Innocent Mandili, a prolific innovator from Phalombe district has urged government and other organisations to support innovators for the country to realise its dream of becoming Africa’s tech superpower.
Mandili, who is a renowned innovator himself, believes the country can develop economically if innovators are supported.
The 18-year-old has in the past invented a Thermo El Stove which is used for cooking and production of electricity, Fertilizer processor, Bi-Function filler for processing of drinkings and a Mobile biogas.
He has told ProjectM that he developed an interest in innovation while in primary school.
“During my primary school days, I developed a knack for repairing broken radios, magnets and other complicated machines,” Mandili said.
His curiosity with how various machines are built continued in secondary school.
“When I was selected to Phalombe Secondary School, I implored our headteacher to offer me a chance to use the school’s laboratory. It was at this laboratory where I invented a Biogas system which was being used for cooking and production of electricity,” said Mandili.
In 2021, he participated in a special innovation and technology competition organised by the Ministry of Education and his mobile biogas invention emerged top.
“I was then transferred to Likuni Boys Secondary school in Lilongwe where Ministry of Education officials thought my skills would be better sharpened,” he explained.
It was at Likuni Boys Secondary School where Mandili invented a Thermo El Stove, Fertiliser processor and a Bi-Function filler.
After sitting on Malawi School Certificate of Education examinations in 2023, some local universities and the Ministry of Education offered him scholarships.
He eventually chose to enroll with the Malawi University of Science and Technology under the Ministry of Education scholarship where he is scheduled to pursue Manufacturing Engineering.
“My dream is to establish my own company and use my skills to mentor young people,” he said.
Mandili has since called for support for his innovations to be produced on an industrial scale.
In his remarks, Professor Chomora Mikeka who is the director of Science and Technology Innovations in the Ministry of Education described, Mandili as a rare breed of local innovators who require support.
Despite his innovations not hitting the market, Mandili hope that his products will be recognised.
(By Vicky Mphande)
