By Vincent Gunde
The Ministry of Information and Digitalization says the Digital Malawi Acceleration Project (DMAP) is a transformative successor project of the Digital Malawi Program aiming to provide citizens with affordable internet access, build a digital infrastructure that withstands climate shocks, and enhance the government’s ability to deliver services digitally.
The project is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Information through the Public Private Partnership Commission (PPPC), representing a 150 million US Dollars investment (70 million US Dollars in phase 1 and 80 million US Dollars in phase 2) under innovative Digital Economy for Africa program.
DMAP with support from the World Bank and other international partners, commenced on 1st November, 2024 and is set to conclude on 27th June, 2030 to increase access to and inclusive use of the digitally enabled services.
Presenting DMAP consultations to the District executive committee (Dec) in Dowa, an Economist in the Department of e-Government Khama Ntelera, said the Digital Malawi Acceleration Project (DMAP) is focusing on four critical areas advancing Malawi’s digital transformation.
Ntelera said the project is focusing on extending mobile broadband (4G/5G) in underserved rural regions providing universal mobile coverage, including marginalized and climate-vulnerable communities lacking affordable and quality internet.
He said the project will connect up to 2,000 schools using the hub-and –spoke model through the Malawi Research and Education Network (MAREN) saying in phase 1, it will connect over 80 higher education institutions.
The Economist said the project will address connectivity gaps through regional collaborations and surveys, partner with neighboring countries like DRC and Zambia and other developmental partners for efficient planning and integrated infrastructure.
Ntelera said the project will strengthen the national data center established in phase 1 and explore cloud-based strategies, focusing on government data migration from outdated facilities to secure locations.
“The project will enhance data hosting and cloud transition, it will develop a National Data Strategy for structured data governance and sharing protocols,” he said.
The Economist said DMAP project will build on the existing government exchange platform, developing private financial institutions, facilitating revenue generation and providing capacity building and technical assistance to optimizing the platform’s functionality.
He said DMAP will expand fund tech hubs to provide advanced digital skills training, promote digital entrepreneurship, and develop digital solutions for climate change and engaging in schemes that lower prices for and users, including participation in a regional device affordability program.
Ntelera said four priority sectors-social protection, financial inclusion, disaster response, and land management will be digitally enhanced saying DMAP will fund the creation of Malawi Information Technology Authority (MITA) transforming staff from the Department of e-Government based on competitive selection
