By Jones Gadama
Minister of Information and Digitalisation Hon. Shadreck Namalomba on Wednesday led a high-level delegation of African ICT ministers to pay a courtesy call on Kenya’s President, His Excellency Dr. William Ruto, at State House, Nairobi.
The delegation applauded President Ruto for taking a decisive leadership role in championing the creation of a One Africa Digital Market, describing it as a transformative step toward continental integration and economic growth.
Speaking during the meeting, Namalomba hailed President Ruto’s vision, saying Africa cannot afford to lag behind in the global digital economy.
“Your Excellency, your bold and decisive leadership in facilitating the One Africa Digital Market is commendable.
This initiative will break down barriers, harmonize policies, and open opportunities for millions of Africans. We stand with you in this journey,” Namalomba said.
The meeting brought together ministers and senior officials from over 12 African countries who are attending the ongoing Africa ICT Ministers’ Forum in Nairobi.
The forum seeks to accelerate digital infrastructure, data governance, and cross-border e-commerce under the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy 2020–2030.
Namalomba used the occasion to highlight Malawi’s own strides in digitalisation under the leadership of President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika.
He noted that the Ministry of Information and Digitalisation has prioritized expanding broadband access, digitizing government services, and promoting ICT skills among the youth.
“Back home, under the visionary guidance of His Excellency President Arthur Peter Mutharika, we are working tirelessly to ensure Malawi is not left behind. We believe in a digitally empowered Malawi that contributes meaningfully to a digitally connected Africa,” he added.
The minister’s remarks drew praise from delegates who described him as a hardworking and focused leader committed to translating policy into tangible results.
Known for his hands-on approach, Namalomba has been at the forefront of pushing digital literacy campaigns, rural connectivity projects, and public sector reforms aimed at reducing bureaucracy through technology.
President Ruto, in his response, thanked the delegation for their solidarity and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to work with all African nations to fast-track digital integration.
He stressed that a unified digital market would boost intra-African trade, create jobs for young people, and position the continent as a competitive player in the global tech space. “Africa must speak with one voice on digital policy. We must dismantle the silos that have kept our people apart and build the highways of the digital future together,” President Ruto said.
The courtesy call also discussed joint efforts to tackle cybercrime, harmonize data protection laws, and mobilize investment for undersea cables and satellite internet to connect underserved regions.
The ministers agreed to set up a technical taskforce that will present a roadmap at the next African Union Heads of State Summit.
Before departing State House, Namalomba reiterated Malawi’s commitment to regional collaboration.
“We may be different nations, but our challenges and opportunities are shared. As Africans, we must own our digital destiny,” he said, earning applause from fellow ministers.
Namalomba’s active role in Nairobi adds to his growing reputation as one of Malawi’s most industrious cabinet ministers, often cited for his loyalty and dedication to President Mutharika’s vision.
Observers say his engagement on continental platforms continues to raise Malawi’s profile in ICT and digital governance.
The Africa ICT Ministers’ Forum is expected to conclude on Friday with the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration on Digital Integration, a framework that will guide member states toward the realization of a single African digital market by 2030.
