PERSPECTIVE | GUEST ESSAY | Nkhondo Lungu

It is widely accepted that older people possess valuable experience gained from work and life itself. But a case can also be made that their prolonged stay in government and political positions can crowd out the fresh energy and ideas needed to move a country forward.

Experience and wisdom often make older leaders cautious. Yet meaningful change sometimes requires risk-taking. This is where younger people can make an important contribution. While they may have less experience, they are generally more open to new ideas and approaches.

Older leaders understand the status quo — the bureaucracy, procedures and routines that keep institutions running. Younger people, on the other hand, bring energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to engage with the rapidly changing world they are inheriting. Patience remains valuable, but in today’s fast-moving environment it is no longer enough on its own.

Young people also tend to push for quicker results and are often more technologically savvy. In developing countries like Malawi, where progress and economic advancement are urgent priorities, youth participation should move beyond casual discussion. It must become a deliberate priority in the boardrooms and leadership structures of both government and institutions.

Unlike many developed countries, where aging populations and declining birth rates are forcing people to work longer, Malawi faces a different reality. The country has a predominantly young population. Of its nearly 22 million citizens, the majority are under 50, and many young people — including graduates — remain unemployed and searching for opportunities.

Yet across many African societies, older generations often hold on to leadership roles and hesitate to give younger people meaningful opportunities to participate or lead. This mindset needs to change.

Young people generally have the energy, health and creativity to handle demanding responsibilities. They are often more curious and eager to learn, adapt and experiment with new solutions. Without that infusion of new thinking, governments and institutions risk stagnation.

Experience remains valuable, but it cannot be the only qualification for leadership in a rapidly changing world. When the same people hold positions indefinitely, institutions risk recycling the same ideas while problems remain unsolved. Fresh perspectives are essential for renewal and progress.

Failing to involve young people in governance and national development wastes one of a country’s most important resources. A nation cannot sideline the very generation that will inherit its future. Malawi’s young people must be given real opportunities to participate, lead and shape the country’s direction.

Opening the door to youth is not a threat to experience. It is an investment in progress.

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