By Burnett Munthali

Malawi’s challenging employment landscape for youth is characterized by a scarcity of jobs outside agriculture and insufficient work hours within agriculture. Since Malawi attained independence in 1964, the country’s population has more than quadrupled to 17.6 million people in late 2018.

The job market in Malawi is increasingly struggling to accommodate the growing number of graduates from secondary schools, technical colleges, and universities. Each year, thousands of young people enter the job market, hoping to secure stable employment, but many are met with disappointment. This challenge has created a pervasive sense of uncertainty and frustration among school leavers and graduates.

In a recent discussion, a graduate from one of Malawi’s technical colleges expressed his difficulties in finding employment. Despite possessing technical skills, he has been unable to secure a job related to his field of study and now takes on any available piece work to survive. This reflects the broader challenge faced by many young people across Malawi.

The extent of job scarcity in Malawi

The scarcity of jobs for school leavers and graduates is a significant and growing issue. Many technical college graduates, who have been trained in specialized skills, are finding it increasingly difficult to secure formal employment. This results in a large number of qualified individuals accepting any form of work, often in the informal sector, simply to meet their basic needs. As a result, Malawi is witnessing an increase in underemployment, where individuals take jobs that are not in line with their qualifications or aspirations.

Key causes of job scarcity

Firstly, Malawi’s economy has struggled to expand in recent years, with limited job creation, especially in sectors that require technical skills. Economic activities remain largely focused on agriculture, and the development of industries such as manufacturing and services has been slow. This limits job opportunities for young graduates, particularly those with specialized technical training.

Secondly, the private sector, which is typically a key driver of job creation, remains underdeveloped in Malawi. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which could potentially provide employment for graduates, face challenges such as limited access to finance, high operational costs, and bureaucratic hurdles. As a result, many businesses are unable to grow and hire additional workers.

Thirdly, although technical colleges train students in practical skills, there is often a mismatch between the qualifications obtained and the specific demands of the labor market. Many graduates are skilled in trades such as carpentry, electrical installation, and mechanics, but the industries that require these skills are not growing quickly enough to absorb the increasing number of graduates.

Fourthly, traditionally, the government and public sector have been major employers in Malawi. However, budget constraints, hiring freezes, and downsizing in government departments have reduced the number of available public sector jobs, further compounding the job scarcity issue.

Fifthly, many graduates, including the technical college graduate mentioned earlier, are forced to take up piece work or informal jobs just to make ends meet. This trend is growing, with more young people accepting casual work that provides little job security, minimal wages, and no long-term prospects for career growth.

Consequences of job scarcity

Many skilled graduates are forced to work in jobs unrelated to their training. This underemployment not only wastes their potential but also contributes to a sense of frustration and disillusionment among young people. The technical college graduate I spoke with, for example, is highly trained but is currently doing daily piece work that does not match his qualifications.

The inability to utilize skilled labor efficiently results in economic stagnation. Graduates who are forced into informal jobs do not contribute their full potential to the economy, which hinders Malawi’s development.

Without stable jobs, young people are unable to generate reliable income. As a result, many graduates remain in poverty, unable to support themselves or their families.

The lack of job opportunities in Malawi leads many young people to seek employment abroad. This brain drain deprives the country of skilled professionals who could otherwise contribute to national development.

Possible solutions to job scarcity

One of the most viable solutions to address the job scarcity issue is to promote entrepreneurship among graduates. Providing young people with the tools, training, and resources to start their own businesses can help create new job opportunities. This can be done through government-backed programs that offer grants or loans, along with business mentorship and training initiatives to help graduates start and sustain small enterprises.

Secondly, the private sector must be strengthened to absorb more graduates. Reducing bureaucratic red tape, offering incentives for businesses to expand, and improving access to financing for SMEs could stimulate job creation. Additionally, investment in key sectors like manufacturing, agribusiness, and technology can help diversify the economy and create employment opportunities for graduates with various skill sets.

Thirdly, Malawi’s education and training systems should be aligned with the specific needs of the job market. Educational institutions, including technical colleges, should regularly update their curricula to reflect the evolving needs of employers. Collaborations between the private sector, educational institutions, and government agencies can ensure that graduates are equipped with relevant skills.

Fourthly, infrastructure development, particularly in energy, transport, and telecommunications, can create jobs and stimulate growth in other sectors. By investing in industries like renewable energy, construction, and ICT, Malawi can create jobs that align with the skills of graduates from technical and vocational institutions.

Fifthly, encouraging collaboration between the public sector, private companies, and educational institutions can bridge the gap between education and employment. Internships, apprenticeships, and job placement programs can be developed through PPPs to help young graduates gain practical experience and increase their employability.

Sixthly, since many graduates are already working in the informal sector, formalizing and supporting this sector could improve their economic stability. Providing training, access to markets, and financing for those in the informal economy can help improve their livelihoods and create more sustainable jobs.

Conclusion

The scarcity of jobs for graduates and school leavers in Malawi is a significant issue that requires coordinated efforts from the government, private sector, and educational institutions. The experiences of the technical college graduate I spoke with reflect the broader frustrations faced by many young people in Malawi today. However, with targeted solutions such as promoting entrepreneurship, aligning education with market needs, and strengthening the private sector, it is possible to address the challenges and create meaningful employment opportunities for the next generation.