Malawi has turned to Ghana for support in accelerating its national digital transformation agenda, seeking to replicate the West African country’s success in deploying technology driven public services and digital innovation systems. The move reflects growing recognition of Ghana’s digital leadership in Africa and highlights increasing cooperation among African nations to build technology enabled economies.
The request was made by Malawi’s Minister of Information and Digitalisation, Dr. Shadric Namalomba, during bilateral discussions with Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress 2026 held in Barcelona, Spain, where governments and global technology companies gathered to discuss emerging digital trends and partnerships.
Malawi seeks Ghana’s digital development model
Malawi is looking to learn from Ghana’s digital transformation strategy, which has earned recognition across the continent for its progress in areas such as fintech, digital identification, and e government services. Ghana has successfully deployed several digital initiatives aimed at improving public service delivery, financial inclusion and technological innovation.
During the discussions, Malawian authorities asked Ghana to support the rollout of several digital systems across key sectors of the economy. These include national digital identification platforms, financial technology services, e government portals, and technology solutions that improve access to services in rural areas.
The collaboration is also expected to cover emerging technology sectors such as agritech, edutech, healthtech and artificial intelligence based applications. Malawi hopes that these solutions will strengthen public institutions, expand digital access and improve service delivery to citizens.
Ghanaian technology firms to support implementation
As part of the proposed cooperation, Ghana plans to send a delegation of technology companies to Malawi to help deploy digital systems and explore business partnerships. Ghana’s communications minister revealed that between 15 and 20 Ghanaian technology firms could participate in the initiative.
The delegation is expected to work with Malawian authorities to design and implement systems including digital identity infrastructure, fintech platforms and government service portals. In addition, Ghana intends to share aspects of its regulatory framework and digital policy strategies to help Malawi develop supportive legislation for its technology sector.
According to Ghanaian officials, copies of Ghana’s revised digital legislation and national artificial intelligence strategy will be shared with Malawi to serve as reference points for policy development.
Growing continental demand for Ghana’s technology expertise
The request from Malawi follows similar interest from other African countries seeking to adopt Ghana’s digital transformation model. During a recent visit to Zambia by Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, a delegation of Ghanaian fintech and technology companies secured approximately $60 million in business deals within three days.
The outcome demonstrated the increasing demand across the continent for locally developed digital solutions and the expanding influence of Ghana’s technology ecosystem. Ghanaian officials believe exporting home grown technology services across Africa could strengthen regional integration and stimulate economic development.
Officials say the strategy aligns with broader efforts to promote African led technological innovation and reduce reliance on foreign digital platforms.
Malawi’s digital development challenges
Despite ongoing reforms, Malawi still faces significant challenges in building a fully digital economy. Limited broadband infrastructure, low internet penetration and gaps in digital skills remain major obstacles to technological growth.
According to international development indicators, Malawi ranks relatively low in global e government readiness and digital infrastructure development. The country continues to work with international partners to expand connectivity and improve digital governance systems.
The World Bank supported Digital Malawi project has already begun laying the groundwork for a digitally enabled economy by expanding internet infrastructure, improving government digital services and promoting digital literacy.
However, policymakers believe stronger partnerships with countries that have successfully implemented digital systems will accelerate progress.
Toward a pan African digital economy
Beyond bilateral cooperation, Ghana has expressed interest in promoting regulatory alignment across African countries to support cross border digital services. One proposal under discussion is the concept of “licence passporting,” which would allow technology and fintech firms licensed in one African country to operate in others without undergoing separate regulatory approvals.
Such frameworks could make it easier for African technology companies to expand across borders while promoting a more integrated continental digital economy.
Officials say the collaboration between Malawi and Ghana represents a step toward that vision, demonstrating how African countries can work together to build home grown technological solutions.
If successfully implemented, the partnership could help Malawi modernize its public services, expand access to digital tools and strengthen its technology sector while reinforcing Ghana’s role as a regional leader in digital transformation.