Government has underlined the need for concerned stakeholders to invest more resources towards science and innovation in a bid to drive the country’s economy forward.
Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Jessie Kabwila has made the appeal Friday in Lilongwe during an interface meeting with the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) Board.
Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, Dr. Kabwila indicated that government plans to improve higher education by, among others, providing funding and creation of a special grant for research and innovation.
“Government is very serious with plans to explore and invest in any sector which has the potential to propel the country’s economy forward and that’s where the issue of science comes in,” she said.
The minister proposed the need for stakeholders to consider introducing initiatives such as innovation expos and science tourism to promote local technologies.
“Such expos have the potential to attract the much needed investment in the country,” said Kabwila.
In his remarks, NCST Chairperson Professor David Mkwambisi said the commission is committed to improving science and innovation in the country.
“As we continue to push for the achievement of the 2063 agenda, we know that innovation is very crucial and we are very ready,” said Mkwambisi.
During the meeting, it was also revealed that the NCST has awarded small grants totaling K97 million to researchers and Innovators to carryout various technology development and commercialisation initiatives.
