The main objective of the programme is to chart out a national direction and establish national priorities in research, science, technology and innovation to address socio-economic development needs of Malawi. The focus is on knowledge generation, acquisition, application, and dissemination is insufficient, hindering national development through RSTI. Market forces can drive effective RSTI. Therefore, RSTI will help open new horizons and can be effective when driven by market forces. This programme will drive the national research agenda in line with the National Science and Technology Policy and its related S&T Act to attain Malawi 2063
It will provide direction and leadership in RSTI grants management under the identified thematic areas in the Agenda; ethics of RSTI management, commissioned priority research management; and effective RSTI monitoring and evaluation