Abstract

Lazarus Obed Livingstone Banda*, Jane Thokozani Banda, George N. Chidimba Munthali, Colleen Mbughi, Helex Kayembe, Peter Ngulube and Rabson Madi

Aim: This study investigated the intentions, opportunities, and barriers to engaging in a meaningful internationalization of higher education in Malawi, once a global player, to reposition itself on the global stage.

Methods: This cross-sectional research was done between June and October 2021. Using a stratified sampling technique, we recruited 202 respondents from various higher education institutions in Malawi. Multi linear regression analysis was used to analyse the factors with the P-value set at 0.05 level of statistical significance.

Results: The results indicated that most respondents were males (63.7%) who fell into 30 years age bracket. Further, the results from the multi linear regression analysis indicate that Institutional collaboration (ß=0.326, p=0.000, CI=0.27- 0.383), clear Policy on Mobility (ß=0.146, p=0.0.004, CI=0.047-0.246), experience (ß=0.083, p=0.117, CI=-0.021-0.186), academic rank (ß=0.114, p=0.000, CI=0.069-0.159) were positively statistically significant variables, whereas on the other hand, Occupation (ß=-0.131, p=0.002, CI=-0.213-0.49), academic qualification (ß=-0.106, p=0.013, CI=-0.19-0.023 and mobility Importance (ß=- 0.116, p=0.022, CI=-0.215-0.017) were negatively significant variables respectively.

Conclusion and Recommendations: institutions need to invest in international and inter-institutional collaboration, clarify policy direction regarding academic mobility, keep track and linkages with mobile faculty, create a conducive social and formal institutional culture that attracts back mobile faculty, and reduce staff turnover. The study awakes African higher education systems to their former glory to align themselves with Sustainable Development Goals (2030) alongside Agenda 2063.