The Government reiterated its commitment to digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) as key drivers of economic growth, improved public service delivery, and inclusive national development.

Principal Secretary for the Department of eGovernment in the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, Prosper Mopiwa, highlighted the country's digital transformation and AI agenda during the Inaugural Inclusive Digitalization in Eastern and Southern Africa (IDEA) Annual Digital Forum, currently underway in Lusaka, Zambia.

Mopiwa: DMAP is a key intervention

The forum, organized by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) in partnership with the World Bank, brought together policymakers, development partners, private-sector representatives, and digital transformation experts to explore strategies to accelerate digital development across the region.

Discussions at the forum focused on key issues shaping Africa's digital future, including AI governance, cross-border data flows, digital infrastructure, regulatory harmonization, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion.

Speaking during the forum, Mopiwa showcased Malawi's flagship digital initiatives, particularly the Digital Malawi Acceleration Project (DMAP) and the development of the country's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.

He highlighted several milestones achieved under DMAP, including the development of the Bomalathu eService Portal, procurement of 2,400 Biometric Registration Kits (BRKs) for the National Registration Bureau (NRB), and the completion of civil and infrastructure installation works at the new National Data Centre in Lilongwe.

Mopiwa further noted that technical and environmental safeguards assessments have been completed for more than 500 public institutions earmarked for internet connectivity and 100 telecommunications towers planned for rural and underserved communities.

Mopiwa and all delegates pose for a group photo during the forum.

These interventions are expected to significantly improve internet access, mobile network coverage, and digital service delivery across the country.

He described the Bomalathu eService Portal as a one-stop national digital platform that enables citizens to conveniently access government services online anytime and from anywhere, reducing bureaucracy while improving efficiency and transparency.

Mopiwa also revealed that Government has developed a Commercial Transactions Manual, which provides a standardized framework for planning, procuring, and managing connectivity investments under DMAP, thereby strengthening governance and ensuring value for money.

On AI, he disclosed that Malawi's National AI Strategy has already been drafted and is currently undergoing stakeholder consultations before its official adoption.

He emphasized that AI has enormous potential to transform governance by enhancing public service delivery, strengthening policy analysis, automating routine administrative processes, improving fraud detection, optimizing resource allocation, and fostering more responsive citizen engagement.

In her opening remarks, COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe stressed that regional cooperation and strong public-private partnerships are critical to accelerating digital transformation across Eastern and Southern Africa.

Kapwepwe delivering her remarks during the forum

The IDEA Annual Digital Forum attracted delegates from Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, Angola, South Sudan, Kenya, Seychelles, Botswana, Burundi, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Tanzania, and Madagascar.