UNIMA, RFA Sign MoU to Advance Research, Innovation and Infrastructure Development
The University of Malawi (UNIMA) and the Roads Fund Administration (RFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, student development and technology-driven solutions for Malawi’s road infrastructure sector.
The agreement, signed at the RFA offices in Lilongwe on Friday, 10th July 2026, establishes a framework through which the two institutions will work together in research, consultancy, technical advisory services, student innovation and capacity building to address national infrastructure challenges.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, UNIMA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samson Sajidu, described the partnership as a significant step towards bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry practice.
“This partnership reflects confidence in the University’s capacity to contribute beyond teaching through research, innovation, consultancy and technical advisory services. It provides a structured platform for closing the gap between academic training and industry practice while creating opportunities for our students and researchers to solve real-world challenges,” Said Professor Sajidu.
Professor Sajidu said the collaboration will expose students to industrial attachments, mentorship, collaborative supervision and practical engineering and technology projects, enabling them to develop solutions that directly respond to challenges facing the country’s road infrastructure.
He noted that the partnership will also strengthen innovation by allowing RFA to present operational challenges to UNIMA students, who would in turn develop practical, affordable and locally appropriate solutions.
“The partnership moves student projects beyond classroom exercises by exposing them to real infrastructure challenges, technical specifications, testing environments and expert feedback from industry,” he said.
Beyond student engagement, Professor Sajidu highlighted several strategic areas identified for joint research, including tollgate payment systems using mobile money, prepaid and post-paid payment models, integration with Malawi’s National e-Payment Gateway through NATSWITCH, remote monitoring of diesel generators and solar backup systems, the application of artificial intelligence through number-plate recognition technologies for vehicle classification and revenue protection, and finding technological solutions to combat vandalism of road infrastructure..
He further revealed that collaboration between the two institutions had already commenced through technical engagements involving the University’s Department of Physics and Electronics, which is providing expertise on the review of solar backup system designs and utility provisions for new tollgates.
Professor Sajidu said the partnership aligns with the University of Malawi’s mission of producing graduates with transferable skills through teaching, research, innovation, consultancy and outreach, while contributing to the aspirations of Malawi 2063 by supporting the development of modern, resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
On his part, Roads Fund Administration Chief Executive Officer, Stewart Malata, described the agreement as a milestone in the history of the institution and the beginning of a strategic partnership that will combine academic excellence with industry experience.
“This function is much more than the signing of an agreement. It reflects our collective vision to harness knowledge, research and innovation to strengthen institutional capacity and contribute meaningfully to the development of our country,” said Malata.
Malata said the partnership provides a platform for combining UNIMA’s academic and research expertise with RFA’s practical experience in revenue generation, infrastructure financing and management.
He further said the road sector requires more than financial resources to address emerging challenges, emphasising the need for evidence-based decision-making, technological innovation, continuous learning and highly skilled professionals.
Malata also highlighted RFA’s commitment to institutional excellence, noting that the organisation attained ISO 9001 certification two years ago and has successfully maintained its certification through independent audits.
He said the establishment of the institution’s Innovation and Work Improvement Committee demonstrates its commitment to continuous improvement and quality service delivery.
The RFA Chief Executive Officer commended both the UNIMA and RFA technical teams, particularly Dr Dackson Masiyano of the University’s Department of Physics and Electronics, for laying the foundation for the partnership.
Following the signing of the MoU, the two institutions are expected to develop an implementation plan with clearly defined priority projects, responsible teams, timelines and measurable outcomes.
The partnership is expected to enhance student learning, promote applied research, strengthen national infrastructure systems and contribute to Malawi’s socio-economic development by leveraging local expertise to solve national challenges.
