‘ICT a pillar for economic development’
Malawi Government says it recognises the importance of information and communications technology (ICT) as a key pillar for economic development.
Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture Kondwani Nankhumwa made the remarks when he presented Malawi’s ICT policy statement yesterday during the 2014 International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference dubbed PP 14 in Busan, Korea.
He said in view of the ITU development goals, Malawi has embraced all aspects of the ITU Connect 2020 vision of growth, inclusiveness, sustainability, innovation and partnership.
Nankhumwa explained: “It is our considered view that the efforts being done by our country will facilitate the bridging of the digital divide in line with ITU Connect 2020 vision, goals and targets.”
On the international scene, Nankhumwa said Malawi has managed to partner with countries and institutions to develop a wireless broadband master plan.
“As ITU gets to 150 years in 2015, it is our pledge that Malawi will continue to be part of the key players to the realisation of the vision of the ITU success story,” said the minister.
Under the theme The Future Role of ICTs – Sustainable Development with Inclusive ICTs, officials will assess the changing development landscape, including growing and aging population, urbanisation, environmental issues and technology development.
Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) director general Andrew Kumbatira, his director of communication Lloyd Momba and deputy director of legal services Thoko Chimbe are some of the delegates who accompanied the minister to the conference.
