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Programme Name: : BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Year No. : 1
Module Title : BUSINESS CONTEMPORARY AND SOCIAL
ISSUES
Assignment No. and Title :1
Semester No. :1
Student Name. : O’NEIL MANDALA
Student Registration No. : BBA/LL/G/C13/21/25
Module Tutor : MR. CHISATI
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THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION IN ADDRESSING
CONTEMPORARY AND SOCIOECONOMIC ISSUES IN MALAWI
Malawi, as a developing nation, confronts numerous contemporary and social
economic challenges that impede its progress towards sustainable development. The
government strategic frameworks, such as the implementation plan I (MIP-1;2020-
2030) and Malawi's new vision of 2063.
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN THE SOCIETY AND COUNTRY
Contemporary issues are the current and emerging trends that affect a business
organization in today's fast-paced and rapidly changing environment. This assay
posits the interplay between advancements in technology, shift in global power, social
economic inequalities, supply chain disruptions and poverty respectively and how
they affect how the society and country operate.
To begin with, advancements in technology. It is the continuous progress and
improvement of various emerging technologies and their implications over time
which may positively or negatively affect our societies and country at large. Focusing
on the importance of advancement in technology to our societies , modern medical
technologies such as MRI and CT scans allow more accurate diagnosis in our society
clinics and public hospitals. For instance Maitha Gideon Mun’galo who is a Kenyan
politician who served as the governor of Kilifi County since August 2022, has
recently procured MRI machines, slice CT scans and digital X-ray machines that are
aimed at improving diagnosis and radio graphic examinations for patients at Kafili
County Referral hospital on 7th March, 2025. Therefore portraying how technological
advancements is influencing our community healthcare services.on the other view
introduction to automation and artificial intelligence that operate from manufacturing
to service disrupts traditional business models and forces companies to rethink the
strategies for example ‘’ the impact of new technology on the structure of an industry
considerably reduces the long run scope and importance of practices that aim through
restriction output, at established positions and maximizing the profits accruing from
them’’ which s discussed under the unit of process of destruction ( Schumpeter,
2012,p.98-103.)Despite the negatives, technological advancement improve security,
enhance industrial business performance, increase competitive advantage in a factory
and help maximizing production.Advancement in technology is playing a big
responsibility in saving lives of Malawian citizens rehabilitating near disaster prone
areas by giving them early warnings to possibilities of natural disasters. For instance
due to effects of climate change and meteorological services (DCCMs) has recently
warned that floods and other natural disasters will continue to be frequently occurring.
By the aid of technology advancement by using modern tools which are able ti foretell
a disaster before eruption (UNICEF,2020). Reversing effects of climate change may
be difficult but DCCMs with help from UNICEF Malawi uses advanced technology to
avert fatalities to reduce destruction of personal property, business structures and loss
of lives which reduces the number of skilled personnel who can facilitate the growth
of a nation.
Secondly, Shift in global power. The rise of emerging economies, the decline of
western dominance and the rising influence of non-state actors has a lot of
implications for business and our operations in the society and the nation at large.
This is so as it causes talent and workforce dynamics resulting to increased
competition for talents. Therefore business must invest in training and development to
attract retain top talent. Highlighting on the concept of soft-power, which refers to the
ability of a country to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than
coercion which is hard power is mostly caused by the shift in global power (Joseph S
Nye Jr, 2011.)
Thirdly, Social economic inequality. It widens the gap between the rich and the poor
leading to social and economic instability. This is observable at both community level
and the nation at large.Economic inequality as a pressing contemporary issue arising
from unequal distribution of wealth, income and opportunities has far reaching
consequences such as social cohesion and economic instability. This concentration of
wealth among only one small class widens the gap between the rich and the poor. For
instance Karl Max explains how capitalists production leads to the extraction of
surplus value from labour elongating the gap between the poor and rich as capitalists
pay their workers less than the value goods being produced ( Marx & Angels,2019).
