Young Malawians will challenge entrenched development systems and influence policy through the Shifting the Power Inter-University Debates, launched by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi in partnership with Tilitonse Foundation on Monday.

MISA Malawi Chairperson Golden Matonga said the February debates respond to the continued exclusion of youth from decision-making spaces, despite being the most affected by unemployment, poverty, and climate shocks.

“These debates will empower young people to interrogate power structures and reimagine development that is equitable and locally grounded,” he said.

Matonga said the initiative builds on MISA Malawi’s record of hosting national debates and reflects its role as a freedom of expression organisation committed to amplifying youth voices. 

He said the debates are part of the global Shift the Power movement, which challenges donor-driven development models and promotes community-led solutions rooted in dignity and agency.

Six universities—University of Malawi (UNIMA), Mzuzu University (Mzuni), Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), Catholic University of Malawi (CUNIMA), and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) - will compete locally, each fielding a team of four students.

The debates will be held in live television and live audience formats, with MISA Malawi providing training and coaching.

The debates will tackle themes including gender justice, climate justice, mental health, early childhood development, and democratic consolidation, guided by core Shift the Power questions on decolonising development, funding justice, community sovereignty, youth agency, and active citizenship.

Tilitonse Foundation Chief Executive Officer Robert White said the programme is part of a continental effort across Malawi, Zambia, and Ghana to reform the development ecosystem.

“For too long, decisions on funding and development priorities have been dictated from outside, excluding local voices. This programme seeks to redistribute power and decision-making to communities and young people who experience poverty firsthand,” he said.

White said the winning Malawi team will compete with champions from Ghana and Zambia at the Pan-African finale in March, with logistical support provided to participants.

Comic Relief and the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are supporting the initiative.