Chakwera challenges Malawians to invest more in innovation

By Kondanani Chilimunthaka

President Lazarus Chakwera has said time has come for Malawians to put energy on innovation so as to address some of the challenges that the country is facing.

Chakwera made the remarks at Bingu International Convention Center (BICC) in the Capital Lilongwe on Tuesday 30th April 2024 when he led the nation in commemorating the United Nations World Creativity and Innovation Day which was set aside to be commemorating various skills.

Speaking during the event, President Chakwera said Malawians should support the youths who are investing in innovation in various sectors including energy, health, and agriculture, as they are integral in finding solutions to the country’s challenges.

“In Malawi we have many youths who have different skills and ideas that have potential of changing our country. This is the reason I thought of having this gathering today so that we encourage them to do more whatever they have innovated.

Malawi has produced youths like William Kamkwamba who produced electricity from wind turbine, Ernest Andrew who is also producing air-powered electricity in Dowa. In Rumphi, we have John Sailesi who has produced and connected electricity to over 100 houses in his village, similarly, in Nkhata-Bay we have Lukalazi Community Day Secondary School, where learners have innovated ways of producing sanitary pads from banana pseudo stems. If I can mention what I have seen just outside this room, there are a lot of different innovations which we just need to support and promote for our country to change in development” Said President Chakwera.

Malawi leader has since called upon Malawians to invest a lot in innovation, saying his government has invested K75 billion through National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) as one way of showing its commitment in empowering skills of the youths to become business.