By Symon Ganizani, LCC 3

The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) under the Malawi Institute of Technology (MIT) has made significant strides in developing systems from artificial intelligence (AI), which are poised to transform various sectors in the country.

The university's students and lecturers have developed a range of innovative AI solutions, including a car tracking system and an automated employee attendance system which are currently being implemented at the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA). 

The latter, which uses fingerprint scanning technology, aims to replace manual log books and enhance employee efficiency and accountability.

In addition, a team of final year Biomedical Engineering students, comprising of William Chonzie, Darwin Msiska, and Pauline Theka has developed a deep learning system to diagnose measles, boasting a rapid response time of 0.25 seconds compared to the conventional PCR method, which takes four hours.

In their presentation, Chonzie said the project contributes to the growing influence of AI in the medical field.

By leveraging deep learning, the app offers a faster, more accessible alternative to traditional diagnostic methods. The innovation has the potential to revolutionise healthcare delivery on a global scale, not only for measles diagnosis but also for diagnosing other skin conditions in the future. 

Chonzie also emphasized that the innovation has the potential to significantly reduce doctor-patient disease transmission.

“Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial to prevent the spread of the disease. With the innovation, diagnosis does not rely on a doctor's physical examination of the patient, thereby reducing the risk of disease transmission,” he said.

University lecturer, Peter Mwambananji, also showcased his creation, a Crop Recommendation System that determines the optimal soil and weather conditions for crops in just two minutes. 

In his presentation, Mwambananji said the system can help farmers to increase yields with minimal inputs.

"The crop recommendation system aims to help farmers make informed decisions by providing data-based predictions of suitable crops for their land. With many new farmers struggling with low profits and high costs, this system can help to identify the best crops for the soil, reducing investment costs and increasing profits. By embracing new technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence, we can improve productivity and benefit farmers in Malawi," Mwambananji explained.

Speaking during the university's AI awareness event on May 18, 2024, Executive Dean for the MIT, Dr Michael Zimba, said MUST's AI advancements are expected to drive innovation and efficiency in various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and agriculture. 

As the country's leading centre for AI and STEAM education, MUST is poised to play a vital role in Malawi's technological development, he added.