Malawi has embarked on the ambitious Digital Malawi Acceleration Project (DMAP), a $150 million initiative aimed at enhancing internet accessibility and enabling robust digital services in Malawi, advancing the goals of Malawi 2063.
The project, a successor project of the Digital Malawi Program Phase 1: Digital Foundations Project, is spearheaded by the Ministry of Information and Digitalization through the Public Private Partnership Commission (PPPC) with funding from the World Bank.
Speaking yesterday, PPPC Chief Executive Officer Patrick Kabambe highlighted DMAP’s critical role in transforming Malawi’s digital landscape, building on the achievements of the Digital Foundation Project.
“Following the success of the Digital Foundation Project, the Government has embarked on another extraordinary journey of continuing to develop the country’s digital transformation through enhancing internet accessibility and enabling robust digital services.
“DMAP represents a significant leap in harnessing digital technology for growth and public service delivery. We aim to create a digitally inclusive Malawi, where digital access and services are available to all citizens” Kabambe said.
He added that the project will install 2,000 km of fiber-optic cables and improve connectivity across 2,500 institutions, including 2,000 schools and 500 government offices through the Public Institution Connectivity subcomponent of the project.
Kabambe emphasized the need for coordinated efforts across sectors to ensure the project meets its development goals.
Echoing Kabambe’s sentiment in a separate interview, DMAP Project Manager Chimwemwe Matemba described the project as the backbone of digital transformation and inclusiveness in the country.
He added that the project will create interoperable and secure data platforms, including digital identifications and a data exchange platform for government and financial institutions.
Matemba said: “By introducing digital Identifications, we are assured as a country that we are eradicating the risk of fraud and enabling Malawians to securely access online services such as banking, without compromising their personal information.”
DMAP will also support digital payments, increase secure digital authentications for public services, and encourage data governance policies.
Additionally, the project will deliver digital skills training to 10,000 Malawians, half of whom will be women, promoting digital literacy and inclusivity across the workforce.
The Digital Malawi Acceleration Project is set to conclude in June 2030.
