President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has directed all ministries, departments, and government in Malawi to accelerate the digitalisation of public services.
The order was issued during the State of the Nation Address opening the 2026/2027 budget meeting of Parliament.
Mutharika stated that digitalisation is no longer optional but necessary for national development and economic growth. He called on government agencies to move services online to increase efficiency, transparency, and convenience.
Targeted services, including passport applications, national identity cards, driver's licences, and public procurement, are to be digitalised "forthwith."
The president said the action is meant to combat corruption, cut down on wasteful expenditure, and lessen bureaucracy.
The programme is in line with the Malawi Vision 2063 development strategy, which includes testing a Digital Identity Wallet, and is a part of a larger effort to raise internet usage to 80% by 2026.
Since taking office again in late 2025, Mutharika has made digital transformation a key component of his plan for economic recovery.
“I direct all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to embrace digital technology. We need to ensure that Malawi’s economy is driven by digital technologies,” Mutharika addressed Parliament in Lilongwe.
“Malawians must fully utilise online platforms for application of passports, national identity cards and driving licences as well as for public procurement and other essential services.”
Share