Malawi: Minister Mhango Accuses Malawian Engineers of Failing to Lead On National Infrastructure Challenges

What the report says

Malawi’s Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jappie Mhango, used the opening of the Malawi Engineering Institution’s 2026 Engineering Conference in Salima to criticize local engineers for not taking a stronger lead on the country’s infrastructure and economic problems, according to Nyasa Times as distributed by AllAfrica. He said Malawi should rely less on foreign companies and imported technical expertise, and more on homegrown professionals who can deliver local solutions.

Mhango argued that engineers should play a bigger role in innovation and local manufacturing, saying greater use of domestic equipment and skills would help Malawi carry out major development projects on its own. His remarks framed engineering as central not only to public works, but also to broader efforts to build national capacity and reduce dependence on outside support.

MEI board chair Engineer Ronard Gundamtengo responded by calling for stronger government backing, policy changes and a shift in attitudes to help the sector grow. He also said the country should add more value to its raw materials through local processing, which he said could cut imports, increase exports and make the economy more resilient. The comments reflect a wider policy debate in Malawi about skills retention, industrialization and how to expand opportunities for younger engineers.