President Lazarus Chakwera has hailed the construction of a modern 2,000-capacity Entrepreneurship Training and Incubation Centre at Mzuzu University (Mzuni) as a milestone aligning with the government’s vision of transforming Malawi into a self-reliant nation.
Speaking to students at Mzuni, Chakwera emphasized the importance of equipping institutions of higher learning with facilities that prepare students to establish independent businesses.
“This facility is befitting the university because we want such institutions to have enough facilities to groom students into successful entrepreneurs,” Chakwera said.
The project, funded by the World Bank through the Skills for a Vibrant Economy (SAVE) Scheme, will include a four-story building spanning 3,650 square meters. It will feature a 500-seat lecture theater, 16 laboratories, and other facilities aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
DEC Construction Company has been awarded the project, with Manager Ellard Malonda confirming readiness to meet the 18-month completion timeline.
“We are set to begin construction. We have already started working on the project and are confident it will run within the agreed time frame,” Malonda said.
Mzuzu University Project Coordinator Winner Chawinga highlighted the broader impact of the centre, saying it will serve both students and the surrounding community.
“We plan to open it to the public for a broader impact so that community members around benefit from the facility’s equipment and expertise,” Chawinga said. “As an institution, we are already engaging in various innovations, such as producing sanitizers during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The project marks a significant step towards realizing Mzuzu University’s goal of becoming a centre of excellence, fostering innovation and economic growth in Malawi.
