Secretary for Information and Digitalization, Baldwin Chiyamwaka, has cited the Digital Malawi Project (DIGMAP) as key to realizing the digital transformation outlined in the Malawi 2063 Vision.
The Ministry of Information and Digitalization (MoID) in collaboration with the Private Public Partnership Commission (PPPC) is implementing the project with funding from the World Bank to reshape the digital landscape of Malawi’s economy, society, and government.
Speaking yesterday during a visit to the PPPC, Chiyamwaka emphasized the significance of the project, stating that its components will significantly influence the digital transformation of the country’s economy.
He affirmed that the project aligns with the Malawi 2063 Vision and broader national initiatives.
“Our programs in the ministry, including this one funded by the World Bank, are designed within the framework of the Malawi 2063 Vision. These milestones are crucial steps towards realizing the Vision,” he said.
PPPC Director Project Development and Planning Charlie Msusa attributed the achievements of DIGMAP to the Government’s commitment to digitalizing Malawi and creating an enabling environment for the country’s economy.
He said: “As the implementing agency, we are fulfilling the government’s desire to digitalize Government services covering all sectors and ensuring that people benefit from the international digital opportunities.”
Project Manager for DIGMAP, Chimwemwe Matemba, emphasized the project’s scope and activities, which are critical in addressing the digital gap in Malawi.
The scope includes Digital Ecosystems which helped MACRA for an improved regulatory environment and the offering of 21st Century skills to our youth and women for purposes of enabling them to benefit from the internet economy.
He disclosed that the project has successfully achieved its objectives and targets.
“DIGMAP is the project that started to lay the foundation for the digitalization of the public sector in the country. Despite this project being successful, there is a need for further investment in the ICT space,” he said.
Some of the key project’s achievements include drafting and finalizing the Data Protection (DP) Bill, currently enacted as the DP Act; training and incubation of over 19,000 youths, women, and the elderly in digital skills, mass ICT literacy, and entrepreneurship through grants 10 tech hubs; connecting over 500 public institutions; and constructing a national data center in Lilongwe.
