Jonathan Makuwira

Prof. Jonathan Makuwira is a distinguished educator and researcher currently serving as Professor of Development Studies at the Bingu School of Culture and Heritage, Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), having completed his tenure as Deputy Vice Chancellor. Prior to this, he taught at various institutions in Malawi, South Africa, and Australia. 

Trained across all sectors of education, he has conducted significant research throughout his career, investigating a range of subjects, including urban poverty, urban marginality and political economy, climate change adaptation and mitigation in urban settings, skills development for a vibrant economy, community philanthropy, STEM pedagogy, and conflict resolution.

Prof. Makuwira earned his PhD in International Development from the University of New England (Australia) in 2003, exploring the role of the non-governmental sector in development, including secular and faith-based NGOs. His academic career has encompassed teaching various subjects such as Peace Studies, Comparative Indigenous Studies, and International Development with a focus on Project Planning, Design, and Monitoring and Evaluation. His approach to international development studies is deeply rooted in participatory methodologies. He also holds a Master of Philosophy in Education and a Bachelor of Education in Mathematics from the University of Nottingham as well as a Diploma in Education from the University of Malawi.

In addition to his academic achievements, Prof. Makuwira is an active member of the Policy and Projects Committee of the Malawi National Planning Commission, where he provides strategic direction to the Malawi 2063 National Development Blueprint. Over a five-year period, he has successfully led the Directorate of Research in securing grants totaling over US$25 million.

He is widely recognized for his expertise in the political economy of NGOs, development governance, peace building and development, disability-inclusive development, conflict transformation, climate justice, gender mainstreaming, social justice, development management, and HIV and AIDS. His consulting experience spans reputable organizations in various countries, such as World Vision Australia and Malawi, Save the Children, the Council for NGOs in Malawi, the National Aids Commission (Malawi), Christian Blind Mission, GIZ, and AusAID.