By Kondwani Magombo:
Minister of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Dr. Shadric Namalomba says the vision of his Ministry over the next three years is to build a connected, secure, and inclusive digital nation in which every citizen, institution, and enterprise can participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
Namalomba said this when he officially opened the 2026 International ICT Expo at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe Thursday, adding that digital transformation is no longer optional but strategic necessity for national development.
He said the focus will be on expanding broadband access, accelerating digital public services, strengthening cybersecurity and data governance, and equipping the country’s young people with the skills required to innovate, create jobs, and compete globally.
The Minister said the Democratic Progressive Party-led government’s target is to attain 80 percent connectivity rate across the country for accelerated economic growth, improved public service delivery, and strengthened global competitiveness.
“Our target is to have each and every primary school, each and every secondary school, each village and public place connected: the DPP manifesto clearly singles out that,” said Namalomba.
He continued: “We have already secured resources from The World Bank to connect 2,000 schools – and these are on top of other 2,000 schools that were connected in the first phase.”
The Minister further said in total, 9,000 schools and public places and institutions are targeted for connectivity during the period.
He thanked government partners, among them China and Japan, and all sponsors for their support towards advancement of ICT innovations, and the Minister further appealed to investors for more support to bring connectivity to public places.
Namalomba described the 2026 International ICT Expo as “far more than a technology exhibition”, saying it reflects Malawi’s determination to position itself in the fast-evolving global digital economy; and that “Malawi cannot afford to remain a spectator in this transformation”.
In his keynote address, ICT Association of Malawi president, Clarence Gama, commended government for its commitment in promoting ICT innovations and digital solutions in the country, and appealed for sustainability of the commitment until connectivity spreads even across Malawi.
Gama also called on all stakeholders and ICT consumers in the country to promote the sector by embracing local consumption other than importing ICT products.
Minister of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism, Simon Itaye, who was among the speakers, also concurred with Gama, and he invited all players in the private sector to explore local innovation.
Itaye also called on all Ministries Departments and Agencies to embrace digital transformation as per President Prof. Peter Mutharika’s appeal, and he encouraged stakeholders to collaborate in attaining scalable ideas that can create jobs and improve the economy.
