Landlocked African nation Malawi languishes at the bottom of global lists of innovation and technological development because it is not investing enough in the sciences.

This is the view of the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) manager for public and private dialogue, Hope Chavula, speaking at the nation’s second Science and Technology Fair held late last week.

He said that according to statistics compiled by MCCCI from 2008 to 2012, the country ranks poorly regarding ‘Innovation and Technology Readiness Parameters’.

In 2008, Malawi ranked 121 out of 134 countries under the category ‘Capacity for Innovation’, says the MCCCI. In 2011, Malawi improved its ranking in this category to 81 out of 142 countries, but in 2012 the country fell back to 100 out of 144 countries, according to the MCCCI.

Regarding the MCCCI’s research on the quality of scientific research institutions, Malawi ranked 65 out of 134 nations in 2008, and 89 out of 144 nations in 2012.

In terms of the availability of scientists and engineers, MCCCI says Malawi ranked 101 in out of 134 nations in 2008, but in 2012, the country ranked 100 out of 144 nations.

The Malawian government's 2011/12 budget for education, science and technology has been Kwachas 74.7 billion, or almost $235 million, representing 22% of the total budget, said the country's finance minister Dr Ken Lipenga earlier this year.

But Chavula says more money needs to be spent on developing the country's capacity for scientifi and technological innovation.

"There is a dire need to invest in science and technology that is why the objective of this fair is to promote use of science and technology,” Chavula was quoted in the country’s Daily Times newspaper.

“As a country we don't have a foundation that utilises science and technology, beginning with schools and subjects that students are taught at a tender age,” he added.

“A future with opportunities that is why we need to work on researches, have them sponsored and developed if successful, and sell such ideas," said Chavula.

Poverty, though, has hindered the country’s developmental progress.

According to the World Bank, Malawi was ranked as the 173rd poorest nation in the world out of 180 nations in 2011.