Therefore economic inequality often intensify income disparities and social
stratification which has great impact on a business organization operating in our
societies and at a country level at large.
Fourthly, disruption on supply chain is one if the pressing contemporary issues in a
society or a country at large. Supply chain management involves the flow of goods
and services in a business, hence any alteration can affect the business’s primary
objective of accumulating enough margin.For instance a scenario of disruption of
supply chain is observed in Japan when TOYOTA Company was greatly affected in
2011 by the earthquake and tsunami which happened in Japan and forced the
company to halt production at several plants due to damaged parts suppliers leading ti
massive production losses and global car shortages ( John Manners. Bell,
2023.)Therefore companies must learn to adjust their production and sourcing new
technological strategies to cope with these changes. For instance the way the Malawi
Department of Climate Change and Methodological services (DCCMs) has recently
warned Malawi that natural disasters will frequently erupt, this disaster prediction was
aided through the use of a modern tool to foretell a disaster before erupting.
( UNICEF, 2020).
Lastly urbanization and infrastructure development are also prominent trends. Cities
like Lilongwe and Blantyre are expanding rapidly, leading to challenges such as
congestion, inadequate housing, necessitating innovative solutions to urban planning
and resource management (National Planning Commission, 2020.)
SOCIAL ECONOMIC PROBLEMS IN THE SOCIETY AND COUNTRY
Malawi is facing a lot of social and economic challenges that hider development. This
essay explains how poverty, limited access to quality healthcare, food insecurity and
how unemployment and underemployment exacerbate the country's social and
economic struggle,respectively.
To begin with, poverty. It is considered one of the fundamentals causes of the
physical and moral economic ills of humanity in Malawian societies and the world at
large.Increased poverty in Malawi is resulting to increased economic challenges
among Malawian citizen and the problem of social instability. For instance during
Malawian cash gate scandal, which is involved in the looting of millions of dollars
from government coffers, some implicated attempted to justify their actions by citing
low salaries and economic pressure making poverty one of the fundamental causes if
economic ills of humanity in Malawi and the world at large.(Abhijit V. Banerjee,
Esther Duflo,2012.) Poverty may also arise from lack economic opportunities
especially in rural areas, contribute to increased poverty in Malawi as many as
citizens depend on subsistence farming which is vulnerable to climate related shocks
(World Bank,2023.) Malawi government has taken an action to help mitigate poverty
in rural areas through a seven year development programme financed by the
government, the international fund for Agricultural development (IFAD) and private
sector that operated from 2018 and 2025 is the final year. It works by supporting the
graduation of poor Malawians along the poverty spectrum from ultra poor to a
productive pathway on a sustainable basis. They help end poverty by supporting
household economic development, food security, and resilience to poverty by
providing financial access for rural markets and smallholder enterprises.
Another major issue is limited access to quality healthcare and education.This is so as
a country struggles with a shortage of healthcare facilities,medical personnel and
essential drugs especially in rural areas.For instance Malawi is a developing country
and developing countries face a lot of burdens in infectious diseases such as
malaria,HIV & AIDS and tuberculosis(TB),hence causing overclouding in community
hospitals and clinics.due to the limited number of hospitals in developing countries it
perpetuates increased maternal mortality rates in the country(Paule, 2023).Despite
most public healthy services being for free in Malawi,there are often costs aligned to
transportation of reaching the hospital’s location, particularly for [people living in
rural areas. Therefore a country must focus and prioritize in expanding their
transportation services and encourage mobile health systems to provide
vaccinations,screening services and treating other small illnesses.
Thirdly, Food insecurity and low agricultural productivity are also critical concerns in
Malawi as many citizens depend on traditional farming methods which makes them so
limited in production. There is also a lack of irrigation systems in Malawi making
most farmers to be seasonal producers. Post-harvest losses reduce food availability
and contribute to malnutrition in a country ( Food and Agriculture organization,2023.)
