Youth and Society (YAS) is confident that extensive audience engagement with the youth can assist in the implementation of the country's development strategies.

YAS executive director Charles Kajoloweka has reiterated the statement as President Lazarus Chakwera is on Friday expected to engage the youth on his State of the Nation Address (SONA) he delivered recently in parliament.

Kajoloweka said the move is a big platform for the youth to discuss some key youth policies with the Malawi leader.

"We believe this is an opportunity for young Malawians to present their grievances to the first citizen especially during this hard times," he added.

The town hall chat follows heavy criticism from civil society organizations and other stakeholders who have rated Chalkware's SONA as a pure campaign speech.

President Chakwera says the gathering is crucial for the youth in unpacking the SONA he delivered in parliament.

In his State of the Nation Address, President Chakwera narrated what he termed as development projects under his regime district by district.