Key Business Points
- Technical education in Malawi is struggling to keep pace with global technology advancements, affecting the country’s ability to produce skilled workers who can drive innovation and economic growth.
- The curriculum review process is slow, hindering the incorporation of new technologies and trends, and ultimately impacting the employability of graduates.
- Investing in vocational education and skills development is crucial for Malawi to realize its demographic dividend and drive economic transformation, as highlighted by the African Centre for Economic Transformation.
The Ministry of Labour, Skills and Innovation has acknowledged that Malawi’s technical education is facing challenges in keeping up with the rapid evolution of global technologies. According to Joseph Chirombo, director of assessment and certification services, the country’s curriculum is not being reviewed quickly enough to incorporate new trends and technologies. This is resulting in a mismatch between the skills being taught and the requirements of the modern workforce. Kusintha kwa zipangizo, or the need for curriculum reform, is essential to address this issue.
The WorldSkills Africa Malawi Regional Competition 2025, hosted by the Technical, Entrepreneurial, Vocational Education and Training (Tevet) Authority, aims to promote skills development and drive innovation, employability, and economic growth. The competition, which began in 2023, provides a platform for students to showcase their skills in various areas, including information and communications technology, food production, and fabrication. Kugwira ntchito, or entrepreneurship, is a key aspect of the competition, as it encourages students to think creatively and develop innovative solutions.
The event brought together 160 students from various technical colleges, including Salima Technical College, where contestant Aisha Chingaipe praised the competition for providing a stage to showcase their skills. Kuzizwa kwa njira, or the creation of opportunities, is essential for young people in Malawi to develop their skills and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
The African Centre for Economic Transformation has emphasized the importance of vocational education in driving economic transformation in Africa. The centre’s study found that the continent’s demographic dividend can only be realized if countries prioritize vocational education and skills development. Kufunika kwa mafunso, or the need for investment, is critical in this regard, as it will enable Malawi to develop a skilled workforce that can drive innovation and economic growth. By investing in vocational education and skills development, Malawi can unlock its potential and achieve sustainable economic growth.
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