By Patricia Kapulula

Mangochi, June 11, Mana: Government is prioritizing digital literacy by ensuring that citizens are equipped with necessary digital skills in order for the country to attain digital transformation.

Director of Administration in the Ministry of Information and Digitalization, Hilary Namainja, made the remarks in Mangochi on Tuesday during the Digital Readiness Assessment Workshop.

He said for the country to achieve digital transformation and meaningful progress to drive innovation, there was need for enhanced collaboration and partnership amongst stakeholders.

“We need to create an enabling environment for digital innovation to advance readiness. Government has launched several digital projects such as the fiber which aims at enhancing connectivity across the country. This is important for inclusive growth and development,” Namainja said.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Fenella Frost said it was important for Malawi to enhance digital transformation as it was in line with Malawi 2063 in achieving access to digital tools for citizens.

“Digital transformation is a catalyst for development and essential to achieving Sustainable Development Goals. It is important that no one should be left behind in this digital resolution,” she said.

National Registration Bureau (NRB) Principal Secretary, Mphatso Sambo, said the country was   on the right track in implementation of digital identification.

He emphasized on the need for the country to exercise readiness in as far as digital transformation is concerned.

The two-day workshop is meant to provide participants with understanding on digital transformation, provide a sense of approach on digital transformation, provide an understanding on the role of different stakeholders on digital transformation and offer best practices among others.

The workshop has brought together ministries, departments and agencies, the private sector, civil society organizations and the academia among others.