By Edwin Mauluka

The Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) has launched an Agriculture Mechanisation Unit aimed at developing locally made farm machinery and strengthening innovation in the agricultural sector.

Minister of Education Bright Msaka described the facility, housed under the School of Engineering in Blantyre, as a major milestone in the university’s transformation agenda.

The unit is developing technologies such as handheld tractors, maize shellers, planters and harvesters. It is designed to equip students, researchers and technical staff with practical skills in designing, fabricating, testing and refining agricultural machinery.

Msaka said such hands-on competencies are critical for Malawi’s transition to a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy.

“This is tangible evidence that our universities are transforming ideas into practical solutions that directly contribute to national development,” he said.

He noted that critics often question the relevance of universities but said projects such as the mechanisation unit demonstrate the important role higher education institutions play in driving development.

The minister said the initiative aligns with the Malawi 2063 vision of building an inclusively wealthy and self-reliant nation and attaining upper-middle-income status by 2063.

He added that locally manufactured farm equipment will help reduce over-reliance on manual labour, promote mechanisation, increase productivity and support commercialisation in agriculture, the backbone of Malawi’s economy.

“These efforts demonstrate the critical role of higher education institutions in strengthening agricultural value chains and advancing sustainable economic growth,” Msaka said.

He further said the project enhances local research and development capacity, reduces dependence on imported machinery and promotes affordable, maintainable and context-appropriate solutions for farmers.

Msaka linked the initiative to the National Education Sector Investment Plan (2020–2030), which seeks to improve the quality, relevance and industry alignment of higher education. He said the mechanisation unit provides a platform for collaboration among academia, industry, policymakers and end users.

He pledged continued government support to ensure innovation meaningfully contributes to national development objectives.

MUBAS Board Chairperson William Mpinganjira said the unit marks the beginning of commercialising the university’s research output and reducing reliance on government subventions.

“This is the start of turning knowledge into products that will be available to the private sector, public institutions and all Malawians,” he said.

Vice Chancellor Associate Professor Nancy Chitera revealed that over K5 billion was invested in constructing the facility. She said seven machines have already been developed, with five purchased by the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF).

Chitera added that more innovations are in the pipeline as the university positions itself as a hub for practical problem-solving and industrial innovation.

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