Thought Leadership in Higher Education in Malawi

A bit of background

• UNIMA at 50 – A time of celebration and reflection

• Integration with: – Other HE institutions– National Education Sector Plan – Malawi Reforms Agenda– Beyond MGDS II– AU Agenda 2063– UN SDGs

Needs

National needs

• Human capital • Skills• Research which addresses

specific in country priorities and needs

• Centres of innovation for economic development

• Sources of independent advice

HEIs needs

• Infrastructure• Subvention for operations• Staff development /

capacity building • International links • Support for research

UNIMA engagement to address gaps

Reflection of role of

HE in Malawi

Tracer study Thought

leadership dialogue

• Quality of education,

• Skills mix, • Self employment,• New and emerging

requirements for human capital

Contribution to the 3 NESP pillars • Access and equity, • Quality and

relevance, • Governance and

resource mobilisation

• Establish strategic partnerships for enhancing relevance

• Improve inclusiveness of education

• Explore alternative funding mechanisms

• Ensure sustained quality enhancement

Thought Leadership Dialogue

Engagement for Dialogue

University

Government

Regulatory Authorities

Private Sector

Donor Community

Civil Society

Key issues raised

• Research and teaching facilities• Student accommodation Infrastructure

• Improved loans schemes • Improved targeted supportSubvention/Govt support

• Academic development (capacity for PG support)• Quality assurance • Appropriate and professional development courses• Umunthu / Individualism

Capacity building

• Listening to the needs of industry• Improved relationships/independence/transparency

Research and innovation support

• Research and development • Innovation• Capacity building

International links

Scottish Support?

Ensure shared learning and

integrated research in all projects

Take opportunities for capacity building and

added value in projects

Support innovation in teaching and learning

Development multi-institutional links and

projects

Support and share experience in

maintaining quality and standards

Support and partner in innovation for

economic development

Support development of PG, professional courses, CPD, etc.

Share experience of successful models for

private and public sector collaboration

Support localised solutions through research and skills

development

Scottish HEIs

• Ensure familiar with national strategies – NESP, Reforms Agenda, etc.

• How do we improve coordination between Scottish HEIs to add value?