Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) Acting Chief Executive Officer Ivy Chinangwa has been appointed as Malawi's Country Research Co-ordinator for UNESCO's African and American Sport Mapping Programme. The appointment was announced during the Dakar 2026 International Conference in Senegal. This conference was co-organised by the University Cheikh Anta Diop and the Senegal Ministry of Youth and Sport, in collaboration with the UNESCO Chair in Sport, Development, Peace and Olympic Education.
Chinangwa's appointment tasks her with promoting the development of Malawi's sport profile, focusing on capacity building of local researchers. In a letter signed by Professor Marion Keim, Chinangwa's role involves contributing to the understanding and advancement of sport development and peace through quality research, teaching, innovation, and community engagement. The programme aims to benefit key stakeholders in Malawi, including government, sport federations, and educational institutions.
Professor Marion Keim stated that the programme will enhance new technologies, capacity building, learning, and policy dialogue. The programme's objectives align with UNESCO's goals of promoting sport development, peace, and Olympic Education. Chinangwa expressed her excitement about the challenge, looking forward to contributing to sport development through comprehensive research.
Chinangwa presented at the conference, highlighting the status of Malawi's Sports Policy review, which is in its final stages. Her presentation showcased her expertise in sports sciences, having served as the first female lecturer at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST). Previously, she held positions as Sports Director and part-time lecturer, as well as Director of Sports and Recreation Development.
Before her appointment as Acting CEO of MNCS in late 2025, Chinangwa gained extensive experience in sports administration. Her appointment as UNESCO's Country Research Co-ordinator recognizes her expertise and contributions to Malawi's sports sector. The programme will enable her to build capacity and promote research in Malawi's sports industry.
The Dakar 2026 International Conference brought together stakeholders to discuss sport development, peace, and Olympic Education. Chinangwa's appointment and presentation at the conference demonstrate Malawi's commitment to advancing sport development and research. The country's sports sector is expected to benefit from her expertise and the programme's objectives.
Chinangwa's new role is expected to strengthen Malawi's sports profile and contribute to the country's development through research and capacity building. Her experience and expertise in sports sciences make her well-suited for this position. The programme's impact on Malawi's sports sector will be closely watched by stakeholders.
Key points
- Ivy Chinangwa appointed as UNESCO's African and American Sport Mapping Programme Country Research Co-ordinator for Malawi
- Programme aims to promote sport development, peace, and Olympic Education through research and capacity building
- Chinangwa's appointment recognizes her expertise and contributions to Malawi's sports sector
