UNIMA EdTech Conference Calls for Digital Equity in Malawi’s Schools

Each year, the School of Education at the University of Malawi (UNIMA) brings together educators, education specialists, government officials, and other key stakeholders for its annual EdTech Conference. The conference serves as a platform to explore innovative ways of integrating technology into the education sector to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.

This year’s conference, held under the theme “Leveraging Mobile Technology for Quality and Inclusive Learning in Malawi,” was conducted in collaboration with the Malawi Institute of Education (MIE). The two-day event featured presentations and exhibitions showcasing the latest technological tools and strategies designed to transform education across Malawi.

During the launch of the conference, which took place on 12th May, 2025, Professor Agnes Chigona from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in South Africa delivered the keynote address titled “Teacher Education for the Realities of 21st Century Learners in Marginalized Communities.” Her presentation emphasized the importance of embracing educational technologies, noting that teachers must integrate technology into their teaching practices to stay relevant in an increasingly digital world.

“We need our teachers to integrate technology in teaching and learning,” she said. “The technology is here, and if we are not using it, we are missing out on opportunities. With a smartphone, you can access information from anywhere. In situations where a school does not have a library, you can still access and share information with the learners.”

The opening ceremony was attended by several notable figures, including Dr. Sunduzwayo Madise, Deputy Vice Chancellor of UNIMA; Dr. Zizwa Msukuma, Director of Teacher Education and Development in the Ministry of Education, who was also the Guest of Honour; and Dr. Peter Namphande, Executive Dean of the School of Education, among other distinguished guests.

Dr. Madise used the opportunity to call on the government to intensify efforts in bridging the digital divide between rural and urban areas. He asked the government to reduce the tariff on mobile phones, treating them as education tools. He stressed that equitable access to technology is critical if all students, regardless of location, are to benefit from digital learning.

“With the right infrastructure and support, students in rural areas can have the same educational opportunities as those in urban centres,” he said.

This year’s conference introduced a new dimension to the conversation around educational technology, with a strong focus on the role of mobile phones and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Experts explored how these tools can be used to support students through adaptive learning platforms, promote inclusive education, enhance teacher development, and improve access to information.

The EdTech Conference continues to serve as a vital forum for driving educational innovation in Malawi, fostering collaboration between academia, government, and private sector partners to shape the future of teaching and learning in the country.