Cohort 5: M’mawa Apprenticeship Programme | KWATHU UPGRADE

Opportunity Details

We are proud to welcome five outstanding students from the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) to the Kwathu Kollective through the fifth cohort of the M’mawa Apprenticeship Programme (MAP). Representing Business Information Technology and Computer Systems & Security, these apprentices bring a diverse blend of technical expertise, leadership potential, and a shared passion for innovation. Over the coming months, they will contribute to projects across digital transformation, agriculture, artificial intelligence, research, entrepreneurship, and systems development while gaining practical workplace experience and mentorship.

About the M’mawa Apprenticeship [MAP]

The M’mawa Apprenticeship Programme (MAP) is a work-integrated learning initiative that bridges the gap between academic study and professional practice. Through structured training, mentorship, and hands-on project experience, apprentices gain practical exposure to real-world work environments while developing essential technical, professional, and leadership skills. MAP provides opportunities for participants to contribute to projects across technology, entrepreneurship, communications, research, administration, and innovation, helping prepare the next generation of professionals to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy. The programme is built on the belief that meaningful learning happens through experience, collaboration, and purposeful engagement with real challenges.

About the M’mawa Apprenticeship Programme: Upskilling Africa’s Youth for Corporate | KWATHU UPGRADE

Established in 2020, the Nyenyezi Entrepreneurship Fellowship is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are eager to develop business acumen, refine their ideas, and build sustainable ventures. Through this program, fellows receive mentorship, guidance on crafting impactful business plans, and opportunities to pitch their ideas to potential partners and investors. NEF aims to equip young innovators with the tools and confidence to excel in entrepreneurship and make meaningful contributions to Malawi’s economic growth.

About the Nyenyezi Entrepreneurship Fellowship [NEF]

The Nyenyezi Entrepreneurship Fellowship (NEF) is a youth entrepreneurship programme designed to support aspiring founders and innovators as they transform ideas into sustainable ventures. Through a combination of mentorship, business development training, practical project work, and exposure to entrepreneurial ecosystems, the fellowship equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to navigate the challenges of building and growing impactful enterprises. NEF places a strong emphasis on innovation, leadership, problem-solving, and value creation, encouraging fellows to develop solutions that contribute to economic growth and social progress across Malawi and Africa.

About the Nyenyezi Entrepreneurship Fellowship: Mentoring Africa’s Stars | KWATHU UPGRADE

Meet Our MAP Cohort 5:

We are excited to introduce the talented apprentices:

Angella Banda

Business Information Technology

Angella Banda is a final-year Business Information Technology student at MUST whose academic interests sit at the intersection of business strategy and technological innovation. Through her studies, she has developed a strong understanding of how digital systems can be used to solve real-world challenges and drive organizational performance.

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At the Kwathu Kollective, Angella serves as Team Leader for the Q2 Systems Project, coordinating project implementation and supporting initiatives across data, artificial intelligence, robotics, game development, and digital skills. Prior to joining the programme, she gained experience as a secondary school teacher, strengthening her communication, mentorship, and leadership capabilities. Beyond her technical work, she is an active STEM and SHEROSE mentor, supporting young learners and encouraging greater participation in science and technology fields.

Andrew Kaimaima

Computer Systems & Security

Andrew Kaimaima is a final-year Computer Systems and Security student at MUST with a strong interest in technology, systems thinking, and innovation. His academic background has equipped him with foundational skills in cybersecurity, computing systems, and emerging digital technologies.

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Through the apprenticeship programme, Andrew is contributing to research and innovation initiatives linked to smart agriculture, simulation systems, and technology-enabled development. He is particularly interested in understanding how technology can be applied to solve complex challenges facing communities and industries across Africa.

Lawrent Chowe

Computer Systems & Security

Lawrent Chowe is a Computer Systems and Security student who is passionate about building secure, reliable, and innovative digital solutions. His interests span technology, cybersecurity, and systems development, with a focus on creating tools that are both practical and impactful.

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As part of MAP Cohort 5, Lawrent is gaining hands-on experience through collaborative projects that expose him to real-world problem-solving, innovation management, and digital systems implementation. He joins the programme eager to strengthen his technical expertise while contributing meaningfully to the Kwathu ecosystem.

Noel Andrea

Computer Systems & Security

Noel Andrea is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems and Security at MUST. He is passionate about the role technology can play in transforming industries and improving livelihoods, particularly within agriculture and emerging innovation ecosystems.

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During his apprenticeship, Noel has been involved in research and content development focused on digital farming, smart agriculture, and technology commercialization. His work explores how digital systems can improve productivity, decision-making, and sustainability within agricultural value chains.

Siphat Kambona

Computer Systems & Security

Siphat Kambona is a cybersecurity student at MUST with a strong passion for technology, digital systems, and innovation. She is particularly interested in how emerging technologies can be leveraged to address development challenges and create new opportunities for communities.

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At the Kwathu Kollective, Siphat has contributed to projects examining simulation technologies, smart agriculture systems, and digital innovation. Through the apprenticeship programme, she is building practical experience while further developing her skills in technology, research, communication, and collaborative problem-solving.

Looking Ahead

As MAP Cohort 5 embarks on this journey, we are excited to support their professional growth and watch them contribute to a growing portfolio of initiatives spanning agriculture, technology, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and innovation. Their participation reflects the continued strength of the partnership between the Kwathu Kollective and the Malawi University of Science and Technology, and our shared commitment to preparing the next generation of African innovators and leaders.

Work With Us

Want to partner on or fund one of our programmes / initiatives? We are always open to collaborations and partnerships. Contact us via kollective@kwathu.org.

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