Fireside Chats Spark Bold Dialogue with Africa’s Youth

From Nigeria to Malawi, young people are calling for mentorship, training, and a seat at the table in shaping their futures.

Hesed World has wrapped the first leg of its Fireside Chat Series on Youth Empowerment, holding virtual gatherings in Nigeria, Kenya, and most recently, Malawi. Designed to listen and learn directly from young people, the series surfaced urgent needs — and inspiring ideas — from a generation ready to lead.

Embedded in Hesed World's approach to these conversations is the notion that youth empowerment is not just about programs; it’s about belief. Mindset. As guest speaker Chikondi Chosukwa, Principal Youth Officer in Malawi’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, said during the April 17 Malawi discussion. “If our young people don’t believe they can lead, no programme or policy will ever work.”

Each event focused on the specific employment realities in its host country, and participants shared firsthand what they need to succeed:

Key Takeaways from the 2025 Fireside Chat Series:

Research shows mentorship alone can improve youth employment outcomes by up to 25%.

• Nigeria (Feb 12): Over 80% of participants emphasized the need for structured mentorship, practical skills training, and entrepreneurship support.

• Kenya (Mar 13): 70% of youth cited startup capital and job-relevant skills training as major barriers to opportunity.

• Malawi (Apr 17): 85% of participants highlighted the importance of leadership development, mindset change, and access to meaningful opportunities.

These conversations are just the beginning. Hesed World will continue the series, with a Global Fireside Chat planned from its headquarters in Geneva in the coming months.

“Listening to young people is not just an exercise — it’s a strategy,” said Kiki Lawal, CEO and Founder of Hesed World. “Their voices guide our work, shape our solutions, and remind us that the most powerful change starts within. When young people own their agency, everything from entrepreneurship to peacebuilding becomes self-driven — not top-down.”

The Fireside Chat Series is part of Hesed World’s broader mission to equip youth with mentorship, professional and digital skills, climate education, and entrepreneurial support. Research shows that mentorship alone can improve youth employment outcomes by up to 25% — a game-changing tool in tackling underemployment and insecurity across the Global South.

Watch the full Fireside Chat Series on the Hesed World YouTube Channel.