MUST wins innovation fund with organic fertilizer project
The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has earned top recognition in the 2026 Innovation Fund Pitching Competition, securing funding to help advance an idea that could transform farming practices and improve livelihoods.MUST emerged as the overall winner among six finalists shortlisted from 123 innovative projects, receiving K78 million to boost its organic fertilizer...
he Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has earned top recognition in the 2026 Innovation Fund Pitching Competition, securing funding to help advance an idea that could transform farming practices and improve livelihoods.
MUST emerged as the overall winner among six finalists shortlisted from 123 innovative projects, receiving K78 million to boost its organic fertilizer project, while the Green Innovation Centre took second place with K32 million for its waste management initiative.
The awards were presented last week during the 2026 Innovation Fund Pitching Event at the Sunbird Capital Hotel, organized by the Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurchAid (NCA-DCA) Innovation Fund.
Minister of Labour, Skills, and Innovation, Joel Chigona, emphasized that increased youth participation in innovation is vital to accelerating Malawi’s national development agenda and achieving the country’s long-term vision.
“We need innovation as such, we can’t be importing from outside. Malawi must find its innovative projects that will help reduce spending substantial amounts of foreign exchange importing products that could easily be manufactured locally,” Chigona said
NCA-DCA Country Director Stefan Jansen highlighted that innovation, supported by access to finance, remains key to national growth.
Jansen described the event as an essential platform for showcasing locally developed solutions, strengthening partnerships, encouraging collaboration, and demonstrating how innovation contributes directly to sustainable development.
“This is a step in the right direction to support innovative initiatives addressing climate change, food security, gender equality, and the prevention of gender-based violence as we work with the government to deliver Vision 2063.”
Receiving the award on behalf of MUST, Dr. Jabulani Nyengere explained that the funding will allow his team to expand the production and distribution of their granulated urine fertilizer.
He added that the organic fertilizer made from a combination of special rocks and urine has been developed over the past two years with support from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Nyengere noted that the team previously faced equipment constraints, but the new capital will enable them to acquire heavy machinery, refine product quality, and reach more farmers.
“We as MUST believe in translating science and technology into enterprises that really make sense to solve the problems of Malawians,” Nyengere stated.
Alinafe Velemu, founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Green Innovation Centre, expressed deep gratitude for the funds and pledged to continue transforming waste into useful products.
Velemu shared that the award money will be invested in essential equipment and resources to scale up production and create much-needed job opportunities.
The NCA-DCA Innovation Fund was first launched in 2025. In its inaugural edition, the fund awarded 64 million Kwacha to NutriCare and 21 million Kwacha to Zaluso Arts, establishing a track record of supporting high-impact, locally driven solutions across Malawi.
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