By Sellah Singini

Lilongwe, February 11, Mana: Principle Secretary for Ministry of Information and Digitalization, Baldwin Chiyamwaka, has described the Data Protection Act awareness as a milestone towards safeguarding the digital rights and privacy of Malawians.

Speaking on Tuesday during the opening of Data Protection Act awareness and compliance workshop in Lilongwe, Chiyamwaka said Malawi as a country recognizes the protection of personal data as not merely an issue of security but also a human rights issue.

He said, in an increasingly interconnected world, where digital interactions are at the heart of personal, professional and society lives, the importance of protecting the data and privacy of people cannot be overstated.

“Our ministry is committed to ensuring that the fundamental right to privacy is respected and upheld in the face of rapid technological advancement,

“The establishment of the Data Protection Authority is a significant step towards our journey that data is collected, processed, and used in a way that respects the privacy of Malawians,” Chiyamwaka said.

He further said, the Data Protection Authority will oversee the implementation of data protection laws, monitor compliance and ensure that individuals’ data is handled with transparency and accountability and respect.

“The authority will serve as a critical institution in Malawi, with the responsibility to protect individual privacy rights, promote accountability, educate and raise awareness, regulate and enforce compliance,” he added.

He therefore said, by enacting and enforcing data protection measures, they are not only protecting individuals, but also creating an environment where business can thrive.

In his remarks, Director General of MACRA, Daud Suleman emphasized the need for the authority to work together with various stakeholders in operationalizing and raising awareness of the Data Protection Act.

“As you are aware that the Data Protection Act was passed in 2024 and this means the law is relatively new. Therefore, we have embarked on a series of these workshops to raise the necessary awareness amongst the stakeholders, those that are holding data, but most importantly on Malawians, so that they must understand that they have rights with the data they provide to processes,” he said.