The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has encouraged the Malawi government to invest in Artificial Intelligence (AI), saying it has the potential to transform key sectors of the economy.
The UNDP says sectors such as education and agriculture can benefit more from AI if Malawi invests enough resources in it.
UNDP Resident Representative, Fenella Frost made the appeal Friday in Lilongwe during the official launch of the 2025 Human Development Report (HDR), launched under the theme “Power of Artificial Intelligence”.
Addressing the gathering, Frost said the country can benefit a lot from AI if necessary investment is made in key sectors.
“For instance, AI has the potential to propel forward key sectors such as education where it can make the learning process more accessible and affordable to learners,” she said.
Frost said incorporating AI in agriculture can also enhance the interpretation of weather patterns, thereby supporting planning and resilience.
“And all this can be made possible if the main focus of investing in AI is to make it something that can improve people’s daily lives,” said Frost.
Responding on behalf of the Malawi government, Minister of Information and Digitalisation, Moses Kunkuyu said government is implementing several projects that are vital in incorporating AI in people’s daily lives.
“As we are speaking, the World Bank is financing K150 million project to increase connectivity,” said Kunkuyu.
The minister also said the government of Malawi is collaborating with UNDP to expand digital programmes in a bid to allow the rural masses access digital services.
