Malawi is advancing its digital transformation through a new national policy on artificial intelligence (AI) and stricter governance of public sector digital systems.
Speaking at the Heads of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) meeting at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, minister of information and communications technology Shadric Namalomba said the legal and policy foundation is required to support emerging technologies across the public sector.
The government is finalising a National AI Strategy to guide the ethical deployment of the technology across public institutions and the private sector.
The strategy will be supported by an AI Bill, which will establish a regulatory framework to promote innovation while safeguarding citizen privacy and ensuring operational accountability.
Establishing clear standards and legal parameters enables public institutions to adopt digital tools safely and efficiently, said Namalomba.
To support these policy shifts, the Department of E-Government is driving cross-departmental cooperation to enforce unified standards and strengthen cybersecurity.
Principal Secretary for the Department of E-Government Prosper Mopiwa said the gathering of ICT leaders was aimed at strengthening cooperation among Ministries, Departments and Agencies as government expands digital public services.
He said coordinated implementation will help public institutions adopt common standards, strengthen cybersecurity and improve the delivery of digital services to citizens.
In tandem with the AI policy rollout, the Department of Human Resource Management and Development is piloting an automated human resource and payroll management platform.
Director of Management Information Systems in the Department of Human Resource Management and Development Kate Mughogho said government is piloting the system before rolling it out across all ministries, departments, agencies, Parliament, the Judiciary and local councils.
The digital reforms form part of Malawi's broader digital transformation programme aimed at building an integrated, technology-driven public service.
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