AAU Engages Dr. Julius Garvey and Center for Global Africa on Higher Education, AfCFTA, and Pan-African Transformation
June 17, 2026
About the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS)
The Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) stands as one of Malawi’s leading public universities distinguished by its commitment to advancing knowledge, innovation, entrepreneurship, and professional excellence through teaching and learning, applied research, consultancy, and engagement with industry and society. Established under the MUBAS Act of 2019, the University builds on a rich legacy of academic excellence while positioning itself as a modern, industry-responsive institution. With more than 11,000 students and over 130 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, MUBAS continues to expand access to quality higher education while equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to respond to contemporary social, economic and technological challenges.
Following its delinking from the University of Malawi, MUBAS restructured its academic framework portfolio into five specialised schools: the School of Engineering, the School of Science and Technology, the School of Business and Economic Sciences, the School of Education, Communication and Media Studies, and the School of the Built Environment. This transformation strengthened the University’s capacity to deliver specialised and market-relevant programmes, and respond more effectively to emerging needs of industry and society at large.
In recent years, MUBAS has recorded significant strides in postgraduate education, expanding both programme offerings and student enrolment. The University’s growing investment in Digital Learning and Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) is widening opportunities for flexible and inclusive education. Through initiatives such as the MUBAS Offline Digital Library (MOODL) and the expansion of ODeL infrastructure to satellite campuses, the university is using technology to improve access and enhance learning beyond the traditional classroom setting.
Research, innovation, and entrepreneurship are central to the University’s mission. MUBAS has strengthened its research and innovation ecosystem through initiatives such as the University Innovation Pod (UNIPOD), the Entrepreneurship Centre, and the Technology Transfer Office. These structures support idea development, innovation, enterprise creation, commercialisation of research outputs and the translation of knowledge into practical solutions for national and global challenges.
The University’s entrepreneurial vision is further advanced through MUBAS Commercial Limited (MCL), the University’s commercial arm. MCL transforms research outputs, laboratory services, and innovations into market ready products and services. Its specialised business units aligned with its academic strengths, provides engineering consultancy, construction services, furniture manufacturing, media and printing services, and mining-related ventures, while contributing to resource
mobilisation and experiential learning opportunities for staff and students. In addition, MUBAS continues to prioritise strategic investment in staff development by supporting academic advancement and strengthening professional, technical and research capacity.
MUBAS is also contributing immensely to Malawi’s agricultural transformation through its Agriculture Mechanization Unit. Leveraging the expertise of the School of Engineering, the University designs and manufactures farm machinery, including tractors, planters, harvesters, and maize shellers, helping to improve agricultural productivity and support mechanization that contributes to national development goals.
Guided by its vision of becoming an inclusive, engaged, entrepreneurial, innovative, and research-intensive university of global repute, MUBAS continues to play a leading role in developing human capital, generating impactful research, fostering innovation, and contributing to sustainable national development.
