I think e-Malawi’s positioning in the recent UN e-government survey provides us with some interesting insights. Ranking 167th out of 193 countries in e-governance might seem concerning at first glance, but I believe there’s more to this story.
What I like most about this data is the context it provides. Despite its low position, it’s crucial to recognize the progress that e-Malawi has made, particularly in areas like technology infrastructure (TII) and human capital (HCI). These middle-tier rankings suggest that there’s a foundation in place for further development.
When we look at the specifics, e-Malawi’s 101st position in e-participation stands out to me. This indicates a level of engagement and accessibility that could serve as a catalyst for future advancements in e-governance. However, there’s undoubtedly room for improvement. What I’d like to add is that addressing these challenges will likely require a holistic approach, encompassing not just technological upgrades but also capacity building and policy reform.
Solid legislation in place
With several policies and legislations already in existence, along with the active involvement of ten government agencies and ministries, Malawi has laid a strong foundation for digital transformation. One notable initiative is the Digital Government Strategy (which was launched in 2019) and spearheaded by the Ministry of Information and Digitization. This strategy aimed to enhance public service delivery by leveraging digitalization to streamline government operations and processes.
What I like most about these efforts is the collaborative approach involving different sectors, indicating a holistic understanding of the importance of digitalization across various facets of governance and service provision.
For instance, the Reserve Bank of Malawi’s introduction of Payments Systems and e-Money Regulations in 2018 is a significant move towards facilitating non-bank e-money issuance and implementing tiered Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. Similarly, the Ministry of Health’s Digital Health Strategy reflects a proactive stance in leveraging technology to improve healthcare delivery.
However,….despite these commendable efforts, I believe there are areas where Malawi can further strengthen its digital ecosystem. Updating key policies, strategies, and legislation is crucial to creating an enabling environment for the growth of the digital economy. For example – there is a need for clear policy direction and strategies to promote E-Government platforms and facilitate the digitization of government payments, such as social payments. These updates will help align Malawi’s digital initiatives with evolving technological trends and ensure that the country remains competitive in the digital era.
Malawi’s digital infrastructure has seen advancements, but…
On the surface, the statistics paint a picture of progress, with extensive network coverage paving the way for digital advancements. However, when we dig deeper, we uncover a nuanced reality.
What strikes me is the stark disparity between network coverage and actual internet usage. There’s an 86% 3G and 70% 4G coverage(according to ITU data). This extensive network coverage provides a foundation for the deployment of additional digital services and products.
A total of 11.77 million cellular mobile connections were active in e-Malawi in early 2024, the equivalent to 55.5% of the total population. However, only 28% of the population is online. That’s a significant gap that signals underlying challenges.
For perspective, these user figures reveal that 15.34 million people in Malawi did not use the internet at the start of 2024 (72.3%of the population remained offline.) This discrepancy suggests that while the infrastructure exists, there are accessibility gaps preventing the full utilisation of digital services and products. I believe this reflects broader accessibility issues, whether it’s the cost of smartphone devices, limited electricity access, or perhaps even digital literacy barriers.
(Access to electricity is low in e-Malawi, with only 18% of the population having access!)
All this highlights the multifaceted nature of digital inclusion. So, it’s not just about expanding infrastructure; it’s about ensuring that everyone can benefit from it. The low rates of smartphone ownership and electricity access emphasize the need for holistic solutions.
However, I’m optimistic about Malawi’s efforts towards inclusivity with the launch of the Inclusive Digital Transformation for Malawi (IDT4M) project in collaboration with the UNDP in April 2024. This initiative holds promise in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all citizens can benefit from the opportunities afforded by digital advancements.
Final thoughts
While e-Malawi may not currently rank as high as some other nations in e-governance, I believe there’s potential for significant growth. By leveraging its existing strengths in technology and human capital, and by prioritizing areas for improvement, it can pave the way for greater access to digital services and economic opportunities for its citizens.
Sources:
https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Documents/DDD/ddd_MWI.pdf
https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/en-us/Data/Country-Information/id/102-Malawi
