Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Times News
Published on 2024-03-07 08:38:33
President Lazarus Chakwera emphasized the importance of the newly established University Innovation Pod Centre at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (Mubas), stating that it should serve as a motivation for universities to contribute to national development efforts. The center, officially launched by Chakwera at the Mubas campus in Blantyre, has been funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with a sum of $2 million.
During the inauguration of the center, President Chakwera highlighted that the state-of-the-art facility will play a crucial role in enabling Malawians to become self-reliant. He stressed the significance of empowering citizens to be able to provide for themselves, build homes, and educate their children, as this leads to a more critical and engaged population that can contribute positively to the country’s growth and development.
Chakwera, accompanied by Vice President Saulos Chilima and UN Assistant Secretary General and Regional Director Ahunna Eziakonwa, toured the various sections of the innovation center within Mubas. The facility includes areas dedicated to electronics, computer numerical control, digital creative arts laboratory, and other labs focused on entrepreneurship and technology education for innovators.
In addition to launching the center, President Chakwera directed the ministries of education and finance to collaborate with the National Council for Higher Education in reviewing the student loans facility in light of the Kwacha’s devaluation. This move aims to ensure that students have access to adequate financial support for their education.
Speaking about the establishment of the center, Eziakonwa commended Malawi for demonstrating its potential and innovation, which led to the country being selected to receive the facility. She emphasized the importance of investing in young minds and their ideas, especially during challenging times like the Covid-19 pandemic, as these innovations can address various societal needs and contribute to national development.
During her visit to Malawi, Eziakonwa also discussed the UNDP’s commitment to supporting the country’s upcoming tripartite elections. She mentioned that the UNDP is managing funds to support the elections, with donors contributing $10 million to complement the government’s budget. The focus will be on empowering the electorate, promoting inclusion, and increasing the participation of women in the electoral process.
Foreign Affairs Minister Nancy Tembo echoed the importance of Eziakonwa’s visit, stating that it was fruitful and helped in understanding some of the challenges facing the country. The aim is to work together to address these challenges and strengthen the partnership between Malawi and the UNDP in promoting sustainable development and democracy in the country.
Read the original article on The Times
