from MAVHUTO BANDA in Lilongwe, Malawi
Malawi Bureau
LILONGWE, (CAJ News) – MALAWI is engaged in discussions with global telecommunications infrastructure company, Ericsson, to accelerate the Southern African country’s digital transformation.
A delegation from the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) held discussions with executives from the Swedish-headquartered firm at the ongoing Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain.
Dr Shadric Namalomba, the Minister of ICT, led the Malawi delegation in the meeting with Ericsson officials, among them included Ola Bergstrom, Director for Government and Policy Advocacy (Global) and Amos Hadebe, Director, Government and Policy Advocacy (Africa).
“The two sides discussed cost effective, energy-efficient solutions to connect underserved communities and bridge the digital divide,” the minister’s office provided an update after the late Monday meeting.
There were discussions of a possible partnership aimed at Ericsson equipping Malawian youth and professionals with expertise in 5G, artificial intelligence and ICT through targeted training programmes.
For the MWC, Nambalomba is leading a delegation comprising officials from his ministry, including the Malawi Communications and Regulatory Authority (MACRA).
The ICT ministry stated that during the congress, they will have discussions with various mobile investors and establish partnerships that would help enhance Malawi’s digital future.
The 2026 edition of MWC, a gathering hailed as the largest and most influential connectivity event in the world, will run until Thursday.
Börje Ekholm, Ericsson President and Chief Executive Officer, got the company’s programme underway on Monday.
The annual congress comes at a time when the new Malawi government of President Peter Mutharika is prioritising the country’s digital economy.
– CAJ News