𝑩𝒚 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒆 𝑴𝒕𝒂𝒎𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒂 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑭𝒂𝒏𝒖𝒆𝒍 𝑴𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒌𝒂

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‎‎The MUST Engineering Institution on May 8, 2026, successfully hosted its 2026 Engineering Symposium, bringing together students, academics, and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of engineering in Malawi.

‎The symposium was convened under the theme: “Empowering a generation of engineers for industrialisation and national transformation,” and featured innovation project presentations, panel discussions and networking sessions.

‎Its highlight was the exhibition of student projects and awards ceremony, where female students’ projects dominated. 

For example, a group of Chemical Engineering students—Christella Macumi, Chakulata Moyo and Tiyamike January—won multiple accolades, including Best Project Award, Best Programme Award, and Special Award from MI Technologies and Innovation. 

Various other groups also received awards and prizes in recognition of their innovative work.

‎‎In his remarks, Precious Sikwese, final-year Biomedical Engineering student and Vice Chairperson for organising committee, acknowledged the gap between academia and industry, stressing the importance of such engagements. 

He also thanked the symposium’s sponsors and appealed for continued support towards future MUST engineering initiatives.

Head of Engineering Department at MUST, Dr Lovemore Mkukuma, commended the students’ innovative projects and challenged them to focus on creating job opportunities rather than waiting for employment. 

“There is need for funding to ensure sustainability of the projects and maximise their national impact. Otherwise, I thank all sponsors for the continued partnership with us,” he said.

‎‎Guest of Honour, Engineer Dalitso Henderson Goddia—Supply Manage. r at Blantyre Water Board and Chairperson of Malawi Engineering Institution (MEI) Southern Chapter—emphasised the importance of exposing graduating students to industry experts to better understand real-world challenges. 

Goddia acknowledged the critical role engineers play in achieving Malawi’s Vision 2063 and called on the private sector to offer internship and employment opportunities to final-year students.

‎‎The symposium sponsored by several partners, including TNM, Malawi Bureau of Standards, ESCOM, EGENCO, Illovo Sugar Malawi, MI Technology and Innovations and PressCane Limited.

‎Moses Gwaza, EGENCO Public Relations Manager, described the symposium as a success, particularly noting the quality of innovations presented by MUST students, which reflects the university’s progress. The company also expressed its commitment to supporting future symposiums.

‎‎The 2026 Engineering Symposium reaffirms MUST’s commitment to producing highly skilled graduates equipped to drive Malawi’s industrialisation and national transformation agenda.