The country’s top Information Communication Technology (ICT) experts meeting in Mangochi under Information and Communications Technology Association of Malawi (Ictam) have expressed worry over lack of collaboration in the industry.
This, the experts say, is affecting growth of the sector and its contribution to the national economy.
This comes as Malawi is still among economies that are lagging in terms of technology.
Despite Malawi making strides in the sector over the past five years, lack of ICT regulation and high taxes have been undermining efforts to grow further.
In his presentation to the indaba, Mhub Chief Executive Officer, Vincent Kumwenda, said there is need to create a conducive environment for ICT businesses to flourish.
“We need to work together; the private sector, the government and the academia. We need to make real investments in the tech start-ups, tech-skills alone are not enough, we need to pay attention to business skills and other soft skills,” Kumwenda said.
Sparc Systems Limited Chief Executive Officer, Wisely Phiri, said it was unfortunate that key stakeholders were still operating in isolation.
Participants to the indaba also argued that there is need for regulators to put in place policies that favour growth of the industry.
Malawi rates ICT as key to achieving sustainable development in the years to come.
The two-day conference is being held under the theme ‘Embracing Emerging Technologies for Local Solutions.’
