African Drone and Data Academy-MUST

The African Drone and Data Academy (ADDA) at MUST is proud to have equipped postgraduate students with practical drone operation, data collection, processing, and analysis skills through the Basic Drone Training Course.

This milestone reflects our commitment to developing minds with skills that respond to emerging technological needs.

We are shaping the next generation of researchers and innovators who will use drone technology to drive solutions in Malawi and beyond.

Today, we share pictures of some of the Vice Chancellor’s Mobile Junior Academy graduates at Mzimba Secondary School as they proudly received their certificates of completion after successfully finishing their training last week.

The program equipped the students with valuable knowledge and practical skills in emerging technologies, inspiring them to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering and innovation.

The certificate presentation marked the successful conclusion of a rewarding learning journey and celebrated the students’ commitment, enthusiasm and hard work throughout the program.

𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐕𝐂'𝐬 𝐉𝐧𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐳𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

Excitement, curiosity, and renewed sense of purpose filled the air at Mzimba Secondary School as 80 students graduated from the Mobile Vice Chancellor's Junior Academy,.

The program is implemented by the African Drone and Data Academy (ADDA).

For three days, the students were introduced to the world of science, technology, and engineering through engaging, practical sessions designed to inspire them to think beyond the careers they knew locally.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony on June 4, 2026, ADDA Senior Instructor, Prince Mkango, praised the students for their active participation and commitment throughout the training.

He encouraged them to keep exploring opportunities in engineering and technology and believe in their ability to shape the future.

"You have shown great willingness to learn. We hope this experience has helped you appreciate that engineering and technology are careers within your reach if you work hard and remain focused," said Mkango.

For many students, the program was more than just a training opportunity, it was a chance to discover possibilities they had never considered before.

One of the graduates, Glory Kumwenda, described the sessions as inspiring and eye-opening.

She thanked MUST for bringing the program to Mzimba Secondary School and allowing students to learn about emerging technologies.

Another participant, Prosper Kaunda, said the program had changed the way he viewed career opportunities.

"Most of us have grown up knowing careers like nursing and teaching. Through this training, we discovered many opportunities in engineering and technology. It opened our eyes to careers we did not know about before," he said.

The Mobile Vice Chancellor's Junior Academy was launched at Mzimba Secondary School as part of the efforts to bring science and engineering education closer to learners across Malawi.

Today, we share highlights from day two of the Mobile Junior Academy at Mzimba Secondary School.

𝐌𝐳𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐕𝐂'𝐬 𝐉𝐧𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐲

The African Drone and Data Academy (ADDA), on June 2, 2026 launched the Mobile Vice Chancellor's Junior Academy at Mzimba Secondary School in a move aimed at inspiring young people to explore careers in science, technology and engineering.

The program is designed to spark students’ interest in emerging technologies while preparing them for future careers in science and engineering.

Speaking during a courtesy call to the school, ADDA senior instructor, Prince Mkango, said the initiative seeks to reach more students and expose them to different engineering fields at an early stage.

“The goal is to introduce students to the many opportunities available in engineering and technology so that they can develop the passion and confidence to pursue these careers in the future,” said Mkango.

He explained that the Junior Academy was previously conducted at the MUST campus but participation was limited by factors such as available accommodation space.

The introduction of the Mobile Vice Chancellor's Junior Academy, therefore, allows the university to take the program directly to schools and reach more learners across the country.

Mzimba Secondary School Deputy Headteacher, Wanangwa Kayira, welcomed the initiative and appreciated MUST for selecting them as the first beneficiary of the program.

“With a student population of about 650 learners, this program comes at the right time. It is the first initiative of its kind at our school and will give students an advantage by exposing them to things they did not know about before,” said Kayira.

He said such opportunities are important in helping students broaden their understanding of science and technology and make informed career choices.

One of the participants, 15-year-old Form One student, Blessings Mkweu, was excited for being part of the training.

𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐀 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝

MUST, through the African Drone and Data Academy (ADDA), on May 29, 2026, held an engagement meeting with Farmers Organisation Limited (FOL) to explore partnership opportunities that can contribute to the growth and modernization of Malawi’s agricultural sector.

The meeting brought the two organizations together to deliberate on possible ways of working together, especially focusing on the application of emerging technologies for the advancement of agriculture.

Speaking during the meeting, Farmers Organisation Limited Sales and Marketing Manager, Ronald Chilumpha, commended the MUST delegation for taking the initiative to engage with stakeholders in advancing agriculture in Malawi.

He explained that Farmers Organisation Limited, which started operating in 1980, supplies farm inputs and agricultural equipment to farmers across the country, helping them improve production and efficiency.

During the meeting, ADDA Manager, Emmanuel Chinkaka, presented the academy’s mission and outlined the vision of the Ndata School of Climate and Earth Sciences (NSCES), under which ADDA operates.

He highlighted the school's commitment to developing innovative solutions that address national and regional development challenges.

The meeting also featured a presentation by ADDA Instructor, Rachel Sibale, who highlighted the importance and practical applications of drone technology in agriculture.

She explained that drones can help farmers monitor crop health, assess field conditions, identify pest and disease outbreaks, optimize fertilizer application and collect accurate data for informed decision-making.

The use of drone technology in farming has the potential to increase productivity, reduce production costs, improve resource management and support climate-smart agricultural practices.

𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲

Drones are used for intelligence gathering and surveillance by capturing images, videos and real-time data from the air. They are equipped with special technology, which involves cameras and communication tools to monitor the area being observed and collect relevant information.

In some instances, especially in security, drones may be used to undertake a targeted mission.

Their ability to fly into difficult or risky areas helps reduce danger to people while providing accurate and timely information.

The African Drone and Data Academy at MUST is inviting applications for the Certificate of Drone and Data Technology (CDDT 2).

Get more details on the attached flyer.

The African Drone and Data Academy under the Earth Sciences Department at MUST's Ndata School of Climate and Earth Sciences, is advertising for a Basic Drone Training Course open to all MUST PG Students.

Get more details on the attached flyer.