‘Science week for solutions to economic woes’

University of Malawi’s Chancellor College lecturer in the Department of Chemistry Chikondi Shaba says Malawi is on course to groom scientists who can help bring solutions to various socio-economic challenges facing the country.

She said this in Blantyre on Tuesday in the context of Africa Science Week (ASW) to be hosted by the Next Einstein Forum (NEF) from next Wednesday in Blantyre.

Shaba said Malawi has not been aggressive in terms of promoting innovations and harnessing some of them, including those from the informal sector.

“However, I can confirm that we have what it takes to be a force to reckon with in the region in as far as the sector is concerned.

“The first step is always to have eager scientists at all levels, and we have them as a country. The good thing is that girls are also emerging to be interested in the field, which is very encouraging,” she said.

Shaba, who is the current (2017-2019) NEF Ambassador for Malawi, also challenged emerging scientists to “embrace the chances the initiative provides while they last”. 

Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar) head of Centre for Innovation and Industrial Research David Mkwambisi said ASW augurs well with the institution’s zeal to promote science and technology.

“The university is always casting its net wider in its quest to promote innovation. We hope to find some gems among the participants,” he said.

The science week is coordinated by NEF, which is an initiative of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences in partnership with Robert Bosch Stiftung.