By Rahim Abdul
United Democratic Front (UDF) President Atupele Muluzi has expressed concern over reports indicating that 57 percent of Malawi’s youth want to leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad, saying the trend reflects a growing lack of confidence in the country’s economic prospects.
Muluzi said the migration trend is no longer limited to young people, but is increasingly affecting educated professionals, skilled workers, entrepreneurs and business leaders who are seeking better opportunities outside Malawi.
He said the situation should serve as a wake-up call, arguing that Malawi risks losing its most valuable resource its people unless the country adopts policies that create jobs, grow businesses and expand economic opportunities.
According to Muluzi, Malawi is not a poor nation but one blessed with fertile land, abundant water resources, tourism potential and valuable critical minerals. He said the country’s challenge has been the absence of a clear strategy to unlock these resources for the benefit of its citizens.
The UDF leader also observed that declining international development assistance means Malawi can no longer depend heavily on donor support and must instead build an economy driven by investment, enterprise, exports and job creation.
Muluzi said these challenges informed the development of his Business First Plan, which he described as a roadmap for creating an environment where businesses can thrive, investors gain confidence and entrepreneurs succeed.
He said the plan proposes restoring macroeconomic stability, attracting large-scale foreign direct investment, promoting transparent management of critical minerals, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and investing in infrastructure, energy and digital connectivity.
Muluzi further said the proposed reforms are aimed at creating an economy that rewards innovation, productivity and hard work while generating sustainable employment opportunities for Malawians.
He stressed that the goal should not be to prevent Malawians from seeking opportunities abroad, but to build a country where citizens choose to stay because meaningful opportunities are available at home.
Muluzi concluded by urging the country to embrace a business-led economic transformation, saying restoring hope for the youth requires prioritising investment, enterprise and job creation under his Business First agenda.
