UPG Viewer

32 Years Old

Malawi

Male

Yes! That is really who you are!

My name is Zacheous Kantchowa and I am from Malawi, currently working with the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST). I joined NCST in November 2016 and have since accumulated valuable experience in public management and information technology.
I hold a Master’s degree in Public Management from the KDI School of Public Policy and Management in South Korea, with double concentrations in Public Administration and Leadership, Strategy, and Global Management. Additionally, I have a BSc (Hons) in Business Information Technology from the University of Greenwich.
A significant milestone in my journey was participating in the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) RLC-SA leadership program in Public Management and Governance, Cohort 24, held in South Africa. Successfully completing this program has equipped me with enhanced leadership skills, conflict resolution, mediation, public speaking, presentation techniques, pitching and a deeper understanding of public management and governance, further propelling my career and community impact.

Another notable achievement was being selected for the G20 global leadership program in South Korea in 2021, where I learned about promoting global peace, mediation and negotiation skills, green growth, and climate change, Economic development, trade & international cooperation, human rights, digital government, good governance and sustainable development goals (SDGs),
I have also been selected for the second time as 2024 Korea African Continent Correspondent (the only Korea African Correspondent in Malawi) by the Korea Africa Foundation, reporting about how Malawi is progressing as a country in terms of global peace index, SDGs, economic development, climate change and reporting about different activities that are taking place in the country in different sectors. I played the same role in 2022.

I have developed the Innovation Bridge Portal, an online system that helps young innovators in Malawi showcase their innovations and connect with potential funders, addressing various challenges faced by Malawians.
Beyond professional pursuits, I have accomplished extracurricular activities such as diplomatic talks that promote regional peace and global peace, Good leadership skills, public speaking skills and leadership skills.

My contributions to the Malawi government and National Commission for Science and Technology include the development of ICT systems that have improved public service delivery.

Leadership and Advocacy Skills: As a young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) alumnus and a leader in public management, I bring strong advocacy skills and experience in mobilizing communities and influencing positive change. Global Perspective and Cultural Awareness: my Participation in international programs like YALI and the G20 in South Korea, as well as my role as a Korea African correspondent for the Korea Africa Foundation, gave me a multicultural perspective and the ability to work collaboratively in diverse environments. Community Engagement: Through initiatives like the Innovation Bridge Portal and NCST projects, I have experience in community-centered work, which is essential for engaging people in sustainability efforts. Experience in Sustainability Projects: From climate advocacy to developing tools that enhance transparency in science and technology, I have hands-on experience with sustainability-focused projects. Effective Communication and Storytelling: I have a strong ability to share stories about my leadership journey and climate action helps raise awareness and inspire others to join sustainability efforts. Commitment to Lifelong Learning: my pursuit of advanced education, such as the Master’s in public management, reflects a dedication to continuously improving and expanding your skill set. Strategic Planning and Project Management: my role in developing the Road Map for the NCST website redesign demonstrates your strategic thinking and project management skills, which are vital for leading sustainability initiatives effectively.

One of my key strengths is strategic planning and project management, which I applied effectively during the redesign of the NCST website. I led a team to develop a Road Map aimed at enhancing our digital infrastructure to improve transparency and communication of science, technology, and climate-related data. This initiative involved coordinating various stakeholders, understanding user needs, and ensuring the platform would effectively serve both local and global audiences. I presented our Road Map in meetings, where I demonstrated the redesign’s potential impact on accessibility and public engagement. Through careful planning, task delegation, and clear communication, we were able to align our efforts, streamline the redesign process, and build a user-friendly platform that meets the needs of researchers, policymakers, and the public. This experience showed me how strategic planning can drive impactful change, especially in sustainability-focused initiatives

Out of hundreds of applications, I was chosen as a volunteer to join the TEDx organizing group in 2021 with the theme “Remaking my world.” I served on a panel to assist the university in choosing the qualified speakers for the TEDx event as part of my voluntary work. As a panelist, I assisted the university in developing the evaluation criteia to be applied in choosing the best candidate, and the citeria I developed were subsequently implemented by the university in order to select the best candidate during the TEDx rehearsals. In the end, we were able to select a list of qualified speakers who would present on the day of the event.
Another role that I played when volunteering for TEDx event was leading the publicity team. We managed to publicize the event by using modern platforms. This successful event helped to put KDI School on the global map.
Being a volunteer for TEDx event I learned a couple of experiences, being a volunteer taught me that, team work is very important and as a team you need to motivate each other and be willing to learn from each other, by doing so we can easily accomplish the tasks of a project.
You also need to have good leaderships skills to lead a team and always adhere to time lines, this helps you to be well focused and eventually be able to successfully deliver a project at hand.

