The African Data and Drone Academy (ADDA) at Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among young people in Malawi.

In a recent meeting with officials from Ministry of Youth and Sports and UNICEF, Dr Chikondi Chisenga, ADDA's coordinator, presented the academy's initiatives focused on equipping Malawian youths with skills needed to develop innovative ideas that will help in tackling some of the country’s pressing challenges. 

Dr Chisenga highlighted ADDA’s programmes in drone operations, data analysis, climate change management, and disaster management as key pathways for young people to develop innovative ideas that will enable them become entrepreneurs and assist in addressing some of Malawi's challenges such as issues of climate change.

However, Dr Chisenga revealed that lack of adequate funding was one of the biggest challenges hindering the young innovators from implementing their innovative ideas.

Dr Atikonda Mtenje-Mkochi, representing the MUST Vice Chancellor, described ADDA as a beacon of hope for Malawi, offering youth the chance to develop innovative ideas and become entrepreneurs thereby achieving the Malawi 2063 aspirations. 

Simon Molendijk, UNICEF's chief of education and adolescents development and participation, commended ADDA for its exceptional work in training young people to become innovators and problem-solvers.

And on his part, Isaac Katopola, principal secretary for Ministry of Youth and Sports, assured ADDA of  government's support to the Academy. 

He pledged to secure financial assistance from government agencies to help young innovators bring their ideas to life, ultimately contributing to the country’s growth through science and technology.

During the visit, the officials toured ADDA's facilities to appreciate the impactful work that the Academy is doing.