First year Manufacturing Engineering student at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), Innocent Mandili, 19, has won the CEANGAL Project competition.

Mandili has always been passionate about innovation and technology and constantly seeking ways to create solutions that improve the lives of people in his community and beyond. He is the founder of MI Technologies and Innovations, a private business.

In an interview, an excited Mandili, described the award as honour and a remarkable achievement that has significantly impacted his journey as an innovator.

“I first learned about the CEANGAL Project's call for proposals through an online platform promoting opportunities for young innovators in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region,” he said. 

“The competition aimed to identify and support projects that enhance access to electricity in rural areas of Malawi and other parts of the SADC region. As someone deeply interested in sustainable solutions, I was immediately drawn to this opportunity.”

According to Mandili, the CEANGAL project was specifically looking for innovative projects that address energy challenges in rural areas, with a focus on sustainability, affordability, and scalability. 

“The call encouraged young innovators like myself to present ideas that could provide clean, reliable, and cost-effective electricity solutions to underserved communities. I knew that this was the perfect platform to showcase my project--the Thermo El Stove,” he added.

The Thermo El Stove is a device designed for cooking while simultaneously generating electricity. 

“The stove utilizes locally available materials and renewable energy sources, making it an affordable and sustainable option for rural households. Preparing for the competition involved refining my proposal to highlight the stove’s unique features, conducting extensive research, and ensuring that my innovation aligned with the objectives of the CEANGAL project,” he said.

Mandili said the submission process was rigorous and he had to write a concise yet compelling proposal that demonstrated the stove’s potential impact, feasibility and scalability. 

After submitting the proposal, he was invited to participate in a series of interviews and presentations to further elaborate the project. 

“It was a challenging yet rewarding experience that taught me the importance of clarity, confidence, and effective communication. This is why when I received news that I had been selected as the top winner among 16 participants from the SADC region, I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude,” he said. 

“It was a surreal moment, knowing that my hard work and dedication had paid off. I felt an immense sense of accomplishment and pride, not just for myself but also for my community and everyone who had supported me throughout this journey. This recognition reinforced my belief that innovation can indeed drive positive change, even from the most unexpected places.”

Going forward, Mandili plans to use the recognition and funding from the CEANGAL project to scale up the Thermo El Stove and reach more communities in need. 

“It also opens up new opportunities for networking, further research, and potential collaborations with other innovators and organizations. This award aligns perfectly with my long-term goal of becoming a leading innovator in sustainable technology and contributing to solving some of Africa's most pressing challenges,” he said.

Mandili has previously worked on a mobile biogas for cooking while generating electricity, which won him recognition by Ministry of Education, Mhub, Chitedze Research Station, and other organizations.

He urges fellow students and young innovators to persevere and continue to create because every challenge is an opportunity for innovation, and every setback is a lesson learned. 

“Believe in your ideas, no matter how small they may seem. Keep pushing, keep learning, and always be ready to take advantage of opportunities when they come your way. Remember, innovation has no age limit or boundaries; it starts with a passion to make a difference,” he said.