Malawian technology innovators have put the country on the continental map after winning major awards at the 2026 TICON Africa, AMC and ASCON Conference in Livingstone, Zambia.
The awards recognised Malawian work in technology leadership, research and women’s participation in the digital sector, while other local innovators showcased solutions aimed at transforming Africa’s digital economy.
The conference, held at Avani Victoria Falls Resort, brought together ICT professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers and digital innovators from across Africa to discuss digital transformation, innovation and cross-border trade.
The Malawian delegation, led by the ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM), featured prominently through research presentations, technology innovations and leadership discussions.
Peter Ngwira, founder and CEO of Nyasa Engineering Consultancy Ltd and project design team lead for High IMPEL Energy Company Limited, represented Malawi on a leadership dialogue panel focusing on African digital enterprises and payment ecosystems.
Ngwira also presented on product and technology leadership in digital technology and global trade.
He called for stronger collaboration between African governments and the private sector to develop secure and interoperable payment systems.
Ngwira cited the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) as an important framework for making cross-border trade easier for African businesses.
Malawi’s biggest award moment came when Elizabeth Chabaluka Masache won the TICON Africa Excellence Award for Women in Tech Excellence of the Year 2026.
The award recognised her contribution to digital transformation and the empowerment of women in Africa’s technology sector.
Another Malawian, Zawadi Gondwe, won the Best Research Award for her work on reducing fraud in USSD mobile banking using lightweight machine-learning models.
Her research focuses on fraud risks affecting users who depend on USSD-based banking services, particularly in expanding financial inclusion.
Meanwhile, National Bank of Malawi (NBM) supported the participation of more Malawian innovators at the continental event.
After sponsoring the NBM Innovation Jam with ICTAM at a cost of K113 million, the bank sponsored Staff Nyoni and Philip Kwanguvu to showcase their technology and artificial intelligence solutions at the conference.
The achievements have given Malawian researchers, entrepreneurs and technology professionals a wider platform to showcase home-grown solutions and contribute to Africa’s digital transformation.
