On 12th August, 2020, the Government of Malawi (GoM) and the European Union (EU) signed the Zantchito (Skills for Jobs) Programme to the tune of EUR 55 Million (MWK51.8 Billion). The programme will be implemented mainly by the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Industry for 7 years.
The programme aims at improving the employability and self-employment opportunities of young Technical Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training (TEVET) graduates and entrepreneurs, especially women. This programme is in line with the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy III (MGDS III) which is the overarching development policy of the Government.
In his remarks, Hon. Felix Mlusu, Minister of Finance, expressed sincere appreciation to the EU and its member States for financing the GoM to implement this programme. He said that the programme will be executed professionally to reflect value for money.
Hon. Vera Kamtuluke, Deputy Minister of Labour assured the Finance Minister and all Malawians that the ministry will make sure that the programme is successfully implemented to realise its expected results.
Ivo Hoefkens, Head of Cooperation and Acting Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Malawi indicated that the EU subscribes to the GoM’s policy of growing the economy in a sustainable and inclusive way. He emphasised that employment can translate economic growth into poverty reduction. This programme is therefore, focusing on skills development, entrepreneurship and job creation which Malawi needs for its economic recovery.
The programme involves the following key stakeholders among others; Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Education, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Technical Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA), Business Development Service (BDS) providers, and Business Incubators, and Micro-small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Associations.
The function, held at Capital Hill was attended by officials from Ministry of Finance, NAO Support Unit, EU Delegation, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Industry and the media community.
