Omanghana
Ghana and Malawi have agreed to strengthen technical cooperation and knowledge-sharing as both countries work to modernize public services through digital technology.
The commitment followed a study visit by a high-level Malawian delegation to Ghana’s Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations in Accra. The delegation was led by Stuart Ligomeka, Deputy Chief Secretary at Malawi’s Office of the President and Cabinet.
Officials used the engagement to examine Ghana’s digital transformation programs, institutional structures and experience in delivering government services through technology.
Ghana Offers to Share Digital Expertise
Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations Mohammed Adams Sukparu welcomed the delegation on behalf of the sector minister.
He said Ghana was prepared to share lessons from its investments in digital infrastructure, identity systems, cybersecurity, electronic government services, digital skills and innovation.
According to the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, the discussions provided an opportunity for both countries to exchange experiences and explore practical responses to Africa’s shared digital-development challenges.
Ghana’s experience could help Malawi strengthen areas such as:
- Digital delivery of citizen-facing government services
- Institutional coordination of public-sector technology projects
- Digital identity and electronic verification systems
- Cybersecurity and protection of digital infrastructure
- Government data management and interoperability
- Digital skills development and innovation ecosystems
Malawi Identifies Ghana as a Digital Reference Point
Ligomeka said Malawi selected Ghana for the study tour after reviewing digital transformation experiences in several countries.
He described Ghana as an important reference point because of the progress it has made in applying information and communications technology to public administration and service delivery.
The delegation expressed particular interest in Ghana’s digital government systems, institutional arrangements and approaches to introducing technology across public agencies.
“The study tour was intended to provide Malawi with practical insights that could inform its own digital transformation agenda,” Ligomeka said.
He also called for sustained cooperation between technical teams from the two countries, arguing that African governments could achieve faster results by sharing proven expertise and adapting successful regional solutions.
“We are one people and one Africa, and it is important for us to share knowledge and our experiences so that together we can build a better Africa,” he added, according to Citi Newsroom.
Focus on Practical Government Solutions
Beyond the exchange of ideas, the partnership is expected to encourage direct collaboration among specialists responsible for digital government, administrative reforms, public finance and performance monitoring.
| Focus area | Ghana’s relevant experience | Potential benefit for Malawi |
|---|---|---|
| Digital public services | Expansion of electronic government platforms | Faster and more convenient access to public services |
| Digital identity | Integration of identification into public and financial services | Stronger identity verification and improved inclusion |
| Cybersecurity | Development of national cybersecurity institutions and policies | Better protection for government platforms and citizen data |
| Institutional governance | Coordinated oversight of digital policies and programs | Clearer structures for implementing reforms |
| Digital skills | Investment in technology training and innovation | Greater capacity among public officials and local developers |
The discussions could also create opportunities for Ghanaian and Malawian technology companies to collaborate in areas such as financial technology, agricultural technology, digital health and payment services. However, specific commercial partnerships were not announced during the visit.
Strengthening South-South Cooperation
Members of the Malawian delegation included senior officials responsible for government reforms, finance, monitoring and evaluation, e-government and Cabinet administration.
Ghanaian participants included the ministry’s Chief Director, Alexander Yaw Arphul; Director of General Administration, Alfred Nortey; Director of Innovations, Emmanuel Ofori; and Director of International Relations, Dede Laborki Ofei.
The two countries also acknowledged their longstanding historical relationship, including the connection of Malawi’s first president, Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, who studied and lived in Ghana for several years.
The engagement demonstrates how South-South cooperation can allow African countries to modernize their institutions using solutions developed within the continent. Continued technical exchanges could help both countries build more responsive, secure and inclusive digital public-service systems.
Source: Omanghana