Lastly, Unemployment and Underemployment further exacerbate the country’s
economic struggle. For instance from the crisis of increased number of graduates, it is
very difficult to secure formal jobs, leading to increased informal employments which
are mostly poorly paid along side with governance issues and corruption in
institutions which limit effectiveness of policies designed to address these
problems( Transparency International,2023.)Unemployment creates disturbance,stress
and lowers down the growing economy of a society and the country atlarge as it is
mostly accompanied by inreased crime rates as aforementioned ,limited access to
credit and reduced consumer spending hence affecting business organizations in a
country.For a free citizen to be employed, the individual has to posses the essential
education qualifications, skills and ability to get engaged in an employment
opportunity.This makes education one of the keys to deal with poverty,therefore
Malawi should Prioritize on improving and expanding provision of education
facilities and services to take part in dealing with unemployment in Malawi.
SOLUTIONS TO SOCIAL ECONOMIC PROBLEMS WE FACE IN OUR
SOCIETIES AND COUNRTY:
This essay explains how social economic problems like Poverty , inequality,
unemployment and dependency on agriculture in Malawi, unsustainable agricultural
developments and shortage of health care services in Malawi can be respectively
addressed as explained.
To begin with poverty and inequality, Malawi continues to grapple with high levels of
poverty and inequality,For instance Many children, especially girls like 14-year-old
Memory from Mulanje drop out of school due to poverty or early marriages, limiting
their future opportunities (UNICEF Malawi, 2023). Therefore, organizations like
CAMFED Malawi have helped girls like Memory return to school and access
vocational training (CAMFED, 2022). Scaling up such programs and integrating skills
training such as the TEVET (Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education
and Training) initiative can equip youth with practical skills for jobs or
entrepreneurship (Malawi Government, 2023) .Targeted interventions could alleviate
the challenges. One approach is to promote inclusive economic growth by investing in
sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, which have the potential to
generate employment and stimulate local economies (World Bank, 2021). For
instance, the Malawi government’s recent initiative to boost cotton production in rural
areas has created jobs for thousands of smallholder farmers, particularly women,
thereby reducing poverty in these communities (Nyasa Times, 2013). Expanding
social protection programs, such as the Social Cash Transfer Program (SCTP), also
provides a lifeline for vulnerable households, ensuring they have access to basic needs
like food and healthcare (UNDP, 2020). Additionally, empowering women and youth
through access to credit and entrepreneurship training could help bridge gender and
age-based disparities, fostering a more equitable society (UN Women, 2021).
Secondly, unemployment and underemployment remains a critical issue in Malawi.
To address this, the government and private sector could strengthen technical and
vocational education and training (TEVET) programs, equipping young people with
skills that align with market demands (ILO, 2021). For example, the recent launch of
the Malawi Youth Employment Program, which focuses on skills...
Development in construction and agriculture has already trained over 5000 young
people, many of whom have secured jobs or started their own businesses (The NISN,
2023). Supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through financial and
technical assistance could also stimulate enterprise job creation, as SMEs are often the
backbone of the economy (IMF, 2020). Further, more promoting agroprocessing
industries could add value to agricultural products, reduce post-harvest losses, and
create employment opportunities in rural areas (FAO, 2021).
Thirdly, Malawi’s dependency on agriculture – particularly tobacco – which is
vulnerable to climate change and fluctuating global prices. For instance, in 2023,
tobacco exports declined due to reduced demand, hurting farmers’ incomes (Malawi
Ministry of Agriculture, 2023). To mitigate this issue, Malawi as a country can learn
from Rwanda, which has diversified into tourism and technology. For example, the
development of Lake Malawi’s tourism potential could create jobs and attract foreign
exchange. Additionally, investing in agro-processing like Pyxis Agriculture’s
macadamia processing plant can add value to raw agricultural products (World Bank,
2022).
