Dr. Daniel Efred Kapanda

Dr. Daniel Efred Kapanda is the Acting Principal of Domasi College of Education (DCE), appointed on 24th July 2026. His appointment marks the elevation of a distinguished educator, academic, researcher and education management practitioner whose professional journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to strengthening Malawi’s education system.

Dr. Kapanda holds a PhD in Educational Economics and Management from Central China Normal University (CCNU), where his research examined the efficacy of secondary school clusters in facilitating resource mobilisation. His doctoral thesis was recognised as an Outstanding PhD Thesis of an International Congregation in 2022. He also holds a Master’s degree in Education Policy, Planning and Leadership and a Bachelor of Education (Humanities) from the University of Malawi, providing him with a strong foundation in educational leadership, policy and pedagogy.

His career spans more than two decades across classroom teaching, school administration, teacher education and academic leadership. At Domasi College of Education, he rose through the ranks from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer and, subsequently, Chief Lecturer. He has also served as Head of the Department of Geography and Development Studies and as Teaching Practice Coordinator, experiences that have strengthened his understanding of academic administration, teacher preparation and institutional leadership. Before joining the College, he served as a secondary school teacher, Head of Department and Deputy Headteacher, gaining valuable first-hand experience in school management and instructional leadership.

Beyond his institutional responsibilities, Dr. Kapanda has built an impressive consultancy and professional development portfolio. He has worked with various organisations, including the University of Malawi’s School of Education, Malawi Institute of Education, Directorate of Quality Assurance, Creative Centre for Community Mobilisation (CRECCOM), Education Expertise Development Foundation (EEDF) and EDUKANS. His assignments have involved developing training manuals, facilitating workshops, monitoring implementation of projects and programmes and training trainers in school leadership and management, supervision, assessment, remedial teaching, action research, curriculum implementation and active teaching methodologies.

His professional preparation is complemented by training in research ethics, learning management systems, module development, testing and evaluation, public-service management, budgeting and financial management, school leadership and computer applications. He is also a peer reviewer for the WSEAS Transactions on Business and Economics Journal and a member of the Teachers Union of Malawi.

Dr. Kapanda brings to his new role a compelling blend of strategic leadership, research expertise, communication, facilitation, critical thinking, budgeting and cross-functional collaboration. His achievements, including the Chinese Government Scholarship and recognition for his contribution during the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, demonstrate resilience, intellectual excellence and service.

As Acting Principal, Dr. Kapanda stands poised to provide purposeful, evidence-based and inclusive leadership, advancing Domasi College of Education’s mandate while inspiring staff and students toward excellence, innovation and meaningful contribution to Malawi’s education sector.