Business and Finance

Telco for industry-academia collaboration in innovation

Telco for industry-academia collaboration in innovation

By Thomas Chilaya:

Malawi Stock Exchange-listed TNM has emphasised the need for closer collaboration between the academia and industry to advance economic development.

TNM Chief Executive Officer Michael Herbert was speaking last week at the 2024 Symposium of the Department of Computer Science and Information Management of the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (Mubas).

He urged universities and the private sector to collaborate in creating practical solutions that address the country’s pressing challenges.

“For Malawi to achieve sustainable development, we must bridge the gap between academic research and industry requirements.

“The expertise and research capacity in our universities, combined with the practical resources of the industry, can generate new technologies and applications that have a real impact on sectors such as agriculture, education and health,” he said.

The symposium, which brought together academics, students and tech industry professionals, highlighted the increasing importance of information technology and innovation in addressing Malawi’s socio-economic challenges.

Herbert then commended the university for promoting digital skills and research, praising their role in nurturing a tech-savvy workforce.

“Our education system produces talented graduates with the potential to contribute significantly to the digital economy, but we need to ensure that their skills are aligned with industry needs,” Herbert said.

He encouraged institutions like Mubas to work closely with the private sector to develop curricula that equip students with the skills required for the evolving job market.

Herbert also urged the government to support initiatives that foster innovation and technological advancement.

“The government must play a pivotal role by implementing policies that encourage academia-industry partnerships and provide funding for research and development,” he said.

As part of TNM’s commitment to innovation, Herbert revealed plans for the company to engage in joint research projects with universities and offer internship programmes for students in fields related to telecommunications and digital technologies.

The symposium was held under the theme ‘Beyond Boundaries: Exploring the Nexus of Innovation, Academia, and Malawi Vision 2063’.

Students exhibited innovations to potential employers, showcasing their skills and preparing to become future technicians who will help address the challenges of an increasingly dynamic technological landscape.

Bentley Chiandula, a bachelor of science in information Technology student, expressed enthusiasm about the event and its potential to inspire future innovations.

“This symposium has provided an excellent opportunity for students like me to engage with industry professionals and demonstrate our capabilities,” he said.