The Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) continues to break new ground — quite literally — in its mission to align academic excellence with practical, commercial impact. On a recent visit to the University’s lime exploration site in Balaka, two Cabinet ministers applauded MUBAS for its forward-thinking and hands-on approach to national development.

Minister of Education, Hon. Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, and Minister of Mining, Hon. Monica Chang'anamuno, toured the site to witness firsthand the progress of the university’s latest commercial initiative. The project, spearheaded by MUBAS Commercial Limited — the university’s investment arm — is not only a leap into industrial mining but a strategic move to bridge academia with enterprise.

Speaking to the media after the tour, Minister Wirima praised MUBAS for venturing into commercial activities, noting that such bold steps are key to enhancing institutional sustainability. “This is the kind of innovation we want to see in our public universities — moving beyond theory to generate real-world value and financial independence,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Mining echoed the sentiment, highlighting the exploration as proof of MUBAS’s commitment to establishing a full-fledged lime mining operation in the area. Minister Chang'anamuno particularly lauded MUBAS Commercial Limited for its role in creating local employment opportunities during the exploration phase — a direct socio-economic impact that benefits the surrounding communities.

The initiative is more than just an academic experiment. It signals a new chapter in how universities can actively contribute to national development through industry-aligned ventures. With the growing demand for lime in various sectors — from construction to agriculture — MUBAS is positioning itself at the heart of an untapped value chain.

This is a university not content with producing graduates alone — it’s producing solutions, industries, and livelihoods. And the Balaka lime project might just be the first of many such milestones.