LocationsFrom Lecture Hall to Tech Innovation: How Mayamiko Mcford is Building Malawi's Digital Future
July 1, 2026
Mayamiko Mcford (second from left) stands with fellow learners and the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Dr Chika Charles Aniekwe (fourth from left).
For many university students, balancing academic responsibilities with personal development can be challenging. But for 23-year-old Mayamiko Mcford, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Business Information Technology student at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Thyolo, that challenge has become an opportunity to innovate, create solutions, and build a promising future in Malawi's digital economy.
Alongside his studies, Mayamiko has completed 71 courses on Nzeru Hub, a free digital learning platform that equips young people with industry-relevant ICT skills. Motivated by the opportunity to gain practical knowledge at no cost, he enrolled in courses offered by leading global technology companies, including Cisco and Microsoft, to complement his university education and enhance his career prospects.
"I was inspired by others who had benefited from the platform and wanted to challenge myself to learn as much as possible," says Mayamiko.
Through the platform, Mayamiko strengthened his competencies in networking, programming, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and essential workplace skills. The training has broadened his understanding of emerging technologies and equipped him with practical tools to address real-world challenges.
"The future looks bright," he says. "The skills I have acquired are helping me think differently about how technology can be used to address challenges in our communities."
Today, Mayamiko is putting those skills into practice. He is the founder of G-Solutions, an innovative start-up scheduled to launch on 1 July 2026. Developed with friends from various technical institutions, the platform connects customers with skilled artisans such as plumbers, electricians, and construction professionals through a website and mobile application.
Mayamiko has completed 71 courses on Nzeru Hub.
"The skills I have acquired are helping me think differently about how technology can be used to address challenges in our communities."Mayamiko Mcford
Initially targeting customers in Blantyre, the platform allows users to conveniently book home maintenance and renovation services online. Drawing on knowledge gained through Nzeru Hub training, Mayamiko and his team have incorporated AI-powered location detection to help customers access services based on their current location.
Beyond G-Solutions, he is also developing other digital products, including the FORDORA Payroll and Employee Management System, a Debtors Management System, and a Home Inventory Management System. These projects demonstrate his commitment to using technology to improve efficiency and solve everyday challenges.
Mayamiko's story reflects the growing impact of Nzeru Hub across Malawi. To date, 2,646 certificates have been completed through the platform by students the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mzuzu University (MZUNI), the University of Malawi (UNIMA), the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), and the National College of Information Technology (NACIT). Out of the 4,060 students enrolled in the course, 1004 are female.
The programme's impact extends beyond individual achievement. 30 Digital Advocates trained through the initiative have been deployed to rural communities, where they are helping citizens acquire basic ICT skills and bridge the digital divide.
Nzeru Hub is a free and inclusive digital learning platform developed by the ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative is supported by the European Union and the Governments of Norway and Ireland. The platform provides access to internationally recognised courses from Microsoft, Cisco, and LinkedIn Learning, equipping young people with industry-relevant digital skills.
For Mayamiko and thousands of other young Malawians, digital skills are more than qualifications; they are creating opportunities, driving innovation, and helping build Malawi's digital future.
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