By Bishop Witmos

Mangochi, September 12, Mana: Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has inspired engineers to recognize their vital role in driving the attainment of Malawi's 2063 Agenda, which aims at transforming the country into a middle-income economy.

Addressing engineers at their 4th annual conference in Mangochi on Thursday, Usi emphasized that the engineering profession is crucial to the country's economy, especially in driving the Malawi 2063 Vision.

He urged engineering professionals to take ownership of their responsibilities and be proactive in developing innovative solutions to address the country's infrastructure and economic challenges.

The Vice President pointed out the significance of engineers in designing and implementing projects that can stimulate economic growth, improve living standards and enhance the country's competitiveness.

"It is critical that on this journey everyone should understand their contribution towards realizing the Malawi 2063 Agenda," he said.

"You must understand your core values as well as the true meaning of goals of your organizations and let us take business unusual by coming up with innovations to give the best to the society," he added.

Usi emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership between engineers, policymakers and other stakeholders.

However, he encouraged engineers to engage with government and private sector leaders to identify opportunities for growth and development.

"Malawi has over the years grappled with substandard infrastructure including roads which have failed to withstand the test of time. These are the issues that you should tackle with an open mind at this conference," he said.

The conference which will take place for two days has brought together professionals from various engineering disciplines across Malawi.

It is being g held under the theme: 'Evaluating the engineering profession, driving the attainment of of Malawi 2063."

In his remarks, immediate past president for the engineering association, Dr. Paul Kulemeka, while accepting challenges in the engineering profession, said the conference will help to assist the professionals to bang heads on innovative solutions that can assist to uplift the country socially and economically.

"As this year marks 20 years of the association since its establishment, we are committed to discuss issues and give constructive ideas in order to give our infrastructural development what it deserves.

"We understand challenges that the engineering profession is facing, but we believe that through collaboration we can change the situation," Kulemeka said.