Innovation for a better Malawi

Malawi stands at a pivotal moment in its history.

Despite persistent food insecurity, widespread poverty and inadequate basic services, the country’s potential for innovation and creativity remains untapped.

Lack of a national innovation policy is a significant barrier to socio-economic progress.

By embracing a coordinated and strategic approach, Malawi can transform its fortunes.

Every year, the country spends billions of kwachas combating hunger. This year, it requires approximately K768 billion for its planned response.

Yet, innovations exist that could secure food supply and reduce waste.

The path to economic recovery is fraught with obstacles, with over 10 million Malawians living on less than K2 000 a day and the nation enduring 16 major flooding events and five droughts since 2010.

The nation was also hit hard by geopolitical crises such as the Covid-19 outbreak, cholera and the war in Ukraine.

These challenges worsen poverty, but innovation promises some solutions.

Basic infrastructure in the country requires  improvement despite efforts made by government.

Currently, over 12 million Malawians live without electricity and over six million households lack access to safe drinking water.

With 36 percent of children stunted, the country also suffers from southern Africa’s highest malnutrition rate.

Ironically more people have access to cellphones than to decent sanitation and hygiene facilities. This fuels disease outbreaks that cost nearly K98 billion annually.

Malawi 2063 long-term vision to become a lower middle-income country by 2030, with an average annual income of between K2 million and K8 million per citizen, seems increasingly unattainable.

To realise this dream, the local labour force’s output must increase from K4 000 to around K18 000 per hour and the economy must grow by at least 10 percent annually. However, the country heavily relies on the informal sector, which employs over 80 percent of the workforce. This is a significant challenge.

The key to overcoming these challenges lies in harnessing the power of innovation and creativity.

Agricultural productivity and commercialisation, industrialisation and sustainable urbanisation—the  Malawi 2063 pillars—depend on the ability to innovate.

Globally, innovation is recognised as a catalyst for achieving the global Sustainable Development Goals, yet only 15 percent of the goals are on track.

Accelerating progress requires a robust commitment to innovation.

However, Malawi’s innovation ecosystem remains underdeveloped.

An effective innovation environment depends on the maturity and collaboration of various stakeholders, from knowledge generators to those who transform knowledge into practical applications.

In Malawi, these linkages are weak and policies incentivising research are lacking.

Innovators and creators often fail to protect their intellectual property, leaving their work undervalued and unprotected.

There is also little coordination among catalysts for innovation, with no clear systematic monitoring and evaluation of initiatives for policy adjustments.

Recognising these gaps, government established the Department of Innovation and Creativity (DIC) in the Office of the President and Cabinet to articulate a clear vision, policies and strategies for innovation.

Sector-based innovation departments in the public sector are responsible for translating these strategies into action plans and programmes, including securing necessary funding.

Given the importance of innovation, now is the time for Malawi to adopt a comprehensive national innovation policy.

A clear roadmap for coordinated action and strategic investment is essential for harnessing the full potential of innovation for economic growth and social development.

All Malawians should work together to ensure the policy becomes a reality, paving the way for a future defined by innovation, progress and inclusive growth.

The innovation-driven journey towards a prosperous Malawi requires immediate and sustained action.

By embracing a national innovation policy, the country can unlock its full potential, transforming economic and social landscapes and ensuring a brighter future for all its citizens.