The Inclusive Digitalization in Eastern and Southern Africa (IDEA) Program aims to increase internet access and the inclusive use of digitally enabled services across 15 countries. Funded with $2.48 billion from the International Development Association (IDA) and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), IDEA seeks to address challenges such as limited internet coverage, inadequate data infrastructure, high costs of data and devices, limited digital skills, cybersecurity risks, and data protection issues. The program's objective is to foster sustainable economic growth through long-term cost savings, efficiency gains, and productivity improvements driven by increased digital adoption among citizens, businesses, and governments.
The implementation of IDEA will occur over eight years in phases. The first phase includes Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Malawi. Additional countries are expected to join subsequent phases based on their eligibility and readiness. The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) will lead regional coordination efforts.
In Malawi, the Digital Malawi Acceleration Project (DMAP), a component of IDEA, aims to enhance internet access and improve the government's capacity to deliver digitally enabled services. An initial grant of $70 million from IDA is projected to increase to a total of $150 million with an additional $50 million anticipated from private sector financing. DMAP will be executed by the Public Private Partnership Commission (PPPC) and the Ministry of Information and Digitalization (MID).
“Digitalization is a powerful tool for development in Malawi. Progress in this sector will transform service delivery in social protection, financial inclusion, disaster response, and lands management. It will also create employment opportunities and help respond quickly and effectively to climate crises and health emergencies,” said Nathan Belete, World Bank Country Director for Malawi.
DMAP focuses on three technical areas:
1. Affordable broadband and secure data hosting: This includes expanding broadband coverage in rural areas; closing connectivity gaps for government institutions; achieving universal school connectivity; addressing missing cross-border broadband links; ensuring safe hosting of government data.
2. Interoperable and secure data platforms: Activities under this area involve developing next-generation digital ID services, facilitating data exchange, enabling e-services, enhancing policy frameworks.
3. High-impact digital services: This involves supporting tech hubs for youth training in digital literacy and entrepreneurship while promoting digitalization in sectors like social protection, financial inclusion, disaster recovery.
Enhanced internet access is expected to benefit at least 7.5 million people in Malawi including low-income households, climate-vulnerable populations, disadvantaged women and girls especially in remote areas as well as digital entrepreneurs.
COMESA's role includes leading regional coordination efforts for IDEA by supporting market development initiatives that facilitate regional digital infrastructure investments.