Malawi is poised to host its first-ever Innovation City at Mvera in Dowa District, marking a transformative milestone in the country’s digital and economic development.
The project, known as Mvera Innovation City, aims to establish a robust ecosystem of digital infrastructure to support multi-sectoral growth across agriculture, education, skills development, and more.
Led by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) under its digital infrastructure programme, the initiative is also backed by the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) and the Malawi Defence Force (MDF). The government has officially created a stand-alone statutory body—Mvera Development Corporation—to oversee the project’s implementation and operations.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lilongwe, Deputy Director of Projects at MACRA who is the Corporation’s Task Force Chairperson, Nicholas Kanyenda, called on citizens and stakeholders to actively participate in and support the initiative.
“The Mvera Innovation City will serve as a magnet for businesses, entrepreneurs, and research institutions globally. We’ve already completed all paperwork and compensation processes, and we’re now seeking investors to help bring this vision to life,” Kanyenda said.
The Innovation City will initially occupy 207 hectares of land and include state-of-the-art innovation and research hubs.
According to Kanyenda, it is designed to support development in key sectors, including agriculture and education, while embracing green technology. Notably, the entire smart city will be powered by a solar farm, underscoring the project’s commitment to sustainability.
Kanyenda stressed the importance of moving beyond talk and delivering results:
“In Malawi, we are often good at talking but slow to deliver. Let me assure everyone that this time, all preparations are complete. We are now actively seeking investors to join us and help make this vision a reality.”
On his part, Deputy Commissioner of Physical Planning in the Ministry of Lands, Phillimon Mkwezalamba, confirmed that all land compensation assessments were completed.
He said that a total of K3.4 billion is being disbursed to resettle the customary landowners affected by the development.
The Mvera Innovation City aligns with the country’s long-term Malawi 2063 Vision, which prioritizes digital transformation, innovation, and inclusive economic development.
