Six female students from MUST are currently attending the 2025 National Youth Summit taking place in Lilongwe.

The students’ participation has been made possible through support from the Skills for a Vibrant Economy (SAVE) project, implemented at MUST to empower young people, especially women and vulnerable youth with market-relevant skills that align with Malawi’s economic needs.

The summit, organized by the National Youth Council of Malawi, is being held under the theme: “Harnessing Youth Innovation for Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation.”

Speaking in an interview, Felistus Chingoli, a student pursuing Bachelors degree in Medical Microbiology, expressed deep gratitude to the SAVE project for giving her the opportunity to take part in what she described as a life-changing experience.

“This summit is helping me build my leadership skills and broaden my understanding of how we, as youths, can contribute to national development,” she said.

Mary Zinganyade, a Computer Systems and Security student, said she is looking forward to gaining new insights that would help shift her mindset.

“The summit has brought together great speakers with rich experience. I believe I will leave here more informed, empowered, and inspired,” she added.

The summit was officially opened yesterday by His Excellency, Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi.

Today, Dr Atikonda Mtenje Mkochi, Executive Dean of the Bingu School of Culture and Heritage at MUST, will deliver a presentation on the cultural economy, arts, and creative industries, further showcasing MUST’s commitment to national development through culture and innovation.

Through initiatives like SAVE, the TAGDEV 2.0 program at MUST, Community Innovators programs and platforms like the National Youth Summit, the university continues to invest in the future of its students, equipping them with academic knowledge, skills, exposure, and confidence to lead change in their communities and beyond.