On Thursday, 18 June 2026, the Discovery Research Support Hub (DRSH) brought together university finance officers responsible for managing and administering grant funds for a dedicated finance workshop at the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme in Blantyre. The workshop provided a focused opportunity to discuss the processes, policies, and responsibilities that underpin effective grant management.

The workshop served as a platform for exploring key aspects of financial management for research grants, including funder requirements, institutional finance policies, due diligence, fund advances, invoicing, supporting documentation, reporting, and auditing. Through interactive presentations and discussions, participants shared experiences, exchanged best practices, and deepened their understanding of accountable, effective financial stewardship.

Speaking after the workshop, Reuben Chipeta, Finance Officer at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), said the DRSH Financial Workshop had provided practical knowledge to strengthen financial management processes, improve compliance with grant requirements, and enhance accountability in research project implementation. He added that the insights gained would support finance officers in providing better guidance to researchers and ensuring effective management of research funds.

The workshop reflects DRSH’s commitment to building long-term institutional capacity in grants management and financial administration across the SADC region, ensuring that research funds are managed with accountability, rigour, and transparency.