In cooperation with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, UNCTAD is organizing the virtual launch of the Rapid eTrade Readiness Assessment of Malawi (eT Ready). This event will present the main findings of the Assessment and provide a platform to discuss the Government priorities regarding the implementation of the recommendations contained in it. It will also be an opportunity to reflect on the role of development partners in the digital transformation of Malawi.
So far 25 least developed countries (LDCs) and 2 developing countries have been assessed by UNCTAD with a view to identifying challenges hampering their ability to engage in and benefit from e-commerce, as well as proposing concrete actions to overcome the challenges. The Malawi Assessment was funded by the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), which recognizes the eT Readies as a crucial tool to better integrate LDCs in the global digital economy. These demand-driven assessments provide a thorough overview of the current e-commerce ecosystem in the countries concerned and recommend concrete policy measures in 7 policy areas to advance the digital transformation agenda.
In Malawi, e-commerce has the potential to boost economic performance, diversify sources of incomes, and improve accessibility to customers, markets and trade information, all of which play a key role in improving Malawi’s capabilities that are instrumental to meet the country’s development ambitions. To seize these opportunities, the assessment calls for the adoption of a series of reforms in a number of policy areas, such as: ensuring reliable and affordable infrastructure; setting up a proper national addressing system; providing access to secured digital payment solutions; strengthening consumer awareness and protection; developing skills and value-added services for business growth; and providing access to diverse funding options for innovative businesses.
