REVITALIZING MALAWI’S EDUCATION SYSTEM: THE FOUNDATION
OF NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION
10.1 Overview
Before Malawi can fully realize its potential in agriculture, tourism, mining, industry,energy, trade, and logistics, it must first build a well-educated and skilled populace. Education is the bedrock of economic and social development, enabling all other sectors to function optimally. Without a critical mass of educated citizens, the nation cannot produce the workforce needed to power its economy or foster innovation.Challenges facing Malawi’s education system include:

• Uninspired and stagnant leadership that fails to cultivate a dynamic and forward-thinking education system, limiting opportunities for growth, innovation, and national development.
• Low secondary and tertiary completion rates: Only 19% of Malawians complete secondary education, and 6% attain tertiary qualifications.
• Outdated curricula: The disconnect between what is taught in schools and the skills required in the job market exacerbates youth unemployment and unprepared labour force

• Insufficient infrastructure: Overcrowded classrooms, inadequate learning materials, and poorly maintained schools undermine quality education.
• Limited access to digital tools: The digital divide restricts students from engaging with modern learning technologies.
• Teacher shortages and low morale: Poor remuneration and limited career development opportunities deter educators from remaining in the profession.
• Inadequate early childhood education: Most children lack access to quality preprimary programs, affecting long-term learning outcomes.
  Aligned with MW2063’s pillars of Human Capital Development and Inclusive Wealth Creation, and supported by enablers such as Governance, Technology Adoption, and Private Sector Dynamism, UTM’s vision for education is to transform the system into a modern, inclusive, and skills-oriented engine of national transformation.

10.2.1 Investment in Education
Alignment with MW2063: Advances Human Capital Development by prioritizing
infrastructure, teacher training, and modern curricula.
UTM Pledges:

• Allocate significant funding over the next decade to improve infrastructure, train
  teachers, and modernize curricula.
• Build modern primary and secondary schools, public universities, and technical
  colleges tailored to meet 21st-century demands.
• Establish School Districts to decentralize resource management and foster
  accountability at the local level.
  10.2.2 Pre-School Education
  Alignment with MW2063: Supports Human Capital Development by promoting
  equitable access to foundational learning and establishing a strong foundation for
  lifelong education.
  UTM Pledges:
• Establish a nationwide pre-school program to ensure all children access quality
  early childhood education.
• Build modern pre-school facilities with trained educators and engaging curricula.
  10.2.3 Primary & Secondary Education
  Alignment with MW2063
  Both Primary and Secondary Education are critical to advancing Human Capital
  Development, ensuring strong foundational literacy and numeracy, and preparing
  students for diverse career pathways. Secondary education also contributes to
  Economic Resilience by equipping learners with skills for an adaptable workforce.
  UTM Pledges;
  School Accessibility & Infrastructure
  Establish School Districts to ensure primary and secondary schools are within
  walking distance.
• Upgrade schools with libraries, sports fields, and fenced compounds for safety
  and holistic development.
  Improving Learning Conditions
• Limit class sizes to 40 students per class to enhance teacher-student
  engagement.
• Ensure adequate teaching materials and modern facilities for effective learning.
  Holistic Education & Skills Development
• Reintroduce sports, music, and arts programs to nurture creativity and wellrounded growth.
• Expand primary schools to include secondary facilities, reducing travel and
  boarding costs.
• Integrate creative and practical skills such as gardening, arts, and sports into
  the secondary school curriculum.
• By implementing these measures, UTM aims to enhance educational access,
• quality, and inclusivity, laying a strong foundation for a skilled and empowered
• future workforce.

10.2.5 Vocational and Technical Training
Alignment with MW2063: Advances Private Sector Dynamism by equipping
students with job-ready skills.
UTM Pledges:

• Modernize vocational institutions with cutting-edge tools and facilities.
• Align programs with labor market needs, focusing on technology, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
  10.2.6 Tertiary Education
  Alignment with MW2063: Promotes Governance and Inclusive Wealth Creation by developing regional centers of excellence.
  UTM Pledges:
• Complete the construction of Mombera and Bangula Universities with the first phases completed within two years.
• Add more colleges and upgrade existing technical schools in each district to cater to regional industry needs.
• Foster partnerships with international
  universities to enhance the quality of education and research.
  10.2.7 Promoting Digital Literacy and
  Libraries
  Alignment with MW2063: Encourages Technology Adoption by bridging the digital divide.
  UTM Pledges:
• Provide internet connectivity to all schools.
• Equip schools with computers and integrate digital literacy into the
  curriculum.
• Expand mobile libraries to serve rural communities

10.2.8 Attracting and Retaining Educators
Alignment with MW2063: Supports Human Capital Development and Governance
by improving workforce morale and retention.
UTM Pledges:

• Introduce competitive salaries for teachers to improve retention and morale.
• Offer pathways for career advancement and ongoing professional development.
  10.2.9 Civic Education
  Alignment with MW2063: Promotes Human Capital Development by instilling
  national values.
  UTM Pledges:
• Develop a values-based curriculum that fosters patriotism, environmental
  awareness, and civic responsibility.
• Foster environmental awareness and responsibility through sustainable
  practices.
• Strengthen civic responsibility by educating students on rights, duties, and
  governance.
  Practical Engagement & Community Involvement
• Introduce mandatory community service projects in schools to encourage social
  responsibility.
• Promote student-led civic clubs focused on leadership, democracy, and
  volunteerism.
• Incorporate lessons on governance, democracy, and the Constitution to build
  informed future leaders.
  Integration with Digital & Media Literacy
• Teach students critical thinking skills to combat misinformation and promote
  responsible media use.
• Educate youth on digital citizenship, cyber ethics, and online safety.
• Encourage participation in public discourse and decision-making at local and
  national levels.
  By implementing these initiatives, UTM will equip students with the knowledge,
  values, and skills to become responsible, engaged citizens who contribute
  meaningfully to nation-building and sustainable development.