By Rahim Abdul
The Data Protection Authority (DPA) has launched its first-ever Data Protection Awareness Workshop for Government Institutions, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen data privacy and cybersecurity.
The workshop comes as Malawi begins implementing the Data Protection Act of 2024, which mandates responsible handling of personal data by public and private institutions.
The new law designates MACRA as the Data Protection Authority, tasking it with ensuring compliance and regulating how personal data is collected, processed, and shared.
MACRA Board Director Isaac Songea emphasized the importance of the law in protecting citizens’ rights, noting that “personal data is one of the most valuable assets in the digital age.”
The workshop aims to build capacity and awareness among government institutions, highlighting the need for transparency, fairness, and accountability in data handling.
Mark Chonde from the Reserve Bank of Malawi stressed that institutions must not take data collection lightly, ensuring that data is stored well and used appropriately.
The DPA has urged all invited institutions to attend and collaborate in safeguarding Malawians’ personal data, reaffirming its commitment to building a digitally secure and rights-based data protection culture.
The initiative demonstrates Malawi’s commitment to protecting its citizens’ personal data and promoting a culture of data protection.
With the Data Protection Act of 2024 in place, Malawi is poised to join the ranks of countries with robust data protection frameworks, providing a safer and more secure digital environment for its citizens.
