By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
The Malawi University of
Science and Technology (MUST) has hosted officials from the Ministry of
Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism for a bilateral engagement aimed
at strengthening collaboration to advance industrialisation and manufacturing
in Malawi.
The meeting, held on
September 18, 2026, at MUST’s Ndata Campus, brought together university
management and Ministry officials to explore areas of mutual interest, with
particular focus on the role of science, technology and innovation in driving
industrial development.
MUST Vice Chancellor
Associate Professor Mwapatsa Mipando welcomed the Ministry delegation, saying
the engagement provided an opportunity for meaningful discussions that could
contribute to the development of the university and the country.
He said stronger
collaboration between MUST and the Ministry could create opportunities for
knowledge exchange, innovation and partnerships that respond to Malawi’s
development needs.
Principal Secretary at the
Ministry, Dr Bright Molande, said the visit was intended to engage MUST and
outline the Ministry’s mandate while exploring the role the university can play
in supporting Malawi’s industrialisation agenda.
Dr Molande emphasised the
importance of universities in driving industrialisation and manufacturing,
noting that they provide the knowledge, skills, research and innovation
required to transform industries and strengthen the economy.
He called for closer
collaboration between MUST and the Ministry, particularly through stronger
engagement with local industries to help build a more sustainable manufacturing
sector.
Dr Molande also identified
universities with manufacturing capacity, such as MUST, as key contributors to
Malawi’s industrialisation efforts alongside the strengthening of small and
medium-sized enterprises and cooperatives, leveraging opportunities in the
mining sector, expanding existing industries and attracting foreign direct
investment.
The engagement included
presentations on MUST’s institutional profile, ongoing projects and strategic
priorities, highlighting the university’s contribution to research, innovation,
entrepreneurship and technological development.
The meeting concluded with a
tour of MUST facilities, during which Ministry officials visited the Design
Studio, African Drone and Data Academy (ADDA) and Ceramics Studio, among other
facilities.
