Parliamentary Committee on Media, Information, and Communications has pledged its support for the Malawi Information Technology Authority (MITA) Bill, saying it is crucial in the advancement of digital transformation in the country. 

The Private Public Partnership Commission (PPPC) under the successor project of the Digital Malawi Program Phase 1: Digital Foundations Project, the Digital Malawi Acceleration Project (DMAP) will facilitate the establishment and operationalization of the MITA with funding from the World Bank. 

Speaking on Tuesday in Lilongwe during an interface with officials from the Commission, Vice Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee, Ishmael Grant, emphasized the committee's commitment to supporting the creation and operationalization of the Authority. 

He noted that MITA will be essential in sustaining the activities initiated under the Digital Malawi Program Phase 1, which is set to conclude in October 2024.

“Once we lay down the digital foundation activities such installation and provision of reliable internet to public institutions, there will be a need for an authority to take charge of tasks to ensure continuity of these activities. Hence, we will support the bill,” said Grant. 

PPPC Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Kabambe, echoed Grant’s sentiments, stating that a dedicated agency is necessary to manage all infrastructures after the World Bank’s funded projects are all phased out.

In terms of funding the MITA, Kabambe said the new project, DMAP, has allocated resources to support the establishment of MITA. 

He expressed optimism that the bill will be tabled in parliament and eventually enacted into law.