LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Higher Education Minister Dr Jessie Kabwila is pushing for Malawi to be Artificial Intelligence (AI) hub for Southern African countries.

The Minister observes that the move will create a number of opportunities for Malawi including job creation, increase in agricultural production, tourism promotion and among others.

Dr Kabwila therefore announced that Malawi stands to gain significantly from the outcomes of the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, which was held in Bangkok, Thailand, from June 24 to 25, 2025.

Addressing the news conference at Ministry’s Headquarters in the capital Lilongwe, the minister described the forum as a crucial global platform that brought together ministers and senior representatives from all 194 UNESCO Member States.

She said that the event aimed to encourage international cooperation in the development and ethical governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

“It was an honor to represent Malawi and to contribute to shaping the global AI agenda, especially from the perspective of the Global South,” she stated.

The Minister revealed that at the Ministerial Session on “Dialogue on International Cooperation on Artificial Intelligence,” she highlighted Malawi’s progress in utilizing the UNESCO-supported Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) on the Ethics and Governance of AI.

“I am proud to report that Malawi is among 28 African countries that have successfully completed this assessment. The RAM Executive Summary Report, which outlines key findings and recommendations, will soon be shared with stakeholders,” said Hon. Dr. Kabwila.

In her address at the forum, the Minister emphasized three key messages: the importance of using AI as a tool to eliminate bias and promote inclusion across gender, class, and youth; the necessity of early AI adoption to avoid falling behind in the global technological race; and a formal request for UNESCO’s support in establishing Malawi as a Regional AI Hub for Southern Africa.

“This is a visionary initiative aimed at strengthening capacity, innovation, and coordination in the region.

“We want Malawi to be a Southern Africa hub for AI that the move will have a number of opportunities for the country,” she assures..

Dr. Kabwila expressed satisfaction that Malawi’s proposal was well-received, noting the strong political will from President Lazarus Chakwera.