By Jones Gadama
In a significant move to promote Malawi’s digital economy, Optic Fiber Communications, a business unit of the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited, has provided a K10 million financial boost to the ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM) to support preparations for the forthcoming ICT Expo.
The ICT Expo, scheduled to take place on June 5th and 6th at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, promises to be a landmark event in Malawi’s journey towards a digital-based economy. According to Stella Senti, Director of Optic Fiber Communications, the expo is a key platform for showcasing innovative ICT solutions that can drive the country’s economic transformation.
“The ICT sector is at the forefront of economic transformation, and this expo is critical in accelerating the Malawi 2063 Agenda,” Senti emphasized during the cheque presentation ceremony in Lilongwe. The Malawi 2063 Agenda is a long-term development strategy aimed at transforming the country into a wealthy and self-reliant nation.
ICTAM General Manager Andrew Kamwendo echoed Senti’s sentiments, highlighting the expo’s potential to promote financial inclusion by expanding ICT access and bridging the digital gap between urban and rural communities. “The expo will showcase innovative ICT solutions aimed at driving the country’s digital economy,” Kamwendo said.
The ICT Expo is expected to attract key players from within and beyond Malawi’s ICT sector, providing a platform for industry stakeholders to explore opportunities, foster collaboration, and drive innovation. With the support of Optic Fiber Communications, ICTAM is poised to make a significant impact on Malawi’s digital landscape.
The K10 million funding from Optic Fiber Communications will go a long way in supporting the preparations for the expo, including marketing, logistics, and infrastructure development. According to Senti, the partnership between Optic Fiber Communications and ICTAM is a testament to the commitment of both organizations to promoting Malawi’s digital economy.
As Malawi strives to shift from an agro-based to a digital-based economy, the ICT Expo is timely. The event promises to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges, opportunities, and innovations in the ICT sector, and to explore ways of harnessing technology to drive economic growth and development.
With the ICT Expo just around the corner, stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the event, which promises to be a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and progress in Malawi’s digital journey. As Kamwendo noted, “The expo is an opportunity for us to showcase what we have achieved so far and to chart a way forward for the growth and development of Malawi’s digital economy.”
