Za Creative Consult recently held an engagement with the National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCoM), building on earlier youth-led collaborations. The meeting created space for dialogue on creativity, research, and cultural heritage as drivers of social transformation.
On 9 December, our team paid a courtesy visit to NYCoM following the Youth-Led Organisations Tour at Youth Wave. We presented our program portfolio, which includes Social Change Design, MERLA (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning & Accountability), Media and Arts Development, Policy Analysis, Project Implementation, Human Capital Management, and Strategic Communication.
Among the initiatives shared was the Pamudzi Initiative, which nurtures hidden visual arts talent and fosters community togetherness through storytelling. Achievements from its pilot phase include mentoring young artists in Lilongwe, facilitating their participation in major festivals, and supporting them to secure formal business registration. We also highlighted our flagship research project with Leaders Africa Institute, investigating how individuals living with bipolar disorder access mental health treatment in Malawi’s primary healthcare system.
NYCoM’s Executive Director, Rex Chapota, commended Za Creative Consult for its timely contributions to the creative industry and emphasized the importance of evidence-based strategies for youth-led institutions. The Council recommended exploring opportunities in Culture & Heritage, such as a Cultural Heritage Weekend to showcase food, traditions, and performances aligned with tourism promotion. They also encouraged the introduction of a Creative Sector Track at the National Youth Summit, documentation of youth economic projects, and collaboration on webinars, abstracts, and academic publications.
The meeting was enriched with memorable quotes. Rex Chapota reminded participants that “Start small—don’t wait until you have a million dollars in your account.” Meanwhile, Wanthaza Mughogho emphasized that “The creative sector in Malawi has huge potential; if well harnessed, it can meaningfully contribute to the national economy.”
Looking ahead, Za Creative Consult is eager to register as an affiliate of NYCoM and position itself as a creative research hub supporting youth development. We plan to co-develop research papers and publications, explore joint implementation of the UNESCO 2005 Convention on Cultural Diversity, and support NYCoM’s upcoming webinar entitled “From Demographic Pressure to Demographic Power.”
At Za Creative Consult, we remain committed to empowering communities through creativity, research, and strategic innovation. Together with NYCoM, we aim to amplify youth voices and unlock the potential of Malawi’s creative sector.