ACENUB registers success

The African Centre of Excellence in Neglected and Underutilised Biodiversity (ACENUB) has registered success in various areas. Speaking during the National Steering Committee (NSC) of the African Centres of Excellence in Salima on Wednesday February 12, 2025, Dr. Elijah Wanda said despite some challenges, there have been a number of positive results.

“We have done a lot in the disbursement of funds, verification of data and research output. We have also signed a number of partnerships with organisations with similar interests as ACENUB,” he said. The achievements include the US$3,578,617.02, which has been verified and disbursed to date, representing 62 percent disbursement; data submitted for verification, and expecting 100 percent on the following performance-based contracts: research and innovation through PhD and MSc programmes, exchanges, short courses, partnerships, resource mobilisation, and national accreditation.

Mzuzu University established ACENUB to provide a platform for high level research and postgraduate training for Malawi and the region. The centre is contributing to the training, collaboration, academic and research outputs of Malawi and the region in agri-food and nutrition systems, agri-business and entrepreneurship, risk management and climate change proofing, and rural innovation and agricultural extension. ACENUB directly contributes to MW 2063, which challenges universities in Malawi, including MZUNI, to catalyse National Transformation from poverty reduction to “spearheading wealth creation for all”.