By Wilfred Golden
Authorities in the communication sector have said that the vast use of space resources and space technologies which range from climate and weather monitoring to access to health care, education, water management, efficiency transportation and agriculture are super important in transforming the Malawi’s communication sector.
Malawi Space Agency Taskforce Chairperson, Mrs Thandie Chisala Mbvundula, made the sentiments when she presided over the opening of 3 day 2023 Malawi Space Conference which is being held in the Malawi’s capital city, Lilongwe.
She said this space conference aligns perfectly with our commitment as a nation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by Malawi in 2015.
“These global objectives aim to eradicate poverty, protect our planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.
“Our own Malawi’s 2063 Agenda, envisions a youth-centric, self reliant Malawi driven by industrization, and a key avenue to achieve these goals is through the strategic use of Information and Commuication Technology (ICT), innovation and advancement in space technology to further enhance our digitalization programme,” Mbvundula said.
On her part, Director of Finance at MACRA, Mphatso Phiri, highlited that as MACRA, they envisages in their strategic plan for a digitally transformed nation through effective regulation, research and innovation.
“One key issue that will see the realization of this goal is the establishment of Malawi Space Agency and the exploration of space resources.
“This can help a country to optimize the space industry by among others harnessing the potential benefits of space science and technology in addressing social-economic opportunities and challenges, ensuring access to space data by strenghthen space missions and adopting good governance and best practices,” Phiri said.
The conference has seen participation of various euro space engineers from across the globe presenting on topics spanning from trends in Satellite Communication, applications and major benefits of space services for Malawi in sectors such as Agriculture, Mining as well as disaster management using available space data.
The conference which started yesterday October 18,2023 will end on October 20, 2023.
It is being held under the theme: “Space Applications for Sustained Development”.
