MUST on September 18, 2026, hosted officials from Ministry of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism for a bilateral engagement aimed at strengthening collaboration in advancing industrialization and manufacturing in Malawi.

The meeting, held at MUST’s Ndata Campus, brought together University management and Ministry officials to discuss areas of mutual interest, with a focus on role of science, technology and innovation in driving industrial development.

In his remarks, MUST Vice Chancellor Associate Professor Mwapatsa Mipando, commended the Ministry for the visit, noting that it would provide an opportunity for meaningful discussions that can contribute to MUST and Malawi's development.

He said stronger collaboration between the University and the Ministry would help create opportunities for knowledge exchange, innovation and partnerships that respond to Malawi’s development needs.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Bright Molande, said the visit was aimed at engaging MUST and share the Ministry’s mandate and role that MUST can play in supporting Malawi’s industrialization agenda.

Dr Molande emphasised that universities are key drivers of industrialization and manufacturing, as they provide knowledge, skills, research and innovation needed to transform industries and strengthen the economy.

He therefore called for closer collaboration between MUST and the Ministry, stressing the importance of working with local industries to build a stronger and more sustainable manufacturing sector. 

Dr Molande also said universities with manufacturing capacity like MUST are among key drivers of Malawi’s industrialisation, alongside strengthening SMEs and cooperatives, leveraging opportunities in the mining sector, expanding existing industries and attracting foreign direct investment.

The engagement also featured presentations on MUST’s institutional overview, current projects and strategic priorities, highlighting its contribution to research, innovation, entrepreneurship and technological development.

The meeting concluded with a tour of MUST’s facilities, where Ministry officials visited the Design Studio, African Drone and Data Academy (ADDA) and Ceramics studio, among other areas.