Mission, Vision and Mandate

About Us

The National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) is Malawi’s own statutory body established under the Science and Technology Act (No. 16 of 2003) to advance and coordinate science, technology, and innovation in support of national development and economic growth.

The Commission became operational in December 2009, following the integration of the National Research Council of Malawi and the Department of Science and Technology, in line with a Cabinet directive issued on 20th October 2008. The NCST Secretariat appointed its first Director General in 2010, marking the formal commencement of its operations.

As the principal advisory institution on science and technology (S&T) matters, NCST provides strategic policy guidance to the Government of Malawi and other stakeholders to foster a science, technology, and innovation-driven development agenda. Under the oversight of the Minister responsible for Science and Technology, the Commission ensures that scientific research and innovation meaningfully contribute to Malawi’s socio-economic transformation and sustainable growth.

The establishment of NCST represents a major milestone in leveraging research, science, technology, and innovation (RSTI) to accelerate industrialization, enhance national competitiveness, and improve the quality of life for all Malawians. Through its robust governance systems, NCST acts as a bridge between research, innovation, and policy, ensuring that scientific knowledge is effectively translated into practical solutions that address Malawi’s developmental challenges and advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Our Mandate

To advise the Government and other stakeholders on all science and technology matters in order to achieve a science and technology led development.