The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), in collaboration with the Malawi Research and Education Network (MAREN) and Ministry of Higher Education, has organized the 2025 Malawi hackathon competition.

The competition, according to a press statement by Ministry of Higher Education, is part of the SADC cyber-infrastructure initiative, and is aimed at promoting scientific research and innovation by developing cutting-edge solutions to the nation’s most pressing challenges.

“This ground breaking event will utilize the Malawi Government's High Performance Computing (HPC) facility, a supercomputer secured by the Ministry through the SADC Cyber-Infrastructure initiative and hosted by MAREN,” reads part of the statement in part.

The development was announced by Minister of Higher Education, Dr Jessie Kabwila during the SADC Council of Higher Education Ministers meeting held in Harare, Zimbabwe, from June 17–20, 2025. 

“The hackathon is a direct response to Ministerial Decisions adopted by the SADC Council of Ministers responsible for Education and Training, Science, Technology, and Innovation,” added the statement.

At the meeting, the ministers adopted 26 decisions, including Decision 10 on the implementation of SADC Cyber-Infrastructure Framework, which encourages SADC member states to leverage the SADC Cyber-Infrastructure programme and initiative to develop national capacities and capabilities in HPC.

Dr Kabwila also highlighted Malawi's commitment to implementing SADC ministerial decisions and equipping the youth with cutting-edge 21st-century skills through top-notch training, informed by labour market intelligence and the future job demands as outlined in the World Economic Forum's 2025-2030 report on Future Jobs. 

In line with the vision, the hackathon will focus on developing innovative digital solutions for challenges in key sectors, including agriculture, tourism, mining, education, health, finance, energy, trade, industry, transport, and security.

The statement outlines the hackathon’s primary goals, which include developing functioning new technological or digitalized solutions in priority sectors, such as education, energy, health, commerce, agriculture, tourism, mining, and manufacturing, in line with the ATMM strategy. 

“To reward exceptional innovators and provide recognition for their outstanding work; establish incubation and accelerator programs for innovative solutions, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation; build a professional network for innovators, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing; and develop patentable intellectual property, promoting innovation and creativity,” adds the statement on the competition’s primary goals list.

Meanwhile, the competition is tentatively scheduled to begin on September 25, 2025 and will bring together students, educators, industry leaders, and experts to strengthen hands-on digital skills, entrepreneurial mindset, and a dynamic professional network essential for promoting locally produced technological solutions.

“The organisers are therefore encouraging interested participants to contact the technical organizing team via email at malawihackathon@must.ac.mw or through the Ministry of Higher Education’s Director of Science, Technology, and Innovation at dsti@education.gov.mw,” concludes the statement.