Government in conjunction with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched the Inclusive Digital Transformation for Malawi (IDT4M) project.
The project seeks to bridge the digital divide and create a more equitable society.
The project comes at a time Malawi’s internet penetration rate stands at 20 percent, leaving 80 percent of the population offline.
Through partnerships with stakeholders, including the National Registration Bureau, E-Government, private sector, civil society organisations, and universities, IDT4M aims to foster a digitally empowered society in Malawi.
UNDP Resident Representative to Malawi Fenella Frost said, in the context of Malawi, a holistic approach to inclusive digital transformation is essential.
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“Through the IDT4M project, we have an opportunity to address challenges, capitalise on strengths and foster a society where every citizen can thrive in the digital age,” Frost said.
Information and Digitalisation Minister Moses Kunkuyu said the successful implementation of the IDT4M project will not only enable widespread participation in the digital economy, but will go a long way in bridging the digital divide, promoting digital literacy, increasing access and inclusivity in digital transformation.
“Government of Malawi is committed to accelerating progress towards a more inclusive and equitable society through the strategic use of digital technologies.
“Our government’s partnership with UNDP and development partners on this new project represents a bold and forward-thinking approach to addressing critical challenges and unlocking the full potential of our nation,” Kunkuyu said.
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Homeland Security Minister Ken Zikhale Ng’oma said at the heart of inclusive digital transformation lies the establishment of a robust digital ID and Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system.
Zikhale Ng’oma said legal identity is a fundamental human right, essential for accessing services, asserting rights and participating fully in society.
“Similarly, a comprehensive CRVS system is essential for effective governance, planning and decision-making. Accurate and timely data on vital events such as births, deaths and marriages are critical for a wide range of purposes, including social services, public health and economic development.
“By digitising the CRVS process, we can streamline registration procedures, reduce administrative burdens and ensure that every citizen’s vital events are recorded and recognised,” Zikhale Ng’oma said.
Finance Minister Simplex Chithyola Banda said at the heart of this transformation lies a robust digital payment ecosystem.
The ecosystem, Chithyola Banda said, fosters financial inclusion, empowering Malawians across all walks of life to participate actively in the digital economy.
He observed that the ecosystem reduces the need for physical cash, reduces the risk of theft and streamlines transactions, ultimately propelling economic growth and development.
“A robust digital finance ecosystem will enable Malawians to gain access to financial services, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society, increased transparency and efficiency where digital transactions will bolster transparency and streamline financial processes, boosting overall economic efficiency and innovation and growth where a thriving digital finance landscape will nurture innovation within the financial sector, ultimately spurring economic growth and development,” Chithyola said.
EU Ambassador to Malawi, Rune Skinnebach, said Malawi, as well as the African continent at large, has a unique opportunity to spur economic growth through the enhancement of data and use of technologies.
“To this effect, the EU has ‘till date, contributed over EUR 10 million towards the National Registration and Identifications System (NRIS) project, setting the foundation for this IDT4M project which we are launching today.
“As we have always contended, the national ID, which was the main focus of this NRIS project, was not, and is not, an end in itself. Rather the ID is and should certainly be a catalyst for much more benefits for Malawi,” he said.
