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At just 25 years old, Hope Khasu is making significant strides in electrical and electronics engineering at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supported University Innovation Pod (UniPod) at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) in Blantyre.
The UniPod project started in 2022 to establish an innovation facility with state-of-the-art machines and equipment to support fabrication, prototyping, and small-scale manufacturing.
On 6 March 2024, UniPod was officially commissioned to start its programs to support ideation and product development among youth interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. Today, UniPod supports faculty and student programs, offers enterprise services to the private sector, and facilitates research and development in product formulation.
As an electrical and electronic technician, Hope focuses on designing and developing printed circuit boards (PCBs) and providing technical expertise and training to innovators working on various projects.
Her journey into engineering was not a conventional one. Initially, she aspired to study law. However, a chance encounter with an engineer working on an internet connectivity project at her secondary school, St. Mary’s in Zomba, shifted her focus toward engineering. Encouraged by this experience, she joined the e-Communications Research Group and was introduced to a network of engineers who further fueled her interest. Although she initially applied for electrical engineering, she ultimately pursued a degree in biomedical engineering at MUBAS, formerly the University of Malawi – The Polytechnic.
Her passion for electronics grew during her undergraduate studies, particularly in research and innovation. Exposure to design studios and hands-on projects led her to explore and specialize in the field. While she possesses coding and hardware programming skills, she excels in electronics, a field she finds most compelling.
Hope acknowledges the challenges of being a woman in engineering, a field where female representation remains low in Malawi. She draws inspiration from pioneering women engineers such as Professor Theresa Mkandawire, the Dean of Engineering during Hope’s first year, and other mentors who guided her. She emphasizes the importance of role models in motivating and supporting young women pursuing engineering careers.
Hope (left) working in the UniPod electronics lab with a colleague
“The journey of self-discovery is never straightforward. You will face challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But what matters is how you rise after each fall. Keep moving forward, learn from your mistakes, and focus on your goals.”
Beyond her technical role, Hope is committed to empowering young women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). As a former president of the Polytechnic Association for Female Engineers, she organized initiatives to mentor and encourage female students in engineering. She has also participated in outreach programs, visiting secondary schools to speak to young girls about opportunities in the field.
Most recently, she joined an event at Njamba Secondary School in Blantyre under the UN-affiliated Grow Up initiative, where she shared her experiences and challenges, hoping to inspire the next generation.
Reflecting on her impact, Hope highlights her contributions to significant projects at UniPod. Among these, she takes pride in her role in developing a locally manufactured radio, a project that underwent multiple iterations to achieve the best design and functionality.
Collaborating with her supervisor and a dedicated team, she worked on the electronic components while colleagues handled 3D printing and structural design. The moment the radio successfully played sound at different frequencies marked a significant milestone in her career.
Other notable achievements include training students in PCB design during the University Innovation Week and launching the UniPod Faculty-Student Program, which provides funding for student-led research projects. These initiatives align with her belief in hands-on learning and equipping students with practical skills essential for their careers.
As Malawi and the world celebrate International Women’s Day in March, Hope shares a message of resilience and determination with young women and professionals striving for success.
“The journey of self-discovery is never straightforward. You will face challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But what matters is how you rise after each fall. Keep moving forward, learn from your mistakes, and focus on your goals.”
Hope credits her achievements to perseverance and the unwavering support of her parents, who encouraged her to follow her passion. Now, as a biomedical engineer with a deep interest in electronics, she continues to push boundaries, determined to make a lasting impact in STEM and beyond.