Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Address Maukowa Malata, has been nominated as a candidate for the Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology and Innovation position at the African Union Commission.
The African Union (AU) is a continental organisation that promotes economic, political and social integration among its 55-member states.
The AU Commission is the secretariat of the AU, responsible for implementing its decisions and policies.
Professor Malata has been nominated for AU Commission alongside former Reserve Bank Governor Dr Ellias Ngalande, who has been nominated for the Commissioner of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals position.
The duo competed in the positions against 6 other candidates from Burundi, Benin, South Africa, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique following the close of the nomination process for senior leadership of the Commission on August 6 2024.
The submissions, which have been made for 6 positions of commissioners, will be forwarded to the High-level Panel of Eminent Africans for the assessment process to start.
Other positions include that of chairperson, deputy chairperson, Commissioner Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Development (ARBE), Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Commissioner of Infrastructure and Energy and Commissioner of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS).
Earlier this year, Professor Malata was also honoured with the Prestigious 2024 University of San Francisco California (UCSF) Presidential Chair Award following her outstanding contributions to the field of education and field of leadership.
Following the appointment, Professor Malata is a distinguished visiting professor in the UCS Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics for one year from last month.
