Policy gaps blamed for stunted digital services

Malawi like many African countries needs policies that would help deal with stumbling blocks baring its digital transformation.   

This transpired on Wednesday during a joint hybrid conference on Internet Universality Indicators for Cameron, Malawi, Namibia Somalia and Uganda.

The conference was organised by Youthnet and Counselling (Yoneco) in partnership with the Collaboration on International ICT Policy in East and Southern Africa (Cipesa) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco).

It aimed at advocating for media and Internet policy reforms to enhance awareness and utilisation of human rights, openness, accessibility, and multi-stakeholder participation (Roam) principles in internet universality. 

This is because, despite growing diversity in Africa’s media and digital landscape, there remain various undercurrents detrimental to their growth. 

The plurality, neutrality, safety, and freedom of expression of the media face continued affronts while citizens face gaps in data privacy, internet access affordability, and non-existent or weak digital rights framework through fast-changing shifts in content moderation, surveillance capitalism and online content regulations.

In her speech, Unesco chairperson for information for all programme Dorothy Gordon said Roam principles ensure internet accessibility regardless of origin.

“The general public is not following these issues as closely as they could. This is why internet universality indicators such as the roam principles are so important as they give people something to advocate around,” said Gordon.

Making his presentation entitled the ‘state of digital rights in Malawi’ Information and Communications Technology (ICT) expert Vincent Kumwenda recommended the fast-tracking of the Universal Service Fund to develop infrastructure in more rural areas to increase access.

“We also need to revise high tax charges imposed on the importation of electronic gadgets to ensure accessibility and affordability of ICT services for the marginalised population and finalise the data protection act to protect and regulate citizens’ personal data,” he said.

Among digital challenges in Malawi include accessibility and affordability, fraud, cybersecurity and cyberbullying.

“Personal data collection in Malawi is unregulated making privacy and protection of citizens continue to be at risk,” said Kumwenda. 

According to the 2021 Reserve Bank of Malawi report, Malawi is losing K120 million every month to mobile fraud.

Yoneco board member Immaculate Chamangwana described Internet Universality Indicators (IUI) are central to the growth and evolution of the Internet, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

“Yoneco also believes that in the processes of enjoying the internet freedom, we also risk the challenge of abuse of the same. We, therefore, have a conviction that this workshop will be vital in the development processes,” she said. 

She called on the media to assist in enhancing public awareness of the indicators to promote their utilisation.

Internet access in Malawi moved from 9.6 percent in 2016 to 14 percent in 2020.