During the launch which was themed “Creating an ecosystem of job creators, as opposed to job seekers” Hon. NyaLonje who was the guest of honour, commended the EU for funding such an innovative and inclusive programme which will help to address the Malawi economy’s need for skilled professionals and provide decent jobs and self-employment opportunities for young TEVET graduates, University graduates, and entrepreneurs, with special attention to women’s needs. This complements the government’s efforts to develop skills and create decent jobs for the youth.
“The government invests a lot in skills development, entrepreneurship and job creation through infrastructure such as community technical colleges and various programmes being implemented across the country. However, there are still some major gaps that require programmes such as Zantchito to come in and supplement our efforts, and we commend the EU for taking up that role” Said Hon. NyaLonje.
The guest of honour also emphasised that the project is a vital ingredient in the attainment of Malawi’s Vision 2063 as it is youth-centric and focuses on creating a generation of job creators with skills that the industry requires.
“The project aligns well with the government policy of creating decent jobs for the youth, a role which is under my ministry. Our collaboration with the EU and the Ministry of Trade will go a long way in boosting our efforts to achieve Malawi Vision 2023″ Said NyaLonje.
Speaking during the launch, the EU ambassador to Malawi, Rune Skinnebach said that the EU committed the 55 million euro funding to the Zantchito – Skills for Jobs Programme to support skills development and entrepreneurship development in Malawi. “Our joint goal is to contribute to improving the employability and self employment opportunities of young graduates taking up entrepreneurship in TEVET colleges and business incubation centres.” He said.
Before unveiling the Zantchito logo to officially launch the Programme, the two government ministers had a chance to appreciate the progress and impact of the Zantchito programme by surveying the pavilions that were set by various partners who are implementing the various components of the programme.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Labour have the responsibility of managing the programme which has two main components, Skills Development; and Entrepreneurship Development. The two components are implemented by several partners including British Council, UNOPS, CARE, PLAN, and Danish Trade Agency (for the Skills Development component); and UNDP, GOPA, and PROMAN for the (Entrepreneurship Development component).
The “Zantchito – Skills for Jobs” Programme is embedded in the 11th European Development Fund (EDF), and is being implemented over a 7 year period, from August 2020 until August 2027.
