By Burnett Munthali

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has hailed the newly signed framework agreement on labour export to Israel, saying it will positively benefit the country’s youth.

The President expressed optimism that the agreement will open up fresh employment opportunities for Malawian youth, many of whom are currently struggling to find meaningful jobs.

He noted that this bilateral deal with Israel marks a turning point in the government’s efforts to tackle youth unemployment, which has long been a major challenge in Malawi.

Chakwera emphasized that exporting labour under formal and legally-binding arrangements ensures the safety, dignity, and welfare of those who go abroad in search of work.

The President explained that many Malawians, especially the youth, have been forced to migrate under informal and often exploitative conditions due to lack of structured opportunities.

By signing the agreement with Israel, Chakwera said the government is ensuring that its citizens can now work in a foreign country with proper contracts, clear rights, and reliable support mechanisms.

He acknowledged that the process of labour export is not just about employment, but also about skills transfer and exposure to advanced economies.

According to President Chakwera, Malawians who will work in Israel are expected to gain valuable skills and experience that will ultimately contribute to national development upon their return.

He stated that the labour export initiative is part of the broader vision of the Malawi 2063 development agenda, which seeks to create an inclusively wealthy and self-reliant nation.

Chakwera further thanked the Government of Israel for opening its doors to Malawian workers and expressed hope that this partnership will deepen bilateral relations between the two countries.

He called upon stakeholders, including the Ministry of Labour, to ensure transparency and professionalism in the recruitment and deployment process.

The President warned against corruption and exploitation of job seekers, saying the government will not tolerate any malpractice that undermines the spirit of the agreement.

He also urged the youth to take this opportunity seriously and to represent Malawi with integrity and a strong work ethic once in Israel.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour has begun preparations for the selection and training of eligible candidates who will be deployed under the labour export program.

The agreement is expected to benefit not only individuals but also families and communities through the remittances that will be sent back home.

Experts believe that labour export can boost foreign exchange reserves and stimulate economic growth if properly managed and aligned with national development goals.

The move has been welcomed by many Malawians, particularly young people who see it as a rare and valuable opportunity to change their lives.

Some youth have already begun registering with the relevant authorities in anticipation of being considered for the programme.

Civil society organizations have also expressed support for the agreement, but have called for robust monitoring systems to protect the rights of Malawian workers abroad.

The President concluded his remarks by reiterating his administration’s commitment to creating more employment pathways for young Malawians, both locally and internationally.

He said the Israel agreement is just one of the many innovative strategies his government is exploring to empower the youth and lift the nation out of poverty.