By Donald Zimba
Lilongwe, March 29, Mana: Ministry of Higher Education, in collaboration with the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), a UNESCO organization, is set to host a ground-breaking workshop on Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML) in Zomba on Monday.
The workshop, spearheaded by Associate Professor Chomora Mikeka, who is Director of Science, Technology and Innovation at the Ministry of Higher Education, aims to advance artificial intelligence (AI) innovation in Malawi.
“This is a step forward for innovation in Malawi. I believe students need to feel they can create solutions and embrace new challenges without fear,” said Mikeka.
Tiny Machine Learning is a cutting-edge approach that enables AI to run on small, low-cost devices. Unlike traditional AI, which requires powerful and expensive computers, TinyML makes AI more affordable and accessible, costing as little as $5 to $10 per device.
“This low-cost technology allows AI applications to be tailored to specific environments, making it particularly useful for countries like Malawi,” explained Marco Zennaro, a research scientist involved in the initiative.
The workshop will bring together 30 participants, primarily students and graduates in engineering, physics, and mathematics. As part of the initiative, Malawi has been selected to receive specialized hardware to support further research and student projects in AI and machine learning.
“This technology has immense potential, especially in agriculture, where AI can be used to detect plant diseases early. This ensures healthier crops and improved food security,” added Zennaro.
With Malawi’s economy heavily reliant on agriculture, experts believe that TinyML could revolutionize farming by providing cost-effective AI-powered solutions for detecting and preventing plant diseases.
The TinyML workshop marks a significant milestone in Malawi’s technological advancement. By introducing AI solutions that are both affordable and practical, the initiative aims to equip young innovators with the skills and tools needed to drive local development.
The event is expected to lay the foundation for future AI-driven research and applications in Malawi, positioning the country as a leader in adopting emerging technologies for sustainable growth.