Malawi also faces the problem of unsustainable agricultural development. Many
farmers, like those in Balaka district, rely on rain-fed agriculture, making them
vulnerable to droughts. In 2022, Cyclone Ana, which destroyed crops, leaving
thousands under food insecurity (UN OCHA, 2022). Programs like the Malawi
Farmer-to-Farmer Agroecology project have shown success by teaching farmers
sustainable practices. For example, Esther Phiri, a female farmer, increased her maize
yield by adopting conservation agriculture techniques (FAO, 2023). Spreading such
initiatives alongside inclusion projects like the Shire Valley Transformation Program
can boost productivity in Malawi (IFAD, 2023).
Lastly, shortage of healthcare services is another challenge in Malawi. For instance, a
mother named Grace once walked 15 kilometers to reach a clinic for her sick child
(Malawi Ministry of Health, 2023). The Malawi Government, with support from
partners like UNICEF, has therefore built community health centers and trained health
workers (UNICEF, 2022). Expanding such efforts, alongside mobile clinics, can save
lives and improve health outcomes in Malawi (Partners in Health, 2023).
THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION IN SOLVING SOCIAL
AND ECONOMIC PROBLEMS
Malawi has ambitious plans for its future, as outlined in the Malawi 2063 vision and
the Malawi Implementation Plan 1 (MIP-1) 2020-2030. To achieve these goals, the
country needs to harness the power of technology by embracing innovation. Malawi
can transform its agriculture, healthcare, education, and economy.
Firstly, revolutionizing agriculture with technology: Agriculture remains Malawi’s
economic backbone but faces numerous challenges. The revolutionizing of agriculture
with technology has allowed fast-acquired knowledge on agricultural aspects, hence
boosting agricultural production. For instance, an artificial intelligence agricultural
application called "Ulangizi" that functions through Whats App was made. This
accessibility enables local farmers to interact and receive tailored advice concerning
agriculture in their native language. This helps boost agricultural productivity and
yield income (Borgen Project, 2023). The use of these technologies provides farmers
with real-time, personalized agricultural technological advice, enhancing productivity
and resilience to climate vulnerabilities (Opportunity International, 2025).
Malawi healthcare system struggles to reach everyone, especially those in rural areas.
Technology solutions are being made to bridge this gap. For instance, in MW, a
university student from Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has
developed an AI driven biomedical engineering solution. This student created a web
and mobile learning app that uses deep learning to diagnose measles through skin
lesion analysis, which is faster than the PCR and immunoglobulin test that take longer
(DNDC, n.d.).
Empowering education through technology: Education is the key sector to Malawi’s
future, but this sector faces many difficulties in its advancement. Online learning
platforms and digital education resources, like university online libraries, improve
access to education. Another advantage is that the government of Malawi, through the
Ministry of Education, is developing numerous strategies enclosed in three key
policies aimed at supporting education technology in the country (Nyasa Times, n.d.).
Malawi’s economy needs a boost, and digital payment systems can provide it. Mobile
money, online banking, and digital wallets increase income security. E-government
initiatives are also enhancing transparency and efficiency, Therefore unlocking
Malawi’s potential through technology adoption and innovations towards our set goal
of vision 2063.
EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION AND INNOVATION: A
CRITICAL ANALYSIS FOR MALAWI
Malawi, like many other developing countries, faces numerous societal challenges
that hinder its socio-economic development. Some of these challenges include
poverty, limited access to healthcare, inadequate education, and food insecurity.
However, technology has emerged as a powerful tool that can be leveraged to address
these challenges. This essay discusses the role of technology in addressing societal
challenges in Malawi.
One of the significant societal challenges in Malawi is limited access to healthcare.
According to the World Health Organization (2019), Malawi has a shortage of
healthcare workers, with a ratio of 0.2 healthcare workers per 1,000 population.
However, technology has helped bridge this gap. For instance, the Malawi
government has implemented a mobile health platform that enables healthcare
workers to remotely monitor patients and provide medical advice (Ministry of Health,
2019). This platform has improved access to healthcare services, especially in rural
areas.
