The Federation of Disability Organisations in Malawi FEDOMA has bemoaned continued exclusion of persons with disabilities in Malawi’s National Development Transformative Agenda, warning that the country will not achieve Malawi 2063 if “no one is left behind” remains a slogan.
Speaking at the 2026 National Youth Summit in Lilongwe, Simon Munde, FEDOMA Executive Director, said disability is part of human diversity and must be included in all development processes.
"We must promote the principle of Leaving No One Behind. Section 20 of the Constitution of Malawi prohibits discrimination of any kind. Yet youth with disabilities continue to be left out of decision-making spaces,” said Munde.
He stressed that youth with disabilities have the capacity to drive national development.
"Youth with disabilities have capacity to develop the nation. Give them skills and opportunities and they will deliver,” Munde added.
He cited the lack of representation of persons with disabilities in the Constituency Development Committees as an example.
"If we do not recognise representation of persons with disabilities in the Development process like the Constituency Development Committee, then Malawi will never attain its 2063 aspirations,” he said.
Munde further noted that the African Disability Protocol ADP is a key legal instrument that prohibits discrimination and calls for full participation of persons with disabilities.
Responding to FEDOMA's concerns, Chipiliro Mpinganjira, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, who represented the Minister of Sports, Youth and Culture, said he will deliver the concerns to the Minister and other duty bearers.
The 3-day summit was held at BICC under the theme: “Accelerating Progress: Reflecting on Impact, Expanding Prospects for Youth Development in Malawi.”
#National Youth Council of Malawi