LocationsMalawi Launches First-Ever Digital Readiness Assessment to Guide Inclusive Digital Transformation
May 16, 2025
Minister of Information and Digitilization, Moses Kunkuyu, launches the Digital Readiness Assessment in Lilongwe with UNDP Resident Representative Fenella Frost.
Lilongwe, Malawi — Thursday 15 May 2025 — In a landmark step toward achieving an inclusive and sustainable digital future, the Ministry of Information and Digitalization, through its Department of e-Government and in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), officially launched Malawi’s first-ever Digital Readiness Assessment (DRA) during a high-level event held in Lilongwe.
The event was graced by Honourable Moses Kunkuyu, Minister of Information and Digitalization, who led the official launch. Also present were Mr. Baldwin Chiyamwaka, Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Information; Mr. Stephen Mjuweni, Principal Secretary for e-Government; and Ms. Fenella Frost, UNDP Resident Representative, Dr. Kisu Simwaka, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi, along with senior government officials, development partners, members of the diplomatic corps, academia, civil society, and private sector leaders.
Themed “Building a People-Centred Digital Malawi: From Readiness to Strategy”, the event featured a high-level panel discussion with key thought leaders across sectors. The dialogue explored opportunities and challenges in translating Malawi’s digital potential into strategic action for economic growth and improved service delivery.
Voices from the Launch
Speaking at the event, Ms. Fenella Frost, UNDP Resident Representative, underscored the significance of the launch:
“This report is more than a diagnostic tool; it is a roadmap to bridge the divide between our current reality and the immense potential of a digitally empowered nation. We stand at a crossroads. While Malawi’s digital journey holds promise, we cannot ignore the challenges. Yet, these challenges are matched by opportunities. Imagine a Malawi where farmers in Mchinji use AI-powered apps to predict weather patterns, where telemedicine reaches mothers in Nsanje, and where young innovators in Lilongwe develop solutions to tackle climate shocks. This is the future within our grasp that can accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
A statement from Honourable Moses Kunkuyu, Minister of Information and Digitalization, further emphasized the Government’s resolve:
“Let me be clear, this launch is not just a celebration of our progress; it is a call to action. The DRA is the foundation upon which we will build Malawi’s National Digital Strategy, translating these insights into concrete policies and programs. But we cannot do this alone. It will take a whole-of-society approach.”
About the Digital Readiness Assessment
The DRA comprehensively evaluates Malawi’s current status and prospects in digital transformation. It assesses progress across six key pillars: Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), Connectivity, Government, Regulation, Economy, and People.
The assessment aligns with Malawi Vision 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provides evidence-based recommendations to guide national strategy, investments, and policy reforms.
Malawi achieved a Digital Readiness Score of 1.96 out of 4.0, positioning the country within the “Opportunistic” stage of digital readiness. This reflects a growing awareness and emerging investments in digital solutions but also highlights the need for systemic coordination and accelerated reforms to realise the full promise of a digital economy.
Key Findings from the Assessment
Governance and Regulatory Gaps: While Malawi has enacted several foundational policies, such as the Data Protection Act and the Cybersecurity Strategy, enforcement is inconsistent and institutional capacity remains limited.
Public Sector Digitization: The country’s low E-Government Development Index (EGDI) score of 0.3435 reflects fragmented systems, limited interoperability, and inadequate user-centred service delivery.
Infrastructure Gaps: Despite expanding 4G network coverage, internet penetration remains low at 27.7%, with rural communities facing limited connectivity and high data costs.
Digital Literacy Challenges: Only 62% of the population is literate, with significant gender disparities and low digital skills levels limiting effective engagement with digital technologies.
Early-Stage Innovation Ecosystem: Although entrepreneurial activity is growing, startups face challenges securing financing and integrating advanced technologies. The report recommends establishing a National Innovation Fund and strengthening support for emerging ventures.
Strategic Recommendations
Strengthen regulatory enforcement and develop future-facing policies, including a National AI and Data Strategy.
Improve public sector coordination, interoperability, and user experience in e-services.
Promote digital trust and citizenship through inclusive and accessible platforms.
Invest in rural broadband infrastructure and reduce the cost of internet access.
Develop a National Digital Skills Framework focused on inclusion and workforce alignment.
Establish the Department of e-Government as an Independent Authority with a stronger implementation mandate.
A Call to Action
The launch of the DRA marks a critical turning point in Malawi’s digital transformation. Government leadership, development cooperation, and private sector collaboration will be essential in transforming the assessment's findings into meaningful outcomes for all Malawians.
The Ministry of Information and Digitalization, together with UNDP and other partners, reaffirms its commitment to building an inclusive digital economy where everyone is included.
Access the full Digital Readiness Assessment report here: https://tinyurl.com/2cyhdceb