Information and communications technology (ICT) experts have hailed the Mvera Development Corporation (MvDC) innovation (smart) city concept, saying it has potential to transform and redefine Malawi’s technological landscape.
The experts’ views follow the announcement by MvDC that it has secured 1 000 hectares (ha), with 200 ha ready for development in 2026, targeting global technology companies and research institutions, among others.
MvDC is a government concept to come up with an innovation (smart) city at Mvera in Dowa District in an initiative that is largely being driven by Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra), National Commission of Science and Technology and the Malawi Defence Forces.
Reads in part the MvDC statement: “Mvera Innovation City will serve as a nucleus for global technology companies, leading academic institutions, dynamic start-up ecosystems, advanced research facilities and other innovation-driven entities.”
ICT expert Bram Fudzulan said the vision for the Mvera Innovation City holds tremendous promise as a catalyst for the country’s transformative growth.
He said: “It [the city] presents a unique opportunity to strategically manage rapid urbanisation and drive crucial infrastructure development, thereby establishing an undeniably attractive environment for both domestic and international investment.
“This influx of capital will be pivotal in fostering robust economic growth, elevating livelihoods for Malawians and championing sustainable urban development practices.”
But Fudzulani said realising this ambitious vision hinges on the implementation of deliberate and forward-thinking policies, adding that it is usually difficult to attract global technology partners without robust and enforceable intellectual property laws.
“We must proactively ensure that our citizens are equipped with the necessary expertise and training to meet these demands, thereby not only supplying the talent pipeline for the project, but also creating meaningful and sustainable job opportunities for our people,” he said.
Fintech expert and Pawapay country manager Arthur Muyepa, in an interview on Sunday, described the concept as a game-changing move that signals the country’s intent to become a serious player in the digital economy.
He said the dedication of 1 000ha to a tech-focused ecosystem initiative creates an enabling environment that could attract both international and home-grown innovation.
“The involvement of both Macra and National Commission for Science and Technology brings together efforts to support start-ups, promote research and enable knowledge transfer between academia and industry, which are a stimuli to overall job creation, local digital entrepreneurship and position Malawi as a regional tech hub,” said Muyepa.
Macra director general Daud Suleman said in an earlier interview that the innovation city is one milestone to enable the country achieve its long-term development aspirations outlined in Malawi 2063 to have a technologically advanced and sustainable environmental city.
He said the innovation city will be a model where all technology friendly activities will be implemented.
MvDC said the project is expected to transform and redefine Malawi’s technological landscape and will follow a public private partnership model while prioritising environmental sustainability, smart practices and genuine economic empowerment for locals.
Malawi’s ICT sector remains weak with Internet penetration at 39 percent, according to the National Statistical Office.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): George Lumwira
Quelle/Source: Malawi Nation, 06.05.2025
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