Programme Strategic Linkages

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Programme linkage with national strategic development agenda and global trends

The MGDS acknowledges the significant shortage of skilled workers necessary for a productive workforce and competitive private sector in Malawi. It further points that the education system is not producing enough graduates to meet current and future economic trends and that the available training is inappropriate for business needs. It also underscores that there are insufficient facilities for vocational training opportunities including science and technology to the extent that one of its key strategies is to generate and disseminate science and appropriate technology through public-private partnerships.

 According to the MGDS the economy needs to grow by a minimum of 6 percent annually to achieve poverty reduction. The private sector has been recognised as an engine for economic growth and wealth creation to take the lead in transforming the country from being a predominantly consuming and importing nation to a predominantly producing and exporting one. There is need, therefore, to train people in science and technology, engineering and entrepreneurship that are capable of transforming existing and creation of new industries in more efficient, productive, competitive and cost effective manner. 

As Malawi also works to achieve the newly launched 2063 Agenda, the use of technology in biodiversity issues will be important. This programme will ensure that these skills are readily available in the country. Malawi, therefore, needs to establish an institution of higher learning with specific mandate on science, technology and innovation (STI) with the overall objective of supplying highly qualified graduates capable of converting talent and resources into knowledge and wealth. This will assist in realization of the dream to transform Malawi into an industrial and manufacturing nation, facilitate economic growth in Malawi and improve the welfare of her people through the creation of wealth.

The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2015 – 2025 lists the establishment of a Biodiversity Information Facility as one its key activities. This facility will hold biodiversity data and make it accessible for use by the nation. This programme directly contributes to ensuring this occurs. All students on this programme will contribute data to current initiatives that exist and aim to mobilise data The post 2020 Biodiversity Framework currently in development by the Convention of biological Diversity to which Malawi is signed up is a global instrument to which this programme will also have linkages with. When this is finalised the programme review will ensure that the key issues in that framework are taken onboard in this programme.