Mzuzu To Host Youth Business Summit

The Mzuzu City Council through the Department of Youth, noticing worrying trends among the youth in their communities, struggling to access bank loans and government contracts to start or expand their businesses have decided to take a critical action.

Recognizing the potential that young entrepreneurs have the Department of Youth have decided to organized a Youth Business Summit on 8th March 2024 at Queens Park in the city of Mzuzu aimed at bringing together young people from all over Mzuzu City to learn about the opportunities available to them on how they can access them.

Addressing the media in Mzuzu on Tuesday, the chairperson for the Mzuzu City Youth Network Salomy KadaI said the summit will be filled with workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for the attendees with priority focus on accessing bank loans and government contracts.

Kadazi also highlighted confirmation the attendance of local banks and other players in the financial sector who will provide mentorship to young entrepreneurs.

“Youths will be offered advice on how to improve their credit scores and presentation of a strong business plan in order to increase their chances of approval and another key aspects of the summit which will be learning on how to access government contracts,” Kadazi said.

Kadazi also added, stating that representatives from the government procurement department will be present to explain the process and provide tips on how to submit a successful bid while also stressing the importance of networking and building relationships within communities to increase the chances of winning contracts.

Mzuzu District Youth Officer, Misheck Mahera Msokwa said the summit will be a huge success, considering hundreds of young people attending and leaving feeling more informed and empowered, leaving with new connections and a renewed sense of hope for their futures.

“Even after the summit, the Department of Youth at City Council will continue to offer support to the young entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the sometimes daunting world of banking and government contracts,” Msokwa said.

The Mzuzu City Councils Public Relations Officer, Mcdonald Gondwe said the Council is proud having played a part in initiating interventions aimed at empowering the youth in their communities while looking forward to seeing the positive impact it would have on the city’s economy.