ACENUB signs MoU with MBS
Mzuzu University (MZUNI), through the African Centre of Excellence in Neglected and Underutilised Biodiversity (ACENUB), has entered into a 5-year agreement with the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) to foster research, capacity building, and the development of quality products.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place at the Capital Hotel in Lilongwe on February 12, 2024.
MZUNI Vice-Chancellor Professor Wales Singini has described the MoU as a game changer and a significant development towards achieving quality standards.
“Mzuzu University considers the Malawi Bureau of Standards as very important strategic partner for the University in both implementation of our Strategic Plan and the success of ACENUB Project. The MoU in line with the mandate of MBS, whose mission is to contribute, by promoting quality and standardization towards the strengthening of the economy of Malawi and towards enhancing the quality of life of its entire people,” he said.
MBS Director General Bernard Thole believes the MoU will spearhead quality standards in various fields.
“This MoU is very important because it aligns well with objective number one in our strategic plan, which talks about capacity building and institutional strengthening, so we need to collaborate with other institutions with similar interests in the country.
“Our main role is to provide insights into research, product standards and offering hands-on experience to students undergoing post-graduate studies. Another opportunity is that students from MZUNI will have the opportunity to visit our laboratories to use specific equipment that the university may not have,” he added.
ACENUB 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 is directly contributing to MW 2063 which challenges universities in Malawi, including MZUNI, to catalyse national transformation from poverty reduction to ‘spearheading wealth creation for all”.
The MW 2063 clearly recognises the importance of science, technology and innovation (STI) in agriculture commercialization, industrialisation and human capital development.
