The Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) has received a financial lifeline of K10 million from United General Insurance (UGI) to support its upcoming 2025 Research and Innovation Week, which will hold in Blantyre from August 11 to 15.
The cheque was officially presented on Thursday by UGI’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. McDonald Chibwe. The event marked a strong collaboration between the private sector and academia, showing how corporate organisations are beginning to play a bigger role in developing Malawi’s innovation and education sectors.
While addressing the gathering during the presentation, Mr. Chibwe explained that the company decided to support the university because of its long-standing commitment to innovation and talent development. He said UGI sees the Research and Innovation Week as an important platform that will spark new ideas that can transform not only the insurance industry but also other sectors in Malawi’s economy.
“At UGI, innovation is one of our key pillars. We believe that academic institutions like MUBAS are the breeding grounds for new thinking. They offer fresh ideas and practical solutions that can help reshape how we deliver services in the financial and insurance space,” Mr. Chibwe stated.
He noted that with the world constantly changing due to digital and technological advancements, there is a need for companies to partner with universities to stay ahead. He added that events like Innovation Week provide a unique space where industry experts and young researchers can exchange ideas and collaborate on real solutions.
Mr. Chibwe also mentioned that UGI is particularly interested in identifying young talents whose research could influence how insurance and other financial services are offered in the future. “We hope this support helps MUBAS discover some of the next big minds that will drive economic growth in Malawi,” he added.
On his part, the Head of Research and Innovation at MUBAS, Dr. Madalitso Tsakama, expressed deep appreciation to UGI for what he described as a timely and generous contribution. According to him, the K10 million boost will go a long way in helping the university host a successful event.
“We are very grateful to UGI for coming forward with this support. Research and Innovation Week is more than just an academic event—it is a platform where we showcase solutions that can solve national problems,” Dr. Tsakama said.
He further explained that the event gives an opportunity to students, lecturers, and industry experts to display their work, share ideas, and possibly turn their innovations into market-ready solutions. “This also helps us promote a culture of creativity and problem-solving among young people in Malawi,” he added.
Dr. Tsakama revealed that MUBAS has budgeted K120 million for the 2025 Innovation Week. He explained that the funds will be used for logistics, hosting tech exhibitions, giving out prizes to the best innovations, and facilitating mentorship sessions for students and participants.
He used the opportunity to call on other private sector players to follow the example of UGI and support education and research in the country. “MUBAS cannot do this alone. We need partnerships and sponsorships from both the government and businesses to push innovation in Malawi,” he said.
MUBAS, which is one of the leading public universities in Malawi, has built a reputation over the years for promoting practical and science-based research. The upcoming Innovation Week is expected to attract participants from government agencies, private businesses, international development partners, and academic institutions across the region.
The 2025 edition will include exhibitions, research paper presentations, hackathons, business pitching sessions, startup showcases, and panel discussions. Organisers say the programme will also help students secure internship and mentorship opportunities that can prepare them for the job market.
Industry observers believe that events like Innovation Week are very important in Malawi’s journey toward becoming a technology-driven economy. They say that local problems need local solutions, and such platforms offer the space to test and grow these solutions.
With backing from institutions like United General Insurance, there is hope that Malawi can unlock the full potential of its human capital and use innovation as a powerful tool to improve lives and boost the economy.
