Matthews Mtumbuka

Matthews Mtumbuka
Mtumbuka in 2017
Born	(1974-12-12) December 12, 1974 (age 50) Malawi
Nationality	Malawian
Education	University of Malawi University of Oxford
Alma mater	University of Oxford
Occupation(s)	Engineer, business executive, politician
Employer	UbuntuNet Alliance
Known for	Expanding internet access for African research institutions; Running mate to 2025 UTM presidential candidate Dalitso Kabambe
Title	Chief Executive Officer
Political party	United Transformation Movement
Website	https://mtumbuka.org

Matthews Mtumbuka (born 12 December 1974) is a Malawian politician and telecommunications engineer and executive, ^[1] currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the UbuntuNet Alliance ^[2] and a candidate member of the Parliament of Malawi. ^[3] In 2011, he was elected as a president for Malawi Institute of Engineers during a meeting held in Mangochi District. ^[4]

He has also held board positions at NBS Bank, ^[5] NICO Technologies, and the Catholic University of Malawi. He further previously served as Vice Chair of the Council for Mzuzu University and was Board Chair of the Malawi Scotland Partnership.

In July 2025, Matthews Mtumbuka was officially selected as the running mate to UTM presidential candidate Dalitso Kabambe for the 2025 Malawian general election. ^[6]

Early life and education

Mtumbuka was born in Malawi in 1974. After completing his secondary education, he enrolled at the University of Malawi, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. ^[7]

In the early 2000s, he was awarded a Chevening Scholarship to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom. He earned an MPhil and PhD in Communications Systems Engineering from the University of Oxford, ^[8] where he was affiliated with Trinity College. ^{[9] [10]}

Career

Mtumbuka began his career in academia, lecturing at the University of Malawi. He later joined industry and held various roles in technology leadership and innovation.

In 2015, Mtumbuka was appointed CEO of the UbuntuNet Alliance, a regional research and education network focused on providing affordable and high-speed internet connectivity to universities and research institutions across Eastern and Southern Africa. ^[11] Under his leadership, the Alliance expanded its fibre-optic infrastructure and connectivity coverage to multiple countries, with a claim to close the digital divide between Africa and other parts of the world.

He has represented Africa's research and education sector at several global forums, including the Internet Governance Forum and initiatives led by the African Union Commission.

Advocacy and impact

Mtumbuka has been a vocal advocate for investing in African digital infrastructure and building human capital in science, technology, and engineering. His work has had impact on internet accessibility for African scholars and researchers.

Awards and recognition

• Chevening Scholarship, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (early 2000s) ^[12]
• Recognition from UbuntuNet Alliance and partners for leadership in expanding Africa’s research networks

Personal life

Mtumbuka is married. Outside of his professional work, he mentors young professionals and advocates for science education in Malawi.

References

1. "Kamoto acting MD Airtel as Mtumbuka heads IT dept Malawi, Zambia". Nyasa Times. 13 January 2016. Retrieved 31 July 2025.
2. "Mtumbuka lands CEO job at UbuntuNet Alliance". Nyasa Times. 25 April 2019. Retrieved 31 July 2025.
3. "Northern Region Backs Kabambe for President , Says Mathews Mtumbuka". Nyasa Times. 15 July 2025. Retrieved 31 July 2025.
4. "Malawi engineers body elect Mtumbuka as president". Nyasa Times. 29 August 2011. Retrieved 31 July 2025.
5. "Matthews Mtumbuka PhD, Malawi". alinstitute.org. Retrieved 31 July 2025.
6. "Dalitso Kabambe Picks Mathews Mtumbuka as Running Mate Ahead of September 16 Presidential Poll". Malawi Freedom Network. 27 July 2025. Retrieved 31 July 2025.
7. Stellenbosch Business School. "Alumnus Spotlight: Dr Matthews Mtumbuka". Retrieved 31 July 2025.
8. "Matthews Mtumbuka: Engineer and Charity CEO Driving Change in Eastern and Southern Africa". eng.ox.ac.uk. Retrieved 31 July 2025.
9. UbuntuNet Alliance. "Dr Matthews Mtumbuka – CEO Profile". Retrieved 31 July 2025.
10. "Profile: UbuntuNet Alliance new CEO Eng. Dr. Matthews Mtumbuka speaks to his alma mater, University of Oxford on his new role – Ubuntunet Alliance" . Retrieved 31 July 2025.
11. Internet Society. "UbuntuNet: Transforming Connectivity in Africa". Retrieved 31 July 2025.
12. Chevening Alumni Malawi. "Profiles of Chevening Scholars in Malawi". Retrieved 31 July 2025.

External links

• UbuntuNet Alliance official website

See also

• National Research and Education Network
• Internet in Africa
• UbuntuNet Alliance