Daud Suleman (2nd right) and his delegation in Nairobi, Kenya
* The move elevates Malawi’s participation in continental information and communication technology (ICT) policymaking and governance
* This ratification reflects Malawi’s recognition of the critical role telecommunications play in economic and social development
By Khumbo Kumaliza, MANA
Malawi has reaffirmed its commitment to regional information and communication technology (ICT) development by officially submitting its Instrument of Ratification to the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Constitution and Convention, transitioning from observer to full member status.
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The submission was made on June 12, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya, by Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Director General, Daud Suleman and received on behalf of the ATU by Alice Koech.
The move elevates Malawi’s participation in continental ICT policymaking and governance, says MACRA’s head of international affairs & corporate communication, Limbani Nsapato.
“This ratification reflects Malawi’s recognition of the critical role telecommunications play in economic and social development,” Nsapato said, adding that the development marks a key step in strengthening the country’s contribution to regional integration and capacity building in the ICT sector.
He further said the decision allows Malawi not only to contribute ideas but also to influence decisions at the continental level: “This initiative elevates Malawi from observer to active decision maker giving it a voice in shaping Africa’s ICT future.”
According to MACRA, the ratification grants Malawi full participation rights in all ATU programmes, including conferences, policy-making forums, and elections to the Administrative Council, the Union’s principal governing body.
On his part, Suleman said Malawi looks forward to leveraging its new status to champion inclusive, secure, and innovative digital frameworks.
“The Government of Malawi, through MACRA, is committed to working with other ATU member states to advance telecommunications as a driver of Africa’s long-term development goals,” he said.
The ATU is a specialised agency of the African Union (AU) mandated to promote the development and harmonisation of ICTs across the continent — and Malawi’s ratification also aligns with the country’s broader digital transformation agenda under MW2063 national vision which prioritises ICT as a catalyst for economic diversification, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Meanwhile, Minister of Higher Education, Jessie Kabwila has reaffirmed government’s commitment to developing ethical and inclusive artificial intelligence (AI).
Kabwila was speaking during a ministerial dialogue on Wednesday at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Global Forum on the Ethics of AI in Bangkok, Thailand.
She, however, commended UNESCO and the Thai Government for convening a platform that unites global leaders and AI experts to tackle the ethical challenges of disruptive and emerging technologies.
The delegates at the summit
Kabwila also acknowledged that Malawi has not yet passed a dedicated Al law but noted that the country is making progress through its nearly completed Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) report in line with UNESCO’s guidelines.
“Recent legal developments including the Data Protection Act (2024), National Digitisation Policy (2023-2028) and other key laws that provide a strong foundation for responsible AI use,” she disclosed.
Kabwila, therefore, pointed out that the country’s endorsement of the Windhoek Statement and the AU Declaration on AI as well as its efforts to ratify the Malabo Convention as a testament to the fact that Malawi is also participating in broader continental initiatives.
She stressed the importance of ensuring that AI systems reflect Malawi’s diverse cultural landscape, which includes various ethnic groups such as the Chewa, Yao, Tumbuka, Lomwe and Ngoni.
“Despite limited research funding — only 0.176% of GDP — Malawi is seeing growing interest in AI, stating that universities have begun integrating AI into their curricula and institutions like the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and STEAM Education (CAIST) and Kuyesera AI Lab (KAI) are taking the lead.
“While in the private sector, startups like Nxtgen Lab and mHub are innovating with support from local funding programmes and development grants.”
Kabwila, therefore, raised concerns about digital access and affordability, noting that only 27.7% of the population is online with just 4.2% of household own a computer and that mobile data cost remain high.
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She called for more coordinated investment in infrastructure especially in cyber security, energy and affordable technology to support AI development and access across the country.
The Minister also emphasised on the critical role of education, particularly digital and AI literacy, in building an ethical AI eco-system with Malawi’s literacy rate at 62%, calling for empowering students and researchers to responsible innovation.
She, therefore, reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to an inclusive and well-regulated AI future, noting that stronger investment and better inter-agency coordination were key to achieving full AI readiness.—Additional reporting on AI by Patience Longwe, MANA; edited by Maravi Express
