MEET OUR VICE PRESIDENTIAL RUNNING MATE – United Transformation Movement (UTM)
The People’s Engineer. Malawi’s Most Accomplished Engineer.
“An engineer of systems, a builder of futures, and a servant of the people.”
Dr. Mathews Mtumbuka is not just an engineer — he is The People’s Engineer. He embodies a rare blend of technical brilliance, global leadership, and heartfelt service to ordinary Malawians. He brings to the UTM Presidential Ticket a rare combination of engineering genius, academic distinction, and grassroots empathy. Born and raised in Rumphi District, he embodies the Malawian dream — rising from humble beginnings to become one of the country’s most respected scholars and engineers on the global stage.
He holds a PhD in Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Sheffield (UK) and a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from the University of Malawi (The Polytechnic). He was the first Malawian to earn a PhD in Telecommunications Engineering, paving the way for countless others.
A Life Built on Engineering Precision & Vision
Dr. Mtumbuka’s engineering brilliance saw him work with British Telecom (BT), Shell International, and Cisco Systems, contributing to the development of cutting-edge communication systems across Europe and Africa. He later brought this technical experience home, focusing on building educational and technological foundations for Malawi and the continent.
He has led ICT innovations, advised governments and regional bodies, and championed STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education, particularly for young Africans from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Leadership Across Sectors
As CEO of the Higherlife Foundation in Southern Africa, Dr. Mtumbuka oversaw educational and youth empowerment initiatives in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe — supporting thousands of scholars, schools, and vulnerable communities.
He is also:
- Founding member of the Africa Network of Engineers and Technologists
- Former Board Chairperson of NICO Life Malawi
- Frequent speaker at African Leadership forums, technology summits, and youth mentorship conferences
- Mentor to over 10,000 youth across Africa through online and in-person platforms
A Professor with a People’s Heart
Despite his global accolades, Dr. Mtumbuka remains deeply grounded in village life. He is fluent in Tumbuka, Chichewa, and the realities of rural Malawi. He believes that engineering solutions must translate to food on the table, lights in the house, and dignity for every family.
Why Dr. Mtumbuka?
- Dr. Mtumbuka earned his PhD in Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Sheffield, UK — a top-tier global institution.
- He obtained this in the early 2000s, at a time when no other Malawian had yet achieved a doctoral qualification specifically in the field of telecommunications engineering.
- His PhD focused on data networks and communication systems, a pioneering field for Malawi at the time.
Why This Matters:
- At the time, Malawi had very limited capacity in advanced telecoms and ICT, and his achievement opened the door for future Malawian scholars in the tech and engineering space.
- His academic milestone is frequently cited in engineering circles, education platforms, and leadership talks across Africa as a turning point for Malawi’s presence in global STEM.
- 25+ years of global and local experience in engineering, education, and leadership
- A clean, ethical record of service in both public and private sectors
- Devoted to mentoring the next generation of Malawian scientists and leaders
THE PEOPLE’S PROFESSOR MEETS THE PEOPLE’S ECONOMIST
With Dr. Dalitso Kabambe and Dr. Mathews Mtumbuka, Malawi gains a powerhouse of knowledge, integrity, and execution. This is not just a ticket — it is a revolution of competence and care.
UTM 2025 — Real Change. Real Plans. Real People.