The government of Malawi has underscored the need for countries across Africa to invest in Information and communication Technology (ICT) services in a bid to boost e-learning.
Minister of Information and Digitalisation, Moses Kunkuyu made the remarks during the second day of a three-day e-learning Africa Summit at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Addressing the summit, Kunkuyu said prioritising ICT services may enable African countries to have reliable internet connectivity which he said is vital for digital transformation and e-learning.
He said continued failure to invest in the sector risks plunging the continent backwards in the race for various innovations.
“Without building basic infrastructures that support ICT and of course internet connectivity, we are neglecting our youth who are huge beneficiaries of these kind of developments,” he said.
Kunkuyu called on decision makers on the continent to prioritise reliable and affordable internet connectivity as the foundation for digital transformation and e-learning.
“We are pushing an agenda where young people across Africa should be able to access learning platforms, even from the comfort of their homes, but let’s be honest, there is no e-learning and no digitalisation if there is no connectivity,” said Kunkuyu.
The minister underlined the need for unity of purpose for African countries, especially those who are landlocked.
“We should ensure that digitalisation has become a cornerstone of our development strategies and making internet connectivity a national right,” he added.
At the summit, Kunkuyu was accompanied by Minister of Higher Education, Dr Jessie Kabwila who expressed excitement with the progress Malawi has registered so far in e-learning.
“In Malawi, we have really pushed hard and I am glad to report to you that we are slowly becoming a model in as far as e-learning is concerned,” said Dr Kabwila.
The e-learning Africa Summit is the continent’s leading platform for exploring the intersection of technology, education and development.
