From June 16 to 20, 2025, the Muuni Fund, under the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), successfully hosted a five-day Strategic Foresight Co-creation Workshop at Mount Soche in Blantyre. The workshop marked a significant step in Malawi’s journey toward establishing one of only seventeen ITU-recognized Acceleration Centres globally.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders—including representatives from government, industry, academia, innovators, entrepreneurs, and support networks—to collectively assess the future impact of investments in the innovation ecosystem on Malawi’s sustainable socio-economic development.

At the core of the workshop was the application of strategic foresight, a critical tool used to anticipate emerging trends, identify transformative opportunities, and develop resilient, future-ready strategies. Participants engaged deeply with the five key foresight play areas introduced by the ITU: Framing & Scanning, Mapping, Visioning, Transforming, and Managing.

The sessions facilitated scenario-building exercises, forward-looking strategy development, and the creation of governance and partnership frameworks aimed at strengthening collaboration and alignment within the national innovation ecosystem.

For Malawi to achieve digital empowerment and self-reliance, it is imperative to invest not only in technology but also in the strategic foresight necessary to shape the nation’s future. Effective innovation begins with an inclusive and forward-thinking approach. -Ms. Wezi Salima, Team Lead for the Muuni Fund

By the end of the workshop, participants had co-created a shared vision for the ITU Acceleration Centre in Malawi—one grounded in inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability. The outcomes of the workshop are expected to influence future digital innovation policies, strengthen local innovation capacity, and accelerate Malawi’s transformation into a regional leader in digital development.