LocationsBeyond Access: Advancing Digital Agency for People with Visual Impairments in Malawi
August 31, 2026
Dr. Chika Charles Aniekwe, UNDP Malawi Deputy Resident Representative (standing), during one of the sessions at the Malawi School of Government (MSG).
At the Malawi School of Government, the steady rhythm of keystrokes marks more than a lesson in Microsoft Word. It signals barriers being dismantled—and people with visual impairments gaining the skills and confidence to participate independently in an increasingly digital world.
At the front of the training room is Ms Anita Msumba, a history teacher at Rumphi Secondary School who is visually impaired. As one of the programme’s Master Trainers, she guides participants through creating, typing and editing documents, combining technical instruction with practical, hands-on learning.
Ms. Anita Msumba (front right) facilitates a session.
Her role carries particular significance. The programme is not bringing in trainers to speak on behalf of people with visual impairments. It is equipping people with visual impairments themselves to become Master Trainers—placing them at the centre of learning, leadership and change.
Ms Msumba is therefore doing more than teaching computer skills. She is helping prepare a new generation of visually impaired trainers who will carry this knowledge into workplaces, schools and communities across Malawi.
“Everyone should get exposure to digital skills. Information is very important. If you do not have information, you are blank and left behind,” she said.
For people with visual impairments, limited access to inclusive digital training can turn routine activities—preparing a document, finding information or completing professional assignments—into tasks that require assistance. This is not because of a lack of ability, but because technology and training have not always been designed to include everyone.
The programme is helping change that reality.
Rather than training individual beneficiaries alone, it is developing a network of visually impaired Master Trainers who can transfer their knowledge and lived experience to others. Each trainer becomes a multiplier, enabling one learning experience to open opportunities for many more people.
For Mr Simeon Chiutsi, a visually impaired Senior Labour Officer in the Ministry of Labour and one of the Master Trainers, these skills represent greater independence and dignity.
“Gone are the days when we as people with visual impairment have to totally rely on others to use digital skills. Digital skills are very necessary in this day and age. Digital is helping ease the challenges with access to information that we have as people with visual impairment,” he said.
His experience reflects the programme’s wider purpose: supporting people to move from dependence to greater autonomy, and from digital exclusion to active participation and leadership.
The progress made during the training was also recognised by Dr Chika Charles Aniekwe, Deputy Resident Representative for UNDP Malawi, who visited the participants to appreciate the progress being made.
“Visiting the Malawi School of Government and witnessing firsthand the training of persons with visual impairments brought home to me the profound difference we can make in the lives of persons with disabilities through intentional, inclusive and impactful programming,” he said.
He added: “As UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Malawi, I am proud to see this commitment translated into action. I look forward especially to hearing the impact stories of the beneficiaries; not simply about the training they received, but about the opportunities it creates, the confidence it builds, and the lives it helps transform. Development is most meaningful when no one is left behind.”
The session forms part of the two-week Introduction to Computer Basics for the Visually Impaired (ICBVI) Cohort 2 Training. It is supported through UNDP Malawi’s Inclusive Digital Transformation for Malawi project, with funding from the European Union, the Government of Norway and Irish Aid.
Azhar Malik, Digital Advisor (standing), observes the training session.
For participants, learning to create documents, access information and navigate digital tools can bring greater confidence and independence in professional and personal life. For the visually impaired Master Trainers, it brings an additional responsibility: to share those skills, serve as role models and expand opportunity for others.
Their growing network demonstrates that digital inclusion is not achieved by providing technology alone. It requires investing in people, recognising their capabilities and enabling those with lived experience to lead solutions that respond to their realities.
As today’s participants prepare to become tomorrow’s trainers, the impact can extend far beyond the training room. Every lesson shared can unlock another opportunity—and every person empowered can empower others.
This is how inclusive digital transformation takes root: people with visual impairments not simply receiving support, but leading change and building a more inclusive digital future for Malawi.
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