The Malawian government has issued a strong appeal to the nation's young innovators, urging them to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle the country's most pressing problems.

Dr. Chomora Mikeka, Director of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) in the ministry of Education has made the call in Lilongwe on Saturday during the closing ceremony of a week-long Artificial Intelligence Protomind Hackathon.

Organized by MHUB, the intensive workshop brought together 32 young talents grouped into five thematic teams: Health, Governance, Climate, Education, and Agriculture. 

Throughout the event, participants focused intently on developing AI-driven innovations specifically designed to address critical national issues.

Dr. Mikeka, a former board member of the National Commission for Science and Technology, emphasized the pivotal role of Malawi's youth in shaping the nation's innovative future. 

He encouraged participants by quoting Psalm 126:5, stating, "What you were doing this week has been sowing seeds that you are reaping. Continue to sow seeds that you will reap with joy." 

He further urged youths to proactively seek opportunities by applying themselves and exposing their talents to the world. 

Crucially, Dr. Mikeka affirmed: “Government is committed to implementing these youth-led innovations in alignment with Malawi 2063’s First 10-Year Implementation Plan (MIP-1), underscoring their strategic importance.”

Joining virtually, Dr. Rachel Sibande, Africa Lead on Artificial Intelligence at the Gates Foundation and founder of MHUB, hailed the emerging innovations as life-changing. 

“These young innovators have demonstrated remarkable creativity and vision," Dr. Sibande stated. "By applying Artificial Intelligence to challenges in health, governance, climate, education, and agriculture, they are proving that Africa is not just a consumer of technology but a creator of transformative solutions. The prototypes developed here show the power of youth-led innovation to drive inclusive development and position Malawi at the forefront of the digital future." 

While acknowledging AI's transformative potential, she also stressed the continued necessity of human oversight to ensure the technology effectively serves humanity. 

“The projects planted seeds for ensuring AI narrows—not widens—the digital divide, pledging MHUB’s continued support to nurture the developed prototypes,” Dr. Sibande affirmed.

The initiative directly supports the Malawi 2063 (MW2063) vision, which prioritizes harnessing science, technology, and innovation as key enablers for sustainable, inclusive, and wealth-creating development.