<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Against</strong> the serene backdrop of Lake Malawi, over 60 vibrant SACCO youth practitioners convened at Kambiri Beach Resort from October 23 to 25 for a transformative gathering themed “Youth Leadership in Motion: Creating Solutions that Drive Change.” </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The three-day event served as a dynamic platform for young professionals to reflect, strategize, and re-imagine their role in shaping the future of cooperative finance.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The meeting brought together emerging leaders from SACCOs across Malawi, united by a shared commitment to innovation, financial inclusion, and youth empowerment. Through interactive plenaries, breakout sessions, and peer-led panels, participants explored the multifaceted challenges facing young professionals in the sector — from limited representation in decision-making bodies to constrained access to mentorship and capital.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Key discussions centered on:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
  <li style="text-align: justify;">Identifying systemic barriers that hinder youth participation and leadership within SACCO governance structures.</li>
  <li style="text-align: justify;">Proposing reforms to strengthen the Young Professionals body, including clearer mandates, regional coordination, and capacity-building programs.</li>
  <li style="text-align: justify;">Exploring wealth-building strategies, such as cooperative investment models, digital savings tools, and entrepreneurship support tailored for youth.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The gathering culminated in a collective resolution to enhance youth visibility in SACCO policy forums, foster inter-generational dialogue, and champion financial literacy initiatives that resonate with young members.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“This meeting was more than a retreat — it was a call to action,” said one participant. “We are not just future leaders; we are present-day change makers.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Organizers hailed the event as a milestone in SACCO youth engagement, with follow-up activities planned to sustain momentum, including mentorship circles, innovation challenges, and regional youth caucuses.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As the sun set over Salima, the energy of the young professionals remained palpable — a testament to their readiness to lead, disrupt, and build cooperative systems that reflect their aspirations.</p>
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