Business mogul Napoleon Dzombe has urged Malawians to revisit their cultural roots and support cultural products that are blended with science and technology, saying this is the path to achieving meaningful development.

Speaking as guest speaker at the two-day Cultural and Innovation Festival organized by the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), Dzombe said lessons can be drawn from countries such as Japan, which have developed rapidly because they value their culture and invest heavily in it.

“Nations such as Japan have moved forward quickly because they cherish their culture, while the corporate world invests heavily in its promotion,” said Dzombe.

Dzombe, the philathropist and proprietor of Kalipano hotel further stressed that cultural values encourage hard work and should be seen as a foundation for national progress.

Dean of the Bingu School of Culture and Heritage at MUST, Dr. Atikonda Mtenje Mkochi, described the festival as a milestone event that brought together scholars and innovators.

“The event opened with a research conference where scholars and postgraduate students presented 40 papers. We have observed that time was not enough for the conference. The prospects are high for the festival to attract international patrons in the future,” she said.

Held under the theme “Igniting Scientific Innovation, Preserving Cultural Heritage towards Achieving Malawi 2063,” the festival combined academic discussions with cultural showcases.

Sub-Traditional Authority Mangazi commended the university for organizing the event, saying it would help restore lost culture and inspire young people.

The third edition of the festival featured live music, art exhibitions, traditional foods, family activities, and displays of local innovations.

Local artist, Gibbo Pearson was the headliner at the event.