Tiny Machines, Big Impact: UNIMA’s workshop on AI for sustainable development

As experts from around the world focus on programming small machines to address global issues such as hunger, climate change, and other environmental challenges, the University of Malawi has not been left behind. Through its School of Natural and Applied Sciences, the university has launched a five-day training workshop this week on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in small devices. The workshop, titled “TinyML for Sustainable Development,” focuses on innovative technology that enables machine learning models to run on low-cost, low-power microcontrollers. Organized in collaboration with the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), the workshop has attracted participants from UNIMA and other universities across Southern Africa.

The workshop is sponsored by various global organizations and companies, including RAiDO, ICTP, NAiXus, UNESCO’s IRC-AI, Edge-AI, ITU’s AI-4-Good, CRAFS, and the Ministry of Education. It is being held at the New Economics Building, where 30 students will receive training from international experts on how to use AI to address the country's critical issues. The workshop will cover areas such as agriculture, health, and the environment.

The opening ceremony, which took place on 31st March, 2025 at the Wadonda Lecture Theatre, was attended by notable figures, including Dr. Sunduzwayo Madise, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of UNIMA; Dr. John Shawe-Taylor, Director of the International Research Center on Artificial Intelligence (IRC-AI); and Dr. Levis Eneya, Secretary for Higher Education.

At the event, Dr. Madise highlighted the importance of understanding AI for national development, emphasizing that the workshop provides a valuable opportunity for participants to learn how to programme small machines that can help solve the country's challenges, including addressing environmental issues through weather prediction.

“One of the key pillars of the university is human development. We need to ensure that we have Malawians who possess the tools and skills necessary to drive the country forward. We cannot reach the 2063 goals if we don’t have people who are educated in AI and can harness its potential,” he said.

He further explained that AI is typically associated with high-end gadgets and energy-intensive systems. As such. in countries like Malawi, where there is already a power deficit, it is crucial to develop solutions that rely on small, energy-efficient machines.

As the world continues to explore ways of using technology to drive development, UNIMA, as a centre of excellence, is dedicated to fostering innovations and equipping its students with the skills and knowledge needed to address current and future challenges. Through initiatives like the TinyML workshop, the university aims to empower students to use advanced technologies, such as AI, to tackle critical issues. This commitment underscores the university's role in shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for the nation and beyond.