The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has announced the need for additional funds to complete its Industrial Park and procure a plant to begin assembling laptop computers.
MUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Address Malata stated that the institution is ready to start assembling laptops, contingent on receiving financial support from the government. Prof. Malata made this statement at the Parliament building in Lilongwe while responding to audit queries before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament.
Among the queries addressed were the ownership of Ndata land in Thyolo and the issue of uncollected school fees arrears from students. The committee was satisfied with the responses provided.
“We need a plant that will cost K2 billion for us to start assembling laptop computers at MUST,” said Prof. Malata.
She highlighted that Jomo Kenyatta University of Kenya had previously visited MUST to learn about their drone manufacturing processes. Similarly, MUST officials visited Kenya, discovering that the university has the capacity to assemble laptops locally.
Prof. Malata emphasized that MUST is now recognized by the African Union, Southern African Development Community, and international partners. She also mentioned the institution’s commitment to driving national development through technological innovations.
“We also provide space for innovators who may not have degrees or formal qualifications but possess valuable ideas. These innovators can come to us so we can help add value to their work,” added Prof. Malata.
PAC Chairperson Mark Botomani expressed satisfaction with the responses but voiced concerns about the lack of full support from government entities for the university. He praised MUST for its innovations that attract international attention and promised that the committee would engage the Treasury to secure financial support for the institution.
In its efforts to expand, MUST has acquired over 40 hectares of land at Kamphata in Lilongwe for a satellite campus and is seeking land in Mzuzu and Mangochi for further extension.
Established in 2012, MUST aims to develop and apply science, technology, and innovation to foster economic growth in Malawi.
