Malawi Opens Data Privacy Week with call for responsible use of personal data
Date: 2026-01-27
Malawi’s Data Privacy Week entered its second day with renewed calls for the ethical and responsible handling of personal data as the country accelerates its digital transformation agenda.
Opening
the two-day conference, the Minister of Information and Communications
Technology, Dr. Shadric Namalombwa, MP, underscored the importance of data
privacy to national development. He described data as a strategic national
asset that enhances service delivery and drives economic growth, stressing that
its use must be guided by ethical standards and responsibility.
The
Acting Director General of the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority
(MACRA), Mayamiko Nkoloma, noted that the Data Protection Act of 2024 positions
privacy as a shared responsibility requiring compliance from all users of
digital platforms. He reaffirmed MACRA’s role as the Data Protection Authority
and its commitment to supporting institutions while safeguarding citizens’
personal data.
MACRA
Board Chairperson, Counsel Chancy Gondwe, emphasized that data protection
extends beyond cybersecurity and must be treated as a core compliance issue. He
highlighted fundamental principles of lawful, minimal, accurate, and secure
data processing, calling on stakeholders across sectors to promote a culture of
compliance in the digital ecosystem.
