Malawi banks on local innovation for energy access

Fueling Malawi’s Economic Growth: How a Robust ICT Infrastructure Can Catalyze Energy Sector Development

Post was last updated: November 28, 2025

Key Business Points

  • Malawi’s technology needs assessment has identified a stronger information and communications technology (ICT) backbone and improved energy systems as crucial for enhancing the country’s industrial output, presenting opportunities for investment in ICT infrastructure.
  • The assessment has highlighted key sectors requiring technological interventions, including agriculture, energy, mining, and ICT, which are essential for harnessing food security and commercialization of exports.
  • The final report, set to be launched in March next year, will provide a roadmap for attracting investment and prioritizing technology development in strategic areas, contingent on factors like the policy environment and government reforms.

The preliminary findings of Malawi’s technology needs assessment have underscored the importance of a robust information and communications technology (ICT) backbone and enhanced energy systems in boosting the country’s industrial output. This was revealed during a validation workshop convened by the United Nations Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries in Lilongwe, which brought together stakeholders from government institutions, the private sector, and academia. The draft assessment, set to undergo validation in December, has identified agriculture, energy, mining, and ICT as the key sectors requiring technological interventions.

According to Federica Irene Falomi, head of programme at the UN Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries, the assessment has highlighted critical gaps and needs in these sectors, including harnessing food security and commercialization of exports. The report will also focus on pushing Malawi towards digital transformation by providing digital infrastructure for the population. Falomi noted that investors’ response to the assessment will depend on additional factors such as the policy environment and government reforms. She emphasized that pinpointing strategic opportunities for technology investment is a positive sign for the country to prioritize areas for investment.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Principal Secretary, Ken Ndala, remarked that the assessment is key to unlocking the country’s technology and innovation opportunities. By identifying technology gaps and suggesting solutions, the assessment will help Malawi move into science, technology, and innovation, enabling the country to address challenges and increase knowledge in these areas. The technology needs assessment was conducted by the UN Technology Bank of the Least Developed Countries in collaboration with local consultants. As the only UN organization exclusively focused on transforming the world’s poorest countries through science, technology, and innovation, the bank works alongside governments, the private sector, and research institutions to foster sustainable development.

The assessment and subsequent report are expected to provide a roadmap for attracting investment and prioritizing technology development in strategic areas. This will be crucial for Malawi’s economic growth and industrial development, as the country seeks to harness the benefits of technology and innovation. As zinthu zinasogolerenso (things are getting connected), Malawi’s business community can look forward to opportunities for investment and growth in key sectors, driving the country’s mphamvu ya uchumi (economic strength) forward.

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Vanessa Banda
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