Youth unemployment remains one of the most persistent socio-economic challenges facing Malawi and many developing countries. Despite the expansion of formal education, a large proportion of young people continue to experience limited access to decent employment and sustainable livelihoods. Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) has increasingly been recognized as a strategic intervention for addressing youth unemployment by equipping young people with practical, market-relevant skills. This study assessed the impact of vocational and technical education on youth economic empowerment in Malawi, using Don Bosco Technical College in Lilongwe as a case study. The study adopted a qualitative case study design, targeting graduates, instructors, and institutional stakeholders. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically. Findings reveal that VTE at Don Bosco Technical College significantly contributes to youth economic empowerment through improved employability, increased self-employment opportunities, income generation, and enhanced self-reliance. However, challenges such as limited access to start-up capital, market saturation, inadequate business skills, and persistent gender-based barriers constrain the sustainability of these outcomes. The study concludes that while VTE is an effective pathway for youth economic empowerment, its impact can be strengthened through integrated support systems that combine skills training with entrepreneurship development, financial inclusion, and strong industry linkages. Policy recommendations are provided to enhance the effectiveness of vocational education in Malawi. The study further highlights the importance of inclusive access to vocational training for marginalized youth and emphasizes the role of institutional support in facilitating successful school-to-work transitions. By providing context-specific evidence from Lilongwe District, the study contributes to policy and academic discourse on strengthening vocational education as a sustainable strategy for reducing youth unemployment and promoting inclusive economic development in Malawi.
Keywords: Vocational and Technical Education; Youth Economic Empowerment; Employability; Self-Employment; Skills Development; Malawi
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