Zimbabwe and Malawi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of digitalization. The MoU was signed by the Attorney-General of Zimbabwe, Honourable Prince Machaya, and the Secretary to the Government of Malawi, Mr. Zachaeus Kasambara.
The MoU will foster cooperation between the two countries in the fields of ICTs, digitalization, digital public service delivery, and the digital economy. The cooperation will assist the two countries to cope with the rapid changes which are taking place in the digital space due to the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The two parties will cooperate in the following areas of common strategic interest:
- Formulation and implementation of digitalization policies and laws
- Implementation of joint projects for the actualisation of a Single Digital Market
- Exchange of information and experiences on digitalization and rapid technological advancements
- Management of radio frequency spectrum
- Implementation of joint digital Government initiatives
- Development of relevant digital skills, digitalisation and training initiatives
- Promotion of pooled demand to achieve economies of scale towards purchase of critical elements
- Promotion of the participation of vulnerable groups in the Single Digital Market
These activities will be implemented through promotion of exchange programmes, convening of joint seminars and workshops, and other cooperative modalities that may be mutually agreed upon.
The signing of the MoU is a significant step in the relationship between Zimbabwe and Malawi. It demonstrates the commitment of the two countries to work together to develop their digital economies and to improve the lives of their citizens through the use of technology.
Potential benefits of the MoU:
- Increased cooperation between Zimbabwe and Malawi in the field of digitalization will lead to the development of new products and services, as well as the creation of new jobs.
- The exchange of information and experiences on digitalization will help both countries to learn from each other’s successes and failures.
- The implementation of joint digital Government initiatives will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government services in both countries.
- The development of relevant digital skills will help to prepare the workforce for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
- The promotion of pooled demand to achieve economies of scale towards purchase of critical elements will help to reduce costs for both countries.
- The promotion of the participation of vulnerable groups in the Single Digital Market will help to ensure that everyone benefits from the digital economy.
Overall, the signing of the MoU on cooperation in the field of digitalization is a positive development for both Zimbabwe and Malawi. It is a sign of the two countries’ commitment to working together to develop their digital economies and to improve the lives of their citizens.
