Ghana and Malawi have agreed to strengthen technical cooperation and knowledge sharing as both countries pursue digital transformation and innovation in the public sector.

The agreement was reached when a delegation from Malawi visited the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations for a study tour of Ghana’s digital transformation programmes.

Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, said Ghana was ready to share its experience with Malawi in using technology to improve public services and support national development.

He said Ghana’s digitalisation efforts have involved investments in digital infrastructure, digital identity systems, cybersecurity, e-government services, digital skills and innovation.

Sukparu was speaking when he received the Malawian delegation on behalf of the sector Minister.

The delegation, led by Stuart Ligomeka, Deputy Chief Secretary at Malawi’s Office of the President and Cabinet, said Ghana’s progress in digitalisation made the country an important reference point for Malawi.

Ligomeka said Malawi undertook the study tour after assessing digital transformation experiences from different countries and identifying Ghana as one of the countries that had made significant progress in applying information and communications technology to public service delivery.

He said the delegation was seeking practical lessons that could be adapted to Malawi’s digital transformation agenda.

The areas of interest include Ghana’s digital government systems, institutional structures and approaches to delivering public services through digital platforms.

The engagement also provided officials from the two countries with an opportunity to exchange experiences and examine common challenges facing digital transformation efforts across Africa.

Ligomeka further called for sustained cooperation between technical teams from Ghana and Malawi, saying African countries could accelerate digital development by sharing expertise and experiences.

“We are one people and one Africa, and it is important for us to share knowledge and our experiences so that together we can build a better Africa,” he said.

He also urged the two governments to maintain engagement while encouraging technical experts from both countries to collaborate on areas requiring specialised knowledge.

The Malawian delegation also referred to the historical relationship between the two countries, particularly the connection between Ghana and Malawi’s first President, Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda, who studied and lived in Ghana for several years.

The meeting was attended by the Ministry’s Chief Director, Alexander Yaw Arphul; Director of General Administration, Alfred Nortey; Director of Innovations, Emmanuel Ofori; Director of International Relations, Dede Laborki Ofei; and other deputy directors.

Members of the Malawian delegation included Principal Secretary for Reforms at the Office of the President and Cabinet, Dr Luckie Sikwese; Principal Secretary for Finance, Patrick Maranda; Principal Secretary for Monitoring and Evaluation, Samson Ngutwa; Principal Secretary for E-Government, Prosper Mopiwa; and Clerk to the Cabinet at the Office of the President and Cabinet, Marjorie Shema.