By Dean Chisambo
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Cluster on Education, Science, and Technology, Brainax Kaisi, has pledged to lobby the Ministry of Finance to increase the budget allocation for the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST).
Kaisi made this commitment after NCST presented its budget deficit to the parliamentary cluster, highlighting the commission’s financial challenges.
He pointed out that the current budget allocation has left NCST incapacitated, limiting its ability to effectively fulfill its mandate.
“We will engage the Ministry of Finance to see if there are any available funds that can be redirected to NCST. In today’s world, no country can develop without investing in science and technology. This is a very important commission, and it deserves adequate funding,” Kaisi emphasized.
He further stated that his cluster will also engage the Ministry of Education to explore possible internal funding mechanisms that could support NCST’s operations.
On his part, NCST Acting Director of Planning and Research Mobilization, Kondwani Gondwe, stated that the current budget estimate of K2.68 billion is insufficient, as the commission requires approximately K3.8 billion, leaving a shortfall of K1.7 billion.
Gondwe highlighted that one of their key challenges is managing the National Science and Technology Fund, which is intended to support technological advancements and innovations in Malawi.
“We provide grants to researchers in universities and institutions across the country to facilitate research and innovation. However, due to financial constraints, we are unable to meet the growing demand. We are appealing to the government to increase our budget,” Gondwe stated.
NCST was established under the Science and Technology Act of 2003 to advise the government and stakeholders while also supporting, promoting, regulating, and coordinating research, science, technology, and innovation in Malawi.
