As Malawi seeks to accelerate industrialization and create jobs for young people, PressCane Limited has partnered with the Malawi University of Science and Technology Engineering Symposium to help equip students with practical industry knowledge and innovation skills needed to drive the country’s economic transformation.
The company supported this year’s symposium as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry while exposing students to real-world engineering solutions aligned with Malawi Vision 2063 priorities on value addition, sustainability, and economic growth.
Speaking after the event, PressCane Limited Sales and Marketing Manager, Mercy Kamanga said the company’s involvement reflects its commitment to supporting future engineers who will contribute to Malawi’s industrial development.
“Our support to this symposium is not just financial; it is aligned with what we are already doing as a company in driving industrialisation, innovation, and sustainable solutions. We see these students as future partners in that journey,” she said.
Kamanga said PressCane’s investments are already creating opportunities that can benefit the country through job creation, reduced imports, and increased industrial productivity.
“At PressCane, we see industrialisation not as a distant ambition, but as a responsibility we are already delivering on. We have diversified our operations by investing in a plant that will produce fertilizer from waste, while our CO₂ recovery project will help generate foreign exchange and reduce fuel imports. These initiatives are designed to create jobs and strengthen Malawi’s economic resilience,” she said.
She added that the company is also promoting cleaner energy alternatives through projects aimed at reducing environmental pressure and improving access to sustainable fuel.
“Our Zero Liquid Discharge plant will enable us to generate electricity from biogas, while our investment in a syrup mill will help stabilise ethanol production and contribute to cleaner energy through regulated blending. In addition, our ethanol cooking initiative is promoting a shift from charcoal to cleaner fuel alternatives. Over 500 stoves have already been distributed under our pilot phase,” she added.
Head of Engineering Department at MUST, Lovemore Nkukuma described the symposium as an important platform that connects students with industry players and practical engineering experience.
“We are grateful to PressCane and other stakeholders for supporting this initiative. Their involvement motivates our students and provides a vital link between academia and industry, which is key to transforming student innovations into practical solutions,” he said.
Symposium Organising Chairperson and student representative, Precious Sikwese said the event gave students an opportunity to interact with industry experts and gain insights into challenges and opportunities within the engineering sector.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Malawi Engineering Institution Southern Chapter, Dalitso Godiya said stronger collaboration between universities and industry is necessary for turning student innovations into practical solutions capable of driving Malawi’s industrialisation agenda.
The symposium brought together students, academics, and industry players to explore engineering solutions to Malawi’s development challenges, with participants emphasising innovation, sustainability, and skills development as key drivers for the country’s future growth.
