Malawi

Chairman 

Your Excellencies Heads of Government 

Excellencies Ministers 

Excellencies Heads of Delegation and All protocols observed  

Chairman, Let me firstly convey warm greetings from the Government and the people of the Republic of Malawi. 

As we are taking the floor for the first time, let me also congratulate, you Mr Chairperson on your appointment as Chairperson of this Plenipotentiary Conference and be assured that you have our full support as you discharge your duties. 

Congratulations to Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin for being elected as the next Secretary General and of course our dear Brother, Tomasi Lamanauskas, for being elected the Deputy Secretary General of ITU. I wish you both a successful term. 

Malawi with a GDP of  625 USD per capita, is probably one of the poorest countries on earth, but our strong belief in the power of digital transformation and digital economy, gives us hope and  is an answer to uplifting the livelihoods of our people in a connected world whilst bridging the current digital divide that COVID-19 pandemic has further  widened. 

The theme of this conference, ‘Connect and Unite’ is a reminder that despite our differences in the levels of development, the internet is a global network for which we all have a shared responsibility and where we stand as strong as our weakest link. Uniting and working together for the good of all nations is not an option, it is a must. 

Malawi is determined not to be left behind in this digital age, we are here to be counted and to be a formidable partner in current fourth industrial revolution.  

Malawi’s digital transformation journey has been well defined in our agenda 2063 plan, which aligns with Africa union 2063 as well as SADC 2027 digital transformation strategy. 

As a landlocked country, Malawi is spearheading the formation of diplomatic data corridors with its neighbouring countries in a bid to reduce the cost of data, from $35 per MB towards the preferred $5 per MB price point, and increase internet penetration from 18% to 60% within the next 4 yours. The diplomatic data corridors will enable Malawi, and other landlocked countries to have affordable and meaningful connectivity. 

Malawi seeks to improve its broadband coverage, from the current 38% to 75% in 24 months through deliberate efforts that empower local participation through the licensing of over 30 community broadband operators. 

Speaking of the youth, we are rolling out a targeted Innovation and Research Fund, in partnership with the private sector, to the tune of $350,000.00 per year to ensure secure and sustainable funding for young innovators in Malawi.  

Digital literacy is a risk that we have identified at this early stage in our digital transformation agenda, to this effect, we are currently reviewing, the primary and secondary school syllabus to fully embrace digital elements.  

We are not competing in any position in this conference, but rest assured that in 4 years’ time, Malawi shall be a formidable candidate for a seat at the ITU table. 

Thank you.