By: Robert Kwaku Annor
Malawi
is participating in the Giga Government Exchange Programme currently underway
in Geneva, Switzerland, from January 27 to 30, aimed at advancing sustainable
school connectivity solutions and strengthening institutional processes for
public procurement and financing.
The
programme is a partnership between UNICEF and the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) and forms part of the global Giga initiative,
which seeks to connect every school to the internet. It brings together public
sector professionals from different countries to exchange knowledge on
financing mechanisms, procurement strategies and governance models that support
inclusive and resilient digital infrastructure.
Through
its participation, Malawi is expected to develop national working plans that
integrate Giga’s digital tools with context-specific delivery strategies. These
efforts are intended to promote accountability, efficiency and equity in
investments in digital infrastructure for schools, as the country works to
expand access to quality education through improved connectivity.
The
Malawian delegation is led by the Principal Secretary for Information and
Communication Technology, Harold Msusa. Other members include Deputy Director
for ICT at the Ministry of Education, Chrissie Mtonga; Projects Manager at the
Universal Service Fund, Khumbo Kasambara; and UNICEF Malawi Education
Specialist, Shumye Molla.
According
to the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), the insights and
experience gained from the programme are expected to strengthen national
efforts to enhance school connectivity, bridge the digital divide and improve
learning opportunities for students across the country.
