and relatively impactful policy programme devoted to youth development (skill training, entrepreneurship and job creation), guided by the Malawi Young Pioneers Act of 1963, this momentum and focus on youth has largely disappeared. This is a function of both structure and agency. With this in mind, the thesis aims to explicate why, specifically, in the post-democracy period (1994 - to date), various administrations have consistently neglected youth employment as a priority policy area. In attempt to answer this question the thesis gives a critical analysis/review of the current National Youth Policy of Malawi.

A multi-faceted and multi prolonged qualitative exploratory research exercise which used Triangulation was deployed. The technique facilitated validation of data through cross verification from multiple perspectives including literature review, Focus Group Discussions and individual face to face interviews with key stakeholders in youth development. Based on the research findings, the thesis concludes that three aspects in Malawi’s youth development journey can be underlined. First, there is recognition that unlike many countries elsewhere in the world, the well-being of young people has always featured prominently in Malawi’s legislative history. To this day and despite the obvious institutional flaws, Malawi boasts a department and Ministry devoted to youth affairs. In addition, there is a “Youth Parliament” and a “Youth Council”. Second and the above notwithstanding, there are major chasms between policy intent and actual policy implementation. The thesis explored these gaps, omissions and silences in Malawi’s current youth development policy trajectory. Finally, chapter seven sets out recommendations and an alternative policy pipe-line that could correct the inconsistencies and lack of impact. The conclusion shows that a policy with a solid implementation strategy, action points, evaluation framework etc. would go a long way in stimulating growth, job-creation, improved skills and training plans that are appropriate for Malawi’s youth in the twenty first century.