Malawi Urges Fast-Track Implementation of One Africa Network at Continental ICT Summit
The Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology in Malawi has called for the urgent fast-tracking of the One Africa Network during the Connected Africa Summit ......
Black News 
The Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology in Malawi has called for the urgent fast-tracking of the One Africa Network during the Connected Africa Summit 2026 in Nairobi. The appeal was made by ICT Minister Dr. Shadric Namalomba during high-level engagements with African ministers and Kenya’s President William Ruto, as discussions focused on accelerating the continent’s digital integration agenda.
President Ruto highlighted Kenya’s ongoing investments in digital infrastructure, including the expansion of fibre optic networks, digital public service initiatives, and the development of Konza Technopolis as a regional hub for innovation, research, and skills development. These initiatives were presented as part of broader efforts to strengthen Africa’s digital economy and improve connectivity across the continent.
Malawi’s delegation emphasized the need to move from policy discussions to implementation, with a strong focus on harmonising regulatory frameworks and reducing barriers to cross-border data flows. The country also reiterated its commitment to expanding last-mile connectivity and strengthening digital public infrastructure as part of its national digital transformation agenda.
A key priority raised by Malawi was the urgent implementation of the One Africa Network initiative. The delegation stressed that high roaming and data costs continue to limit digital integration across African countries and called for accelerated action to establish a clear roadmap and defined timelines for implementation across member states.
The discussions also covered broader areas of continental cooperation, including reducing communication costs, enhancing cross-border digital connectivity, supporting digital trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and expanding digital identity and payment systems to enable seamless regional integration.
On the sidelines of the summit, the Malawi delegation participated in sessions on artificial intelligence, connectivity, and digital trade. The minister highlighted Malawi’s progress in expanding 4G coverage and ongoing efforts to improve internet affordability through digital skills development and investment in local device manufacturing, including plans for a device assembly facility at the Malawi University of Science and Technology.
Earlier engagements during the summit included visits to Kenya’s digital infrastructure and innovation sites, such as last-mile connectivity projects in informal settlements, fibre network developments, and Konza Technopolis. These visits were used to explore practical models that could inform Malawi’s own digital transformation strategy.
The ministry stated that Malawi’s participation in the summit is focused on turning continental commitments into actionable outcomes, with particular emphasis on accelerating regional digital integration through the fast implementation of the One Africa Network.
