Sparc Systems Limited has warned that Malawi’s innovation ecosystem is failing to scale local solutions despite years of donor funding, citing the lack of a domestic market as the biggest barrier.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ICT Innovation Awards hosted by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), Wisely Phiri questioned why increased financial support has not translated into widespread adoption of local technologies.
“We’re funding innovation, but not creating a market for it,” Phiri said, highlighting a disconnect between funding and real-world implementation.
He argued that procurement systems often favour established or foreign providers, leaving emerging local innovators without opportunities to grow their solutions.
Phiri said the government, as the largest buyer of services, must take the lead in adopting locally developed technologies to stimulate demand.
He added that existing procurement processes, including competitive tendering, can unintentionally sideline innovators by exposing their ideas to more established firms.
Despite these structural challenges, Sparc Systems has expanded into multiple African markets, demonstrating that Malawian-built solutions can compete at scale.
A participant at the event, Roshan Makhole from the Department of Procurement and Supplies Services, said the presentation showed the importance of supporting local innovation, noting that “what they are doing is big for this country” and aligns with Malawi’s digitalisation agenda.
