The 16th September 2025, general election has ushered in a new wave of young Members of Parliament (MPs), bringing in fresh energy and perspectives into Malawi’s National Assembly.
Campaigners for political inclusion have described the development as a major milestone in Malawi’s journey towards youth representation and empowerment.
Official results of the election indicate a record number of about six MPs of ages between 35 and 26.
Apart from the young MPs, the poll also saw the election of about 48 women representatives up from 40 female MPs last term.
This, according to commentators signals a shift away from the traditional dominance of older, more experienced politicians most of whom are men being elected to office.
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“The increase in both women and youth representation in Parliament is a sign that collective efforts towards equal participation in matters of national importance, are bearing fruit,” says Sarah Kambirinya, Policy Program Manager at Oxfam in Malawi.
Oxfam and its partners with support from the EU, Embassy of Iceland and Irish Aid, has been creating spaces for women and the youth to actively engage in decision-making processes.
Kambirinya says the organisation has also been collaborating with Youth and Society (YAS) on the Youth Manifesto initiative, which has provided a platform for youth to articulate their priorities and demand accountability from political actors.
“This change is being hailed as a victory for democracy and a testament to the growing political awareness and engagement among Malawi’s youth…We remain committed to promoting gender-transformative and youth-inclusive democracy that leaves no one behind,” Kambirinya says.
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In her maiden speech to parliament, newly elected Mwanza West parliamentarian, 29-year-old Maureen Chitsulo said she carries the aspiration of mothers who wake up before dawn to fetch water, children who walk long distances to school and the youth who believe that a better Malawi is possible.
“I am here because of them and for them,” she said.
Chitsulo also committed to not only bring youthful and fresh ideas to parliament, but a sense of purpose, energy and empathy.
“I come with the conviction that every generation must move the story of our nation forward, that the dreams of our forefathers must not be left to gather dust in history books, but must find new life in our actions today…this means focusing on what truly matters,” she said.
Chitsulo then said her focus will be on creating a society that supports women and the youth, not as bystanders, but as full partners and drivers of progress.
Another young parliamentarian who has just taken oath as Kasungu Central legislator, 27-year-old Chikondi Chisale says he joined politics to be the voice of every young Malawian who dares to dream.
But his journey to have a seat at the table was not easy, Chisale says.
“I stand here as a living proof that capacity is not confined in privilege, that brilliance, leadership and vision are not the birthright of the worthy, but the inheritance of every child born in Malawi,” Chisale says.
He described his journey and that of many young people in politics as steep, lonely and cruel.
In his maiden speech, Chisale also described politics in Malawi as a game of money, not merit saying young aspirants are forced to choose between feeding their families or funding their campaigns.
“We are told to wait for our time, we are told we lack experience when what we truly lack is networks, access and inclusion that can help us to contribute positively to society,” Chisale said.
Meanwhile, YAS has written Parliament calling for the formal recognition of the Parliamentary Youth Caucus.
In a letter, YAS Executive Director Charles Kajoloweka is asking the leadership of the house to grant the Youth Caucus a Committee Status within the National Assembly.
“Such recognition would institutionalize youth representation, enable the Caucus to report directly to Parliament, influence legislative agenda and strengthen engagement between Parliament and youth stakeholders,” reads part of the letter.
The increased representation of young people in parliament is expected to shift the way business is conducted in the House.
With fresh innovative ideas, the young MPs are likely to challenge traditional norms and push for more progressive policies that benefit the youth and the population.
