Youth in Malawi's Chitipa District Take Lead in Anti-Corruption Drive
Malawi's government has intensified its own anti-corruption efforts in recent years through legal and institutional reforms.
CHITIPA, Malawi— Youth groups in Chitipa district have intensified awareness campaigns against corruption, citing its detrimental impact on development efforts in the northern Malawian region, writes Michael Ng'ambi.
Moses Mtambo, chairperson of the Ungweru Youth Club, said young people have a crucial role in combating graft as they make up the largest segment of the population.
"As youths, we are no longer leaders of tomorrow but for today so it is our duty to fight against corruption by joining forces with relevant stakeholders in order to end the malpractice," Mtambo said.
He said the club embarked on the anti-corruption sensitization drive after receiving reports about issues like ghost workers on public payrolls in Chitipa district offices.
Patrick Ziba, chairperson of the district's civil society organizations, commended the proactive approach and pledged collaboration with the youth groups.
"We encourage the youth to report matters pertaining to corruption, so that we can make the country corruption-free as one way of achieving Malawi 2063 agenda," Ziba said.
Corruption remains a major challenge across many sectors in Malawi, undermining service delivery and economic development. Youth have increasingly taken center stage in demanding accountability and transparency from leaders and public institutions.
The anti-graft campaign by youth groups involves raising awareness through community meetings, school outreach programs and social media messaging on the negative impacts of corruption.
They are also training youth on reporting channels and mechanisms to tackle corrupt practices by public officials and service providers at the local level.
Malawi's government has intensified its own anti-corruption efforts in recent years through legal and institutional reforms.
But activists say citizen involvement, especially by young people, remains key to entrenching a culture of integrity.