Promotion of digital literacy, rights and inclusion (MW0018)

1. What problem does the commitment aim to address?
Despite advancements and investments in the digital space, many citizens remain digitally illiterate, are unaware of their digital rights and fail to access online services. Access to and affordability of devices and services also hinder inclusion.

Malawi has made significant strides in advancing digital rights. However, a number of challenges remain. Limited internet access and affordability are also a challenge. Current internet penetration remains low at 27.7 percent, especially among women and other marginalized groups. Additionally, Malawi’s Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of opinion, expression and assembly, as well as freedom of the press. Despite these enabling provisions, freedom of expression online and offline has faced surveillance and restrictions challenges with the Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Act, 2016, and other digital governance related laws. These restrictions, as well as limited awareness of digital rights, responsibilities and related laws, have hindered the full enjoyment of digital and civic freedoms.

While the Access to Information Act, 2016 is designed to facilitate citizens’ access to government held information, several existing laws, some dating back to colonial times, continue to promote government secrecy. For instance, Section 4(1) of the Official Secrets Act, 1968, prohibits the disclosure of a wide range of information, including any information obtained through public service. This undermines the provisions on the right to information under Section 37 of the Constitution and Section 15 of the Access to Information Act, 2016. Additionally, most Government information is not available and accessible in digital formats and in local languages.

2. What are the causes of the problem?
The root causes of the problem include:
(a) Limited public awareness: lack of knowledge of digital rights and available services.
(b) Inclusion: low adoption of adaptive technologies; exclusion of women and persons with disabilities.
(c) Affordability and accessibility: high cost of devices and internet.
(d) Low participation of women due to socio-economic barriers.
(e) Gaps in last-mile digital infrastructure, especially rural.
(f) Restrictive and outdated laws (e.g., Official Secrets Act).
(g) Digital surveillance and arbitrary arrests for online expression.

Commitment Description

1. What has been done so far to solve the problem?

Digital Malawi Project introduced Enterprise Service Bus (ESB).

Data Protection Act, 2024 enacted.

National Digitalization Policy (2023–2028) operationalized.

MACRA’s Universal Service Fund supports affordable devices.

Tech hubs trained 19,000 women and youth in digital skills.

2. What solution are you proposing?
This commitment aims to:
(a) Promote digital awareness and inclusion by facilitating access to smartphones and digital platforms.
(b) Promote financial inclusion through digital governance.
(c) Localize and digitize processes at all levels.
(d) Accelerate digital literacy initiatives for youth, women, elderly.
(e) Establish collaborative structures with CSOs to raise awareness.
(f) Promote local assembly of devices to reduce costs.
(g) Review/repeal restrictive digital laws; enact new ones on emerging tech (e.g., AI).
(h) Adopt policies to make internet/services more affordable.

3. What results do we want to achieve?
(a) Increased awareness and access to digital services.
(b) Inclusion of marginalized groups.
(c) Expanded digital literacy.
(d) Strengthened data protection.
(e) Improved legal frameworks.
(f) Affordable devices and internet.

Commitment Analysis

Relevance to MW2063: Envisions a digitally enabled society, equitable ICT access, innovation and connectivity.
Transparency: Informed citizens can demand open digital governance.
Accountability: Greater awareness = greater scrutiny of government service delivery.
Citizen Participation: Equipped with tools to advocate for digital rights.

Commitment Planning

Milestones | Expected Outputs | Expected Completion Date

Enhance digital rights | Data Protection Act, 2024 enforced, regulations developed; Public awareness of digital rights/policies increased; Digital governance laws reviewed/amended/repealed | December 2028

Accelerate digital literacy | Citizens empowered with digital skills and services; Digital literacy awareness increased; Partnerships with CSOs/private sector expanded | Dec 2028

Improve access to devices | Local assembly supported to reduce costs; Partnerships for digital infrastructure developed | Dec 2028