By Jones Gadama
Minister of Information and Digitalisation, Moses Kunkuyu Kalongashawa, has emphasized the need for African leaders to prioritize reliable and affordable internet connectivity as a foundation for digital transformation and e-learning across the continent.
Speaking at the E-learning Africa Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Kunkuyu noted that e-learning holds great promise for Africa’s youth, but it remains an unattainable dream for many without the basic infrastructure that supports it.
“We are pushing an agenda where young people across Africa should be able to access learning platforms—even from the comfort of their homes. But let’s be honest, there is no e-learning and no digitalization if there is no connectivity,” Kunkuyu said. He made a strong call for Pan-African cooperation, highlighting the urgent need to connect all 16 landlocked countries in Africa.
Kunkuyu highlighted Malawi’s progress in extending free public Wi-Fi to key urban areas under the leadership of President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.
He said the focus is now on reaching the last mile, providing connectivity to rural and remote communities that have been left behind. “The President has been very clear: he wants Malawi to be fully digitized. And we are making steady strides. But for e-learning and digital inclusion to be a reality, Africa must act collectively,” Kunkuyu said.
President Chakwera has made digitalization a cornerstone of Malawi’s development strategy, reaffirming his government’s commitment to making internet access a national right and developmental priority.
Kunkuyu’s call for Pan-African cooperation underscores the need for collective action to address the digital divide and ensure that all Africans have access to reliable and affordable internet connectivity.
The E-learning Africa Summit provided a platform for Kunkuyu to share Malawi’s experiences and challenges in promoting digitalization and e-learning.
His message resonated with the need for African leaders to prioritize digital infrastructure development and make internet access a fundamental right for all citizens.
As Africa continues to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, Kunkuyu’s call to action serves as a reminder of the importance of reliable and affordable internet connectivity in unlocking the continent’s potential. By working together, African leaders can create a brighter future for the continent’s youth and ensure that e-learning and digital inclusion become a reality for all.
The summit’s focus on e-learning and digitalization highlights the critical role that technology plays in shaping Africa’s future.
As the continent continues to evolve, it is essential that leaders prioritize digital infrastructure development and make internet access a national priority.
By doing so, Africa can unlock its full potential and create a brighter future for its citizens.
