BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi has called on university students to participate in the 2026 Shift the Power inter-university debates, aimed at generating ideas to drive national transformation.

Speaking with Maravipost, Golden Matonga, Chairperson for MISA Malawi, said the debates offer young people a vital platform to propose practical solutions to some of the country’s most pressing issues.

“The debates are an opportunity for students to challenge dominant development narratives and promote locally driven solutions to Malawi’s development challenges,” Matonga said.

The participating institutions include Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), University of Malawi (UNIMA), Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Mzuzu University, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), and the Catholic University of Malawi.

Robert White, Chief Executive Officer for Tilitonse Foundation, expressed hope that students will take part enthusiastically in the debates scheduled for February 2026.

“The winning teams will go on to compete with youth from Zambia and Ghana, providing a unique opportunity for our students to showcase their skills and ideas on a regional stage,” White said.

The debates are part of efforts to empower young Malawians to contribute to the country’s development and promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

MISA Malawi and Tilitonse Foundation are partnering to organize the event, which is expected to bring together students from across the country to engage in discussions on key development issues affecting Malawi.