Ghana and Malawi have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and knowledge sharing in digital transformation, public sector innovation and the delivery of efficient digital public services.
The commitment was made when a high-level delegation from Malawi visited the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations as part of a study tour to examine Ghana’s digital transformation initiatives and public sector innovation.
Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, the Deputy Minister, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, said Ghana was pleased to share its experience in using digital technologies to promote sustainable development and improve public service delivery.
He said Ghana’s digital transformation agenda had focused on strategic investments in digital infrastructure, digital identity, cybersecurity, e-government services, digital skills development and innovation ecosystems.
The engagement provided officials from both countries with an opportunity to exchange experiences, examine lessons learnt and explore practical approaches to addressing common challenges confronting digital transformation efforts across Africa.
The Malawian delegation, led by Deputy Chief Secretary at the Office of the President and Cabinet, Stuart Naison Ligomeka, expressed appreciation for Ghana’s hospitality and described the country as an important reference point for Malawi’s digital transformation efforts.
Mr Ligomeka said Malawi had selected Ghana for the study tour after reviewing international experiences and identifying the country as having made significant progress in deploying digital technologies and information and communications technology to transform public services.
He said the tour was intended to provide Malawi with practical insights to inform its digital transformation agenda, particularly in the areas of digital government systems, institutional arrangements and implementation approaches.
He also stressed the importance of sustained technical cooperation between the two countries, proposing continued engagement between their technical teams to facilitate specialised expertise and knowledge exchange.
“We are one people and one Africa, and it is important for us to share knowledge and our experiences so that together we can build a better Africa,” Mr Ligomeka stated.
The Malawian delegation also highlighted the historical ties between the two countries, including the connection of Malawi’s first President, Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda, with Ghana, where he studied and lived for several years.
The delegation called for continued government-to-government engagement, while encouraging technical experts from both countries to pursue further cooperation in areas requiring specialised knowledge.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Director, Alexander Yaw Arphul; Director of General Administration, Alfred Nortey; Director of Innovations, Emmanuel Ofori; Director of International Relations, Dede Laborki Ofei; and other deputy directors of the Ministry.
Other members of the Malawian delegation included Principal Secretary for Reforms, Dr Luckie Sikwese; Principal Secretary for Finance, Patrick Maranda; Principal Secretary for Monitoring and Evaluation, Samson Ngutwa; Principal Secretary for E-Government, Prosper Mopiwa; and Clerk to the Cabinet, Marjorie Shema.