Another societal challenge in Malawi is inadequate education. According to the
United Nations Children's Fund (2020), Malawi has a high dropout rate, with only
50% of students completing primary school. However, technology has helped
improve access to education. For example, the Malawi government has introduced an
e-learning platform that provides students with access to digital educational resources
(Ministry of Education, 2020). This platform has improved student learning outcomes
and increased access to education, especially for marginalized groups.
Food insecurity is another significant societal challenge in Malawi. According to the
Food and Agriculture Organization (2020), Malawi is vulnerable to climate-related
shocks, which can lead to food insecurity. However, technology has helped improve
agricultural productivity and resilience. For instance, the Malawi government has
introduced a mobile-based agricultural advisory service that provides farmers with
information on best agricultural practices, weather forecasts, and market prices
(Ministry of Agriculture, 2020). This service has improved agricultural productivity
and helped farmers adapt to climate-related shocks.
Poverty is another significant societal challenge in Malawi. According to the World
Bank (2020), Malawi has a high poverty rate, with 51.5% of the population living
below the poverty line. However, technology has helped provide financial inclusion
and economic opportunities. For example, mobile money services have enabled
people to access financial services, such as savings, loans, and payments (Reserve
Bank of Malawi, 2020). This has improved financial inclusion and provided economic
opportunities, especially for marginalized groups.
In conclusion, technology has emerged as a powerful tool that can be leveraged to
address societal challenges in Malawi. From improving access to healthcare and
education to enhancing agricultural productivity and providing financial inclusion,
technology has the potential to transform the lives of Malawians. However, it is
essential to note that technology is not a silver bullet, and its effective deployment
requires a supportive policy environment, infrastructure, and human capacity.
EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION AND INNOVATION: A
CRITICAL ANALYSIS FOR MALAWI
The rapid pace of technological change has transformed the way societies and
countries operate, making it imperative for Malawi to embrace technology adoption
and innovation. This essay critically analyzes the importance of technology adoption
and innovation for Malawi, highlighting the benefits, challenges, and
recommendations for successful implementation.
On the one hand, embracing technology adoption and innovation can bring numerous
benefits to Malawi. Firstly, technology can improve the efficiency and productivity of
various sectors, such as agriculture, healthcare, and education (World Bank, 2020).
For instance, the use of precision agriculture techniques, such as drones and satellite
imaging, can enhance crop yields and reduce waste (FAO, 2020). Secondly,
technology can facilitate economic growth and job creation by enabling
entrepreneurship, innovation, and access to new markets (UNCTAD, 2020). For
example, the growth of the mobile money industry in Malawi has created new
economic opportunities and jobs (Reserve Bank of Malawi, 2020).
However, there are also challenges associated with technology adoption and
innovation in Malawi. Firstly, the country's limited infrastructure, including electricity
and internet connectivity, can hinder the adoption of new technologies (World Bank,
2020). Secondly, the lack of digital literacy and skills among the population can limit
the effective use of technology (ITU, 2020). For instance, a study found that only
12% of Malawians have basic computer skills (NSO, 2019).
To overcome these challenges, several recommendations can be made. Firstly, the
government should invest in developing the country's infrastructure, including
electricity and internet connectivity (World Bank, 2020). Secondly, there is a need to
develop digital literacy and skills among the population through education and
training programs (ITU, 2020). For example, the Malawi government can establish
digital literacy programs in schools and communities to equip citizens with basic
computer skills.
In addition, the government can create an enabling environment for innovation and
entrepreneurship by providing incentives, such as tax breaks and funding for startups
(UNCTAD, 2020). For instance, the Malawi government can establish a startup fund
to support innovative businesses and entrepreneurs.
In conclusion, embracing technology adoption and innovation is crucial for Malawi's
socio-economic development. While there are challenges associated with technology
adoption, these can be overcome through investments in infrastructure, digital
literacy, and entrepreneurship. By leveraging technology, Malawi can improve
productivity, enhance economic growth, and create new opportunities for its citizens.
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