NSO gauges digital technology use rate – The Times Group

NSO Reveals Digital Adoption Trends Shaping Malawi’s Business Landscape

Post was last updated: August 19, 2026

Key Business Points

  • Updated ICT Data to Guide Investment: Malawi’s fourth ICT survey will provide critical insights into digital access, ownership, and usage, helping businesses identify gaps and opportunities in the digital economy.
  • Strengthened Policy Alignment: The survey’s findings will directly inform the implementation of the National ICT Policy and Malawi 2063 vision, ensuring private-sector growth aligns with national development goals.
  • Enhanced Marketability for Local Entrepreneurs: Improved statistics on internet penetration, digital payments, and e-commerce usage will empower businesses to leverage technology for innovation and competitiveness.

In a bid to strengthen Malawi’s digital economy, the National Statistical Office (NSO) will conduct the fourth National Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) survey within the next three months. This initiative, in collaboration with the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra), aims to provide updated data on digital access, ownership, and usage across the country, including in the Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa District.

Commissioner of Statistics Shelton Kanyanda emphasized that the survey will generate official statistics on mobile phone and computer ownership, internet access, digital financial services, e-commerce adoption, cybersecurity awareness, and child online protection. These metrics will help stakeholders assess Malawi’s progress in digital transformation and address disparities in technology access.

The timing of the survey aligns with the growing reliance on digital technologies for communication, financial transactions, education, business operations, and public service delivery. As highlighted by Kanyanda, the findings will be pivotal in monitoring and evaluating national development plans, supporting policy implementation, and ensuring alignment with the Malawi 2063 vision, which prioritizes technological advancement as a driver of economic growth.

Kanyanda called on selected households and the public to cooperate with field officers during the data collection period. “We kindly request all selected households and the general public to cooperate fully with field officers during the data collection period,” the statement noted. Participation is critical to ensuring the survey produces reliable and representative statistics that can inform decisions on expanding ICT services and improving digital literacy.

Field officers will visit selected households to gather data, and the results will paint a comprehensive picture of how Malawians engage with technology. For businesses, this survey presents an opportunity to access actionable insights into market trends, consumer behavior, and the digital readiness of the population. Entrepreneurs, particularly those in the fintech, e-commerce, and tech-enabled services sectors, stand to benefit from understanding the demand for digital solutions and tailoring their offerings accordingly.

The survey also underscores the importance of cybersecurity and child online protection, areas where businesses and policymakers can collaborate to build trust in digital platforms. By identifying gaps in these areas, Malawi can foster a safer environment for both consumers and entrepreneurs to thrive in the digital space.

As Malawi moves toward a more connected economy, the National ICT Policy and digital transformation initiatives will play a central role in bridging gaps in access and ensuring inclusive growth. The survey’s outcomes will serve as a foundation for these efforts, guiding resource allocation and innovation strategies.

For investors and entrepreneurs, this is a key moment to engage with the data once released. The findings will highlight regions with high demand for digital services, potential partnerships with local businesses, and opportunities to address challenges such as limited internet penetration in rural areas. As Macra and NSO work together to gather this critical information, the business community is urged to remain proactive in adopting and advocating for technology-driven solutions.

Ultimately, the survey is not just about collecting numbers—it’s about empowering Malawi’s business sector to harness digital tools for sustainable growth. By understanding the current state of ICT access, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions, innovate in response to market needs, and contribute to a digitally inclusive economy. The call to action is clear: cooperate with the survey process to shape a future where technology drives progress for all.

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Vanessa Banda
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