The 2026 National Skills Competition has officially commenced at Gateway Mall in Lilongwe, bringing together talented young artisans and technicians from three regions of Malawi to showcase their skills and compete for national honours.

The three-day event was officially opened by the TEVETA Board Chairperson, Mr. Gilbert Precious Chilinde, who underscored the importance of skills development in fostering youth empowerment and national growth.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Mr. Chilinde revealed TEVETA's vision to elevate the competition in future by creating opportunities for TEVET learners to compete globally alongside their peers.

"We want our trainees to be inspired to pursue excellence in their respective trades and match industry standards," he said, adding that plans are also underway to increase the number of trades featured in future competitions.

The competition has drawn 51 participants from the Northern, Central, and Southern regions who are competing in Bricklaying, Hairdressing, Food Production, Fabrication and Welding, Plumbing, Tailoring and Fashion Design, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Technical Colleges that are taking part are: Salima, Kasama, Miracle, SOS, Lilongwe, TEEM, JP2, Nasawa, Ezondweni, Nkhatabay, Chongoni, Mponela, Soche, Namijiwa, Phwezi, Don Bosco, Mbandira, Ntonda, DAPP, Sakata, Stephanos, Sonda, Ngara, Home of Hope, Nansomba, Nmitembo, Aida Chilembwe and MIT.

Held under the theme "Showcasing Talent and Skills, Fostering National Growth," the competition serves as a platform for promoting technical excellence, innovation, and the importance of skills development in Malawi's socio-economic transformation.

Members of the public are encouraged to visit Gateway Mall throughout the competition to witness the remarkable talent on display and support the country's future skilled workforce. Winners will be crowned on Thursday 25th June at a ceremony to be presided over by the Minister of Labour, Skills and Innovation, Honourable Joel Chigona, MP.