The Digital Government Strategy of Malawi

The Digital Government Strategy of Malawi, published in September 2019 by the Ministry of Information through its Department of E-Government, serves as a comprehensive roadmap for transforming public service delivery through digital means. It is designed to align with Malawi’s national development goals under the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy III and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The strategy sets forth a vision of an efficient, accountable government that leverages digital technologies to enhance public service accessibility and convenience, ultimately fostering socio-economic growth.

The strategy is framed around five strategic pillars: policy and planning, infrastructure and access, systems and processes, capacity building, and institutional frameworks. These pillars are supported by four cross-cutting enablers, which include financial management, procurement, project and portfolio management, and monitoring and evaluation, with communication and change management serving as a unifying theme throughout. Specific recommendations are made within each area, with designated responsible entities and defined execution timelines to ensure accountability and progress tracking.

Key components of the strategy focus on modernising government network infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, reforming legal frameworks for digital governance, streamlining business processes, and strengthening information security. The strategy also prioritises the establishment of common standards for ICT systems, promotion of shared services, and digitalisation of government registries and services. It emphasises building local ICT capacities through training and institutional reforms, notably enhancing the role of the National College of Information Technology as a centre of excellence. Through these measures, Malawi aims to create an inclusive, robust digital ecosystem that supports efficient public administration and broader national development.