Over the past 30+ years the Malawi Project has taken a unique approach to leadership development in Malawi. Whether it is agriculture, education, medical, church leaders, or leaders in community development, the Malawi Project has recognized the exceptional ability of Malawians to manage their own affairs. Some will quickly ask, if this is true, why has there been a lack of economic development in the region, if they know how to operate their own affairs. The question comes from a mistaken view that good management means owning lots of stuff. This is not always true. For instance, it is easy for the developed world to mistake the fact that Malawi is poor and link it to a lack of management skills, while in fact they are far wiser on how to manage matters in Africa than those from outside the continent).
Major impediments to the growth of Africa have extending back in time for at least 500 years. One must remember the long period of slavery, that even by the shortest standards lasted from 1526 to 1867. Then in less than 20 years, the year 1882 saw the beginning of the colonial period. It lasted until the mid-1960’s. In most of this time of over 500 years there is a great deal of evidence to indicate a lack of leadership training, skills, development, and a failure to make financial investments in the continent. Those from outside controlled the power, wealth, and decision making across the African continent. To the present time Malawi continues to suffer from the lack of development that came to Europe and the Western Hemisphere with the industrial age (beginning in 1765), and now with the digital age.
When these factors are set aside and Malawians are offered the proper resources, and an open door to manage their own affairs they excel. The Malawi Project is proud of the opportunity to work with its sister organization, Action for Progress, and side-by-side with Malawians who are setting high standards through their management and professional skills.