Malawi elected chair of 5th Bureau of the AU specialised technical committee on education sector

* Congratulations, Malawi, may God grant our leaders wisdom and foresight as they work to transform Africa’s education landscape

* And strengthen African education systems in response to the goals of Africa’s Agenda 2063

By Duncan Mlanjira

Malawi has been elected African Union (AU) 5th Bureau as the chair for the its specialised technical committee on education, science, technology & innovation (ESTI) for the period 2024-2026, representing the southern African region. 

The decision was made at AU 5th Bureau’s ordinary session on ESTI and according to a statement, Malawi assumes the chairship role following two years of service as the 1st vice-chair of the STC-ESTI 4.

“Our sincere gratitude and appreciation go to SADC Member States for their continued support and cooperation in the implementation of Africa’s ESTI agenda,” said the statement.

“As STC-ESTI 5 Chair, Malawi (represented by the Ministry of Education) will drive the monitoring and implementation of three critical continental strategies, namely:

* Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) 2025-2034;

* Technical and Vocational Education and Training Strategy for Africa (TVETSA) 2024-2034; and

* Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA) 2024-2034.

Other member states elected to the STC-ESTI 5 are Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (1st vice-chair), representing northern Africa; United Republic of Tanzania (3rd vice-chair), representing eastern Africa; Democratic Republic of Congo (Rapporteur), representing central Africa 

Western African member states of the AU are yet to appoint a representative who will serve as 2nd vice-chair.

“Congratulations, Malawi, may God grant our leaders wisdom and foresight as they work to transform Africa’s education landscape and strengthen African education systems in response to the goals of Africa’s Agenda 2063,” said the statement.

Meanwhile, Malawi Government through the Ministry of Education has embarked on an innovative journey to digitalise education using the Building Education Foundation through Innovation and Technology (BEFIT) programme.

The digitalisation agenda includes electrification of schools, internet access, and provision of at least 40 digital access devices per school, national open distance and e-learning policies, among others.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) yesterday, the Ministry’s public relations officer, Mphatso Nkuonera said through BEFIT, it is dedicated to improving the foundational literacy and numeracy skills of primary school learners in standard one up to four.

“Over 80,000 tablets have already been distributed to 660 primary schools across the country, serving over 410,000 learners,” he said. “In areas where there is no electricity, the ministry is providing vibrant solar panels.”

The BEFIT program is embedded within the national curriculum and school timetable and by 2029, all public primary schools are expected to have benefited from the program.

Education expert, Steve Shara said in an interview that digitalising access to education is key to transforming societies as a lot of people do not have access to education.

“We have two million young Malawians aged 15-19 years old, yet only 538,000 are in school, the rest have no access to education because we do not have enough secondary schools,” he said.

Another education expert, Benedicto Kondowe agreed with Sharra, saying that digitalising education in Malawi is a significant step towards achieving MW2026 national vision, which prioritises building a strong human capital foundation through quality and accessible education.

“Digitalising education is a realistic agenda as learners will be equipped with technological knowledge and skills resulting into a productive society.

“We are living in a digital world and our learners need to be in line with how the world is working,” he said.—Additional reporting by Hope Chimwala, MANA