VP for mindset change on technology use

Vice-President Saulos Chilima says there is need for mindset change in the context of how technology can effectively and efficiently contribute to the job creation process in the country.

The Veep said this in response to a question from Zoe Marks, a public policy lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School in the United States of America, who asked him to comment on technology and entrepreneurship opportunities during a Fireside Chat webinar organised by the Africa Policy Journal yesterday.

Chilima said apart from looking at the negative side of technology and its effects on the job market, people should understand  that technology can also lead to the creation of more jobs that can help uplift the economy.

He said: “Broadly speaking, technology should be helping us create jobs and smarter employees to be able to produce stronger and produce better.

“My own view is that we should be investing in allowing technical change or technology to translate into more jobs and smarter jobs.”

Chilima said with favourable policies in place, technology offers a wide range of opportunities; hence, it is important that people start embracing technology in the context of job creation.

But the Vice-President, who is also heading the Public Sector Reforms drive, said institutions should also have the capacity to analyse if they have the capability to train employees in understanding new technologies.

He said this was one crucial area that needs to be highlighted stressing that analysis of such can lead to the understanding of how technology can lead to smart and better working patterns.

Further, Chilima said it is also in the interest of government that many people should be able to access technology and that nobody should be left behind. He described technology as one of the key enablers of Malawi 2063 (MW2063).

On her part, Marks underscored the importance of embracing technology, pointing out that there are numerous opportunities, especially on job creation.

In her remarks, Harvard Kennedy School Africa Policy Journal editor-in-chief Adaobi Ezeokoli hailed Chilima’s participation in the webinar to share some insights on technology.