The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has partnered youth-centric innovation tech-hub, NxtGen, to promote technological innovations among the youth.

The partnership was sealed in Lilongwe recently through signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

NxnGen managing director, Eugene Maseya, said collaborations between industry and the academia are essential, especially now when there is need to realise the vision of Malawi’s long term development plan, the Malawi2063.

“This is why we are now offering internship placements to students from MUST because we believe such collaborations can herald impactful innovations. We are all familiar with the story of the Silicon Valley and we want to replicate it in Malawi,” said Maseya, adding that they were also humbled last year when an Engineering lecturer from MUST spent some time at their organization exchanging skills, knowledge and ideas with staff.

Maseya said he believed the collaboration with MUST will help the two institutions to co-ideate, co-create and come up with great things that can transform the lives of Malawians.

“We believe that if it is not us, then who? If not now, then when?” philosophized Maseya.

MUST Vice Chancellor, Professor Address Malata, who signed the MoU on behalf of the university, said it was delightful to see that NxtGen is managed and run by youths yet its impact is earth-shaking.

“It is always exciting and encouraging when the youth are making a difference, not only in their lives but also impacting many other lives. Looking at what you are doing and what you have achieved, we thought you could be a great partner in our technological innovations endevours. We also work with the youth and we believe in their capabilities hence our commitment to provide them with a platform to innovate,” said Professor Malata.

She thanked NxtGen for providing internship placements for MUST students and urged them to also utilize the resources at MUST in their work.

“You can collaborate with our students and staff. You can also use our facilities. We will be excited to support you because we are both serving the same nation,” she said.

Professor Malata said MUST has lofty ambitions but realizes that it can achieve its goals by partnering with people and institutions with common interests.

“We emphasise innovation and entrepreneurship because we want our students to create jobs for themselves and others. And this is also what you are doing here. We can work together to explore opportunities and run joint projects, leveraging on each other’s strengths. The aim is to transform lives of the disadvantaged youth,” she said.