History was made as the Ministry of Labour, collaborating with the Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training ( TEVET ) Authority, held the first-ever National Skills Competition at Lilongwe Technical College.

The groundbreaking event brought together 32 participants from 14 Technical Colleges across the country, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of TEVET. These national contestants emanated from regional competitions that brought together 117 contestants.

Speaking during the award ceremony, the Minister of Labour Honourable Agnes NyaLonje highlighted the significance of TEVET in addressing the evolving demands of the job market and emphasized the need for continued investment in vocational education.

 "The national skills competition is a testament to the skills and potential that exist within our youth. By recognizing and supporting these skilled youth, we are paving the way for a more robust and competitive workforce that will help Malawi achieve its vision 2063," she said.

She further said the Ministry and the TEVET Authority are striving to produce more artisans with skills that can enable the country to produce products that compete favourably in both local and International markets.

 In his remarks, TEVET Authority Board Chairperson Pyoka Tembo committed that his institution will continue to undertake its facilitation role to ensure that the skills competitions are held annually.


The National Skills Competition was a three-day showcase of skills which began on 28th February and ended on 1st March 2024.

It brought together students in Automobile Mechanics, Fabrication and Welding, Tailoring and Fashion Design, Bricklaying, Plumbing and Information and Communication Technology.

The competitors demonstrated their expertise in realistic work scenarios highlighting the practical application of their skills.

In the Automobile Mechanics category, students showcased their ability to diagnose and repair complex issues in a car with assessors checking the precision and efficiency demonstrated by the students. The Bricklaying contestants were instructed to build a wall by illustrating the mastery of construction techniques, safety protocols and sustainable building practices.


The Information and Communication Technology section was a testament to the advancement in the realm of technology with participants developing an interactive website. The Welding and Fabrication team was challenged to design a pressurized water vessel whilst the Tailoring and Design students were told to sew dresses with precision to the measurements of their models.

 The number one winner in each category walked away with K350,000 plus other monetary gifts from industry tycoons and other assorted items. The second winner took home a prize money of K250,000 whilst the third winner took home K150,000.
All other competitors were given K50,000 each.

Sungold Food Processors Limited partnered with the TEVET Authority in the skills competition and provided a K100,000 top-up to the number one winner in Bricklaying, Fabrication Welding Tailoring and Fashion Design. They also gave K50,000 to each female participant and a hamper to all 32 contestants.


Rebecca Kajama, a Tailoring and Fashion Design contestant from Phwezi Rural Women’s Training Centre, who was also the only female who came in first position, said the competition has helped boost her confidence and she plans to use the money to purchase a sewing machine in order to start a business.

The Technical Colleges that competed are Andiamo Technical College, Lilongwe Technical College, Mzuzu Technical College, Phwezi Rural Women Training Centre, Mangochi CTC, Miracle Technical College,ST John Paul 2 Catholic College, Thondwe CTC, Chilombwe CTC, Don Bosco Technical Institute, Naminjiwa CTC, Ngara CTC, Kapondo CTC, Kasama CTC and Nasawa Technical College.