Blog

New funding opportunity for researchers in Malawi

The National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) with support from theScience Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) in Sub-Saharan Africa is inviting eligibleresearchers to apply for the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Research and InnovationGrant. The call targets eligible public and private Malawian higher learning and researchinstitutions with research and innovation projects in the following priority areas:(a) Agriculture and Food Security;(b) Health and Biomedical Research;(c) Energy; and(d) Climate Change Resilience. Specific focus will be placed on research and Read more…

By Lucky Fatch, ago

NCST Takes Part in validation Workshop for the Malawi Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) Report

NCST Director of Planning, M&E and Resource Mobilization, Mr Kondwani Gondwe recently facilitated group discussions during the validation workshop for the Malawi Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) Report. The report which is being developed by National Commission for UNESCO and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to assess the country’s readiness to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) across various sectors. The assessment involved extensive desk research, stakeholder consultations, interviews, and data collection from government Read more…

By Lucky Fatch, ago

BUSINESSINNOVATION SURVEY(BIS) REPORT 2023-2024

In 2025, the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST), in collaboration with the National Statistical Office (NSO), conducted Malawi’s first-ever Business Innovation Survey (BIS), collecting data for the years 2023 and 2024. This landmark survey marks a significant step in Malawi’s commitment to strengthening the National Innovation System and fostering the development of new goods, services, and processes that drive job creation, improve productivity, and stimulate economic growth. At the highest levels of governance, Read more…

By Haswel Luka, ago

Research Funding Opportunity – Nexa Call

Grand Challenges Malawi (GCM) under the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) is proud to announce a new call under Climate and Health Innovation – Nexa Research Call. GCM, a partner of Global Grand Challenges Network is seeking to invest in Proof of Concept innovations, meaning the testing of early-stage ideas, methods, or products. This is the stage where an innovation is field-tested in a real-world pilot to assess its potential for impact, as Read more…

By Haswel Luka, ago

Technology Needs Assessment for the Republicof Malawi 2026 Report

This report presents a Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) for the Republic of Malawi, conducted by the UN Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries (UN Technology Bank) in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Malawi. The TNA identifies critical areas where technological opportunities can meet national needs, and it thus serves as an important tool to guide the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy and Strategy for national development. Read more…

By Haswel Luka, ago

Academy of Sciences Malawi Inaugurates Newly Elected Fellows

The Malawi Academy of Sciences (TAS) in collaboration with the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) on Wednesday 18th February, 2026 held an inauguration ceremony for 22 newly elected TAS fellows.The fellows are accomplished and renowned scholars and professionals in medical sciences engineering, agriculture, mathematics, social and environmental sciences, and statistical sciences, who were elected through a rigorous peer-review process.Speaking during the inauguration ceremony Deputy Director of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. George Vakusi describes Read more…

By Haswel Luka, ago

SGCI funded Aquaculture Project shows promising results

The National Commission for Science and Technology, with funding from the Science Granting Council Initiative (SGCI), has been supporting Mzuzu University to implement a project that seeks to promote small-scale cage aquaculture in Likoma.Small scale cage aquaculture involves constructing and installing fish cages in the lake and stocking them with healthy and improved fingerlings. To implement the project, the University collaborated with the Likoma District Fisheries office to introduce the technology to fish farmers in Read more…

By Haswel Luka, ago

AUDA-NEPAD Hosts 2026 Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Week

The National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST), as a member of the Science Granting Council Initiative (SGCI), is this week taking part in the 2026 Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Week.The STI Week is being hosted by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) in Addis Ababa from 10 to 12 February, 2026.NCST Director General Gift A. Kadzamira is among the delegates that have convened in Addis Ababa to discuss ways of accelerating STI-led development Read more…

By Haswel Luka, ago

OPEN FORUM ON AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY (OFAB) MALAWI CHAPTER

Biotechnology advances are reshaping agriculture and improving food security among other spheres. However, agricultural biotechnology is a relatively misunderstood science, especially in Africa. As with most new ideas, cutting through the myths and misinformation is a daunting but necessary task, which if not handled well can rollback any advantages inherent in the technology. In the face of a rapidly growing population, declining agricultural productivity, climate change and reduced resources available for agricultural research, policymakers are Read more…

By Haswel Luka, ago

Policy Brief

This edition explores how agricultural biotechnology holds immensepotential in addressing agricultural production challenges faced byMalawi. The brief focuses on the contributions of agricultural biotechnologyin the cotton industry by improving resilience to pests and diseaseswith specific emphasis on the cotton bollworm Read and download the full policy brief here:

By Haswel Luka, ago