The main goal of the BMI is to prepare potential leaders and managers for development challenges. BMI will seek to help shape leaders and managers to possess the commitment, knowledge and capability to influence the policy framework within which they operate.

Additionally, BMI will assist Malawi and other African countries respond directly to; the lack of capacity in economic and social policy analysis; low capacity to plan, implement, monitor and evaluate development programs; weak understanding of policy options, strategies, and development management issues by policy makers; and weak capacity for economic and financial management.

To address the capacity needs of the private sector, the Institute will set out to build capacity for income generation, small business development, self employment, and workforce development. The aim will be to nurture and support the initiation, growth, and success of small and medium enterprises.

A strong education and training system is essential for sustainable capacity building. Therefore the institute will provide a forum for discussing innovative educational improvement ideas. The Institute will bring stakeholders together to identify and resolve diverse problems that currently weaken education systems.

BMI intends to make a national and global contribution to knowledge acquisition and transmission through the provision of an international conference center. BMI will host major international conferences and symposiums, thus improving the circulation and sharing of knowledge on social and economic transformation.