Empowered Women, Empower Innovation: The Women Shaping UniPod’s First Year in Malawi

A year ago, the University Innovation Pod (UniPod) at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) opened its doors in Blantyre, marking a bold step forward under timbuktoo, UNDP’s ambitious initiative to ignite a startup revolution across Africa. Today, UniPod is a beacon of innovation, equipping young minds with the tools and resources to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions.

As one of the UniPods being established across the continent, UniPod Malawi is more than just a lab; it’s a vibrant incubator of ideas, a collaboration hub, and a platform where innovation meets entrepreneurship. It bridges the gap between research and product development, empowering Africa’s next generation of industrial pioneers.

As the UNDP Gender Equality Strategy emphasises the importance of leveraging innovation space to address gender disparities and achieve gender equality, women breaking barriers and redefining innovation are at the heart of this transformation. 

Two remarkable women, Upile Matululu and Hope Khasu, are proving that when women step into the innovation space, they don’t just participate, they lead.

Their journey is inspired by the leadership of Professor Nancy Chitera, Vice Chancellor of MUBAS. As a trailblazing leader in academia, she has championed opportunities for young people and ensured UniPod remains a dynamic space for groundbreaking ideas. Her vision for inclusion and innovation was instrumental in establishing UniPod at the university with support from UNDP.

Upile Matululu: Breathing Life into Innovation

At just 25, Upile Matululu is already a force in Malawi’s tech space. As a computer technician at UniPod, she bridges the gap between ideas and execution, helping innovators design and refine their projects. Her technology journey wasn’t conventional, she initially pursued telecommunications engineering but was drawn to information technology for its dynamism and potential.

“It wasn’t my first choice,” Upile admits. “But I saw the potential for growth, the opportunities for expansion, and the longevity in the field. Technology is always evolving, especially in Malawi.”

Working at UniPod has exposed her to limitless possibilities. “It’s a first for most of us, so we are learning as we go. But it also brings exciting opportunities. I meet diverse people, gain exposure, and develop skills I wouldn’t get from a typical desk job.”

Beyond tech, Upile is a mentor, running digital skills training for young women and championing inclusivity in STEM. “My message to young women is to empower themselves because empowered women drive innovation. When you build your skills, you create opportunities, not just for yourself, but for others.”

Hope Khasu: From Law to Labs

Hope Khasu’s journey into engineering was anything but typical. Once dreaming of a career in law, a chance encounter with an engineer working on an internet project at her high school changed everything. Inspired, she pivoted to biomedical engineering at MUBAS, eventually finding her niche in electrical and electronic engineering.

Today, as an electrical and electronic technician at UniPod, Hope specialises in designing and developing printed circuit boards (PCBs), providing technical expertise, and mentoring young innovators. One of her proudest achievements is playing a key role in creating a locally manufactured radio, designed to support the reception of educational content by students via local FM stations.

“The journey of self-discovery is never straightforward. You will face challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But what matters is how you rise after each fall. Keep moving forward, learn from your mistakes, and stay focused on your goals.”

Hope isn’t just breaking barriers; she’s helping others do the same. As a former president of the Polytechnic Association for Female Engineers, she has dedicated herself to inspiring the next generation of female engineers, visiting schools and mentoring young girls interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers.

A Future Powered by Women

As UniPod marks its first anniversary in Malawi, the stories of Upile and Hope underscore a powerful truth about women's leadership. Their contributions are shaping Malawi’s innovation landscape and paving the way for more women to follow.

A key focus for UniPod is breaking gender barriers in STEM fields. Historically, technical fields have been male-dominated, but UniPod is changing that by actively encouraging female participation. 

UniPod Malawi manager Francis Massi emphasises the importance of representation: “When young women see female technicians operating advanced machinery, it motivates them. It shows them that technology and innovation are not just for men.”

UniPod also runs dedicated programs for women, providing mentorship and hands-on experience to encourage more female innovators to take the lead. By fostering an inclusive environment, UniPod is not just building technology; it’s creating a future where innovation knows no gender.

Ahunna Eziakonwa-Onochie, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, witnessed this firsthand during her tour of the UniPod facility at its launch.

She noted, “Without exception, they exuded competence, confidence, capability, collaborative spirit, and compassion. None of them sounded like they were in it just for themselves. There was a spirit of ‘we want to go out there and conquer the world—not to buy private jets for ourselves, but to transform lives in our communities and countries.’ If that is not leadership, I wonder what it is?”

The work is far from over, but as UniPod grows, it promises a more inclusive, dynamic, and innovative future where women are not just participants but pioneers in Africa’s technological revolution.