EU-ECAMA 2019 Student Debates Reach Semi Finals - The start of a Debating Society in Malawi!

04.11.2019

7 Debates….. 8 Colleges and Universities …… 1 Winner

Malawi Assemblies of God University (MAGU),  Lilongwe University of Agriculture (LUANAR), Malawi Polytechnic, Chancellor College, Catholic University, Blantyre International University, University of Livingstonia (UNILIA), and Mzuzu University (MZUNI)

It has been an exciting journey as students from 8 colleges and universities in Malawi have debated, critiqued, argued and counter-argued and even proposed solutions on numerous of development related policies and practices ranging from private sector development, energy diversification, foreign aid, and agriculture subsidies.

The European Union Delegation to Malawi (EUD) and the Economics Association of Malawi (ECAMA) have joined hands to organise a series of debates in order to reach out to the youth. We believe that through these debates, we will contribute to changing the country's narrative from a poor country with limited potential, to a country full of opportunity, that promotes inclusive economic growth.

The debates aim to create a Debating Society in Malawi's colleges and universities by creating a platform for students to interact and share knowledge on how they can contribute with innovative approaches to the development of their country. Essentially, the debates encourage youth participation in shaping Malawi's development agenda by allowing them to discuss various developmental challenges and opportunities for Malawi. Additionally, the debates are also helping to develop a culture of critical thinking among the students, and enhance their public speaking skills.

Four semi-finalists qualified to the second round of debates to be held in Lilongwe on 21 November 2019. In this semi-final round of competition, Malawi Assemblies of God University will face-off Malawi Polytechnic, debating on the effectiveness of Malawi's current fiscal policy in spurring economic growth, while Catholic University and University of Livingstonia will battle it out for a spot in the third and final round, deliberating on the effectiveness of Malawi's current monetary policy in spurring economic growth.

The winners in the semi-final round will proceed to the final debate to be held on 29 November in Lilongwe, debating on a topic 'Does agriculture offer the largest potential for Malawi's economic growth?'

Who will the champions be? Who will win the prize? MAGU? Malawi Polytechnic? Catholic University? UNILIA? Naturally, the real winner in these debates is actually the opening up of platforms for young Malawians to have a voice and discuss sensitive developmental issues for the country. The debates have attracted nationwide attention among the youth themselves, the academia, civil society, and private and public sector. The country is now listening to what the young men and young women have to say!