Graduate: I have completed a graduate degree (e.g. I have a Masters degree or PhD)

launch a Digital Inclusion and Empowerment Initiative to reduce the digital divide
One significant challenge at the intersection of geopolitics and technology affecting my field in Malawi is the digital divide —the gap between those who have easy access to technology and the internet and those who do not and those who have access to digital device and those who do not have. These days a lot of transactions are taking place using mobile money transfer such as Airtel money, TNM Mpamba and other mobile money platforms, for one to use mobile money transfer platforms requires one to have access to the internet and digital device that will permit them to do the transactions. However, due to digital divide that exist in Malawi, most Malawians especially those who live in remote areas where there is no internet access find it very difficult to use these platforms and at the same time, those who have the digital device find it hard to use due to low literacy level. This problem eventually affects the digital economy of a country in Malawi.
This digital divide also affects the equitable distribution of resources, access to information, and participation in digital economy. In case of Malawi, this digital divide limits the ability of communities to access online essential services, engage in digital governance, and take part in the knowledge-based economy, further exacerbating inequalities that are already there.
The Problem:
Just like many other developing nations, Malawi is also facing significant challenges in bridging the digital gap. About 83% of Malawians live in rural areas with limited or no access to the internet, digital literacy is low and cost of technology is very high for most people. Further more, the geopolitical landscape characterised by foreign influence and donor dependencies worsen the ability to implement sustainable digital solutions. As such, bridging the digital gap is a bit difficult and the potential to advance in technological advancement and digital governance remains underutilised which affects all areas of life.
launch a Digital Inclusion and Empowerment Initiative aiming at reducing the digital divide in Malawi. This initiative would aim to create a scalable and sustainable impact by combining technology access, digital literacy, and community empowerment. I will use the initiative to engage Malawi government to increase the internet penetration in rural areas so that people staying in those areas can have access to the internet.

Challenges and Strategies
1. Infrastructure Constraints
Challenge: Limited infrastructure in rural areas (e.g., lack of electricity, poor internet connectivity).
Solution:
• Use solar-powered energy systems to power the hubs where electricity is unavailable.
• Partner with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and the government to install affordable satellite-based or mobile internet solutions in rural areas.
• Build community networks using low-cost technologies like TV white spaces (TVWS).

2. High Costs of Technology
Challenge: Procuring and maintaining digital devices and infrastructure may be expensive.
Solution:
• Source refurbished computers and digital devices through partnerships with NGOs and international organizations.
• Establish a partnership with local businesses to sponsor or subsidize equipment.
• Apply for grants from global digital inclusion programs such as the World Bank’s Digital Economy Initiative for Africa (DE4A).

3. Low Digital Literacy
Challenge: Many individuals, especially older populations and those with minimal education, may struggle to learn digital skills.
Solution:
• Develop simplified, vernacular-based training programs tailored to specific groups, such as women, youth, and the elderly.
• Recruit local trainers who understand the community and can communicate effectively.
• Use visual aids, role-playing, and real-life scenarios to teach practical skills.

 
4. Cultural Resistance and Awareness
Challenge: Communities may resist digital technologies due to lack of awareness, fear of change, or cultural perceptions.
Solution:
• Conduct community sensitization campaigns to demonstrate the benefits of digital tools (e.g., ease of mobile money transfers, access to government services).
• Involve local leaders and influencers in promoting the initiative.
• Showcase success stories and testimonials from beneficiaries.

5. Limited Funding and Dependency
Challenge: Sustaining the initiative without constant external funding.
Solution:
• Implement a hybrid funding model with small fees for certain services (e.g., printing, copying) to offset operational costs.
• Seek corporate sponsorships and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

6. Monitoring and Evaluation Difficulties
Challenge: Measuring the impact of the initiative and tracking progress over time.
Solution:
• Develop simple, mobile-based data collection tools to track hub usage, attendance, and digital literacy improvements.
• Partner with universities or research organiz

About 100 people

Yes

National commission for Science and Technology

facilitators, office space for meetings, mobilizing the community members and other expertise that can be required

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NuNK9DyxZE3RhoZGH8FrKn2jZ70tQ7di/view?usp=sharing

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