News
The CEBHCI was invited to the launch of the Grand Challenges Malawi under the theme “Unlocking strategic investment through collaborative research” held at Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC), Lilongwe, Malawi, on 30th August 2023. The event drew representatives from an array of scientists and research organizations. The National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST), whose mandate is to advise the Government and all stakeholders on issues to do with research, science, technology, and innovation, has partnered with the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD); Grand Challenges Africa through Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) in Kenya; and other stakeholders to collaborate in establishing the Grand Challenge Malawi. This initiative is important for Malawi as it opens up a collaborative working relationship and avenues for research funding greatly needed to answer emerging challenges for the country. The Grand Challenges is a family of initiatives fostering innovation to solve key global and development problems. Built on the theory that great ideas can come from anywhere, Grand Challenges uses an agile, accelerated grant-making process to support novel but scalable ideas to develop to a position where they could be competitive for more significant investment from any source. Funders include the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the U.S. Agency for International Development, Grand Challenges Canada, the Indian Department of Biotechnology, and the Brazilian Ministry of Health.
The Minister of Education, Hon. Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, who graced the launch, said,” This was an important milestone for the country as it joins a group of countries already benefiting from this initiative.” Her statement was echoed by the acting director general for the NCST, Mrs. Kadzamira, who said, “The launch of Grand Challenges Malawi will bring together key players across the national, regional, and global arena to deliberate on strategies for improved investment in Research & Development (R&D) and Innovation.”
The CEBHCI was honored to have attended the launch as it is committed to championing inclusive research practice and engagement in science and health research. “This is undoubtedly an exciting development in Malawi to see the NCST taking center stage and the importance of building research capacity through collaboration and strategic positioning as a key player on the continent. This is a genuinely multi-collaborative alliance with various partners and stakeholders from various disciplines and geographies to ensure that emerging challenges are tackled”. CEBHCI CEO Musaiwale Kamfose.