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From Consultation to Action: The EU Youth Sounding Board Begins Its Field Advisory Journey in Malawi

The European Union (EU) Youth Sounding Board (YSB) in Malawi has officially hit the ground running! The Board's first visits focused on two flagship initiatives: the BOMA LATHU Programme, which promotes participatory governance and civic engagement, and the Ulimi ndi Chilengedwe m'Malawi (UCHI) Project, which is among others is strengthening agricultural commercialization and creating economic opportunities for communities across Malawi.

Throughout the engagements, YSB members contributed directly to programme implementation. Under the BOMA LATHU Programme, they supported the revamping of the Civic Education Hubs, and advocated for greater youth participation in local governance structures. For the UCHI Project, board members participated in due diligence assessments of Farmer Organizations while engaging communities on opportunities to increase youth participation in commercial agriculture.

Malawi YSB
© YSB-Malawi

The value of youth engagement quickly translated into measurable results.

In Nkhata Bay, YSB member Linessie Phiri observed that no young person had initially been elected to the Civic Education Hub Executive Committee. Recognizing the missed opportunity, she advocated for youth representation, resulting in a young person being elected as Hub Secretary.

"Youth representation is more than filling a seat at the table—it is about ensuring that young people's voices are heard where decisions are made," Linessie reflected after the meeting. "Seeing a young person elected as Hub Secretary showed that communities are willing to listen when young people speak with purpose."

Similarly, YSB member Twambilire Gondwe from Karonga championed the inclusion of the District Gender Affairs Department in the District Civic Education Hub, ensuring that gender equality and social inclusion are better integrated into local decision-making and project implementation.

Malawi YSB

YSB Malawi

Beyond these achievements, the field engagements generated valuable evidence that will shape future programming.

One recurring question emerged during the UCHI due diligence assessments: Why are many young people still reluctant to engage in agriculture?

Discussions with Farmer Organizations revealed several common barriers. Many young people perceive agriculture as offering slower financial returns than small businesses. Others face limited access to productive resources, information, or mentorship, while some remain focused on completing their education before considering farming as a livelihood. Yet the assessments also highlighted encouraging examples where youth participation flourishes when young people are given information, opportunities, and leadership roles within Farmer Organizations.

Building on lessons from the field, the EU Youth Sounding Board has developed two advocacy plans that will guide its work throughout its tenure. One focuses on strengthening youth participation in governance and civic engagement, while the other promotes greater youth inclusion in agricultural commercialization and economic empowerment. With these advocacy efforts the board will support GOPA Worldwide Consultants, the Directorate of Civic Education, and UNDP Malawi to strengthen youth-responsive programming while advancing the ambitions of the EU Youth Action Plan that calls for young people moving from being consulted to becoming trusted advisors.