Digital transformation frames in the national ICT and digitalization policy of Malawi

Abstract

African governments are prioritising digital transformation in their public technology policies to support socio-economic development. Digital transformation needs to be meaningful to policy stakeholders so that their actions and practices can lead to change, adaptation and value creation. This study analysed how digital transformation is framed in the national ICT and digitalization. The case of Malawi was analysed as an example of an African country that recently revised its national ICT policy to incorporate digitalization. The policy documents (e.g. draft and final version of policy) were analysed using content analysis. The findings showed that policy declarations framed digital transformation around digital infrastructure, digital skills, governance and regulations. These were perceived to be issued that could address challenges that were not addressed in previous policies and could support the country’s national development agenda. The study offers insights into areas that require attention in the national ICT and digitalization policy (e.g. advanced digital skills development, professional ethics practices and law reforms for cybersecurity) to effectively support and achieve digital transformation. The study contributes towards digital transformation literature in the context of developing countries.