In Malawi, a new generation of tech-savvy youths has emerged, having completed advanced drone training at the Junior Academy of the Drones and Data Academy, affiliated with the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST).

Wilkins Mijiga, head of client coverage at the National Bank of Malawi, emphasises the critical role of higher educational institutions in fostering scientific innovation to address the nation’s poverty challenges.

"This university is living its full purpose because the children that were targeted were between 12 and 17 years old, which is a critical age to introduce them to science and technology programmes. As a society, what we are lacking is significant investment in such programmes because we need technology to solve our production challenges, and that should start with serious investment in the education of our children,” Mijiga states.

He argues that substantial investment in such technological education is essential to overcoming production hurdles and driving national development.

Michael Zimba, executive dean of the Malawi Institute of Technology at MUST, highlighted that the Junior Academy is pivotal in advancing students' interests in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).

"This initiative aims to equip the younger generation with the skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving tech landscape," he